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About the programme

  • Gain industry-relevant skills:

    Discover how policy ideas transform into action through partnerships with local organisations, including the NIHR School for Public Health Research.

  • Benefit from career support:

    Receive one-to-one personalised support and career advice from the University’s Careers Network.

  • Develop a global perspective:

    The comprehensive curriculum covers the concepts, principles, and practices that public health specialists need to effectively enact change among local, national, and global populations.

About Birmingham University 

When you choose the University of Birmingham, you are choosing to study at an institution renowned for changing lives and transforming society for 125 years. As a postgraduate student within the College of Medicine and Health, you’ll gain the soft and hard skills needed to play a transformative role in effecting change and influencing policy in healthcare.

Fees and funding

Fees and fundingTuition£17,640

Fees and funding are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials, if applicable.

Technology and services powered by 2U, LLC, the parent company of edX.

Curriculum

The online Master of Public Health programme consists of 180 credits made up of 12 modules (10 credits each) and one 60-credit dissertation module. As a student in the programme, you’ll learn the analytical, strategic, and communication skills that are crucial to inform and influence policy change that can solve complex public health problems.  

As you progress through the programme, you will:

  • Master research evaluation:

    Identify strengths and weaknesses of existing research, and extrapolate crucial information that can be used to make data-driven decisions for population-level health.

  • Develop a strong foundation in public health principles:

    The curriculum covers key topics such as public health practice, data analysis, epidemiology, social determinants of health, and more, all presented through a global lens.

  • Learn from expert faculty:

    Faculty members are at the forefronts of their respective fields, and bring decades of experience working across local, national, and international agencies and governments into the classroom.

  • Personalise your learning experience:

    Complete your dissertation on a research topic of your choice. Develop hands-on skills in research design, methodology, data analysis, and presentation for various audiences.

edX Online

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

To meet the entry requirements for the Master of Public Health programme, applicants must have (or, if still completing their studies, expect to achieve) a minimum of a Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) UK undergraduate degree in a clinical or life sciences program, or related subject matter. You may also be considered for the programme if you have an unrelated degree paired with extensive senior-level work experience. 

You will need to submit the following materials when applying: 

  • Online application (no fee); 

  • Letter of recommendation from a referee with knowledge of your professional or (if you are a recent graduate) academic ability;

  • 500-word personal statement outlining why you are interested in the programme;

  • Test scores that demonstrate your English language proficiency within the last two years (if English is not your first language).

Career and support

At the University of Birmingham, you’ll find support throughout your exciting online learning journey, from application through to graduation – and beyond. The online learning platform is a connected hub of coursework, case studies, interactive assignments, and more. Careers and employability support and advice is available after you graduate from the programme – as well as a global alumni network with events in various countries, including China and India. 

Services that are available to you include:

The Careers Network: Benefit from tailored career support services to help you explore your options, plan your next steps, and identify and apply for opportunities that are right for you. 

Graduate School careers support: Access online resources, language and skills training, personal development workshops, and Development Needs Analysis to support skills development.

Student Help: Reach out for online assistance and information, and connect with your academic tutor throughout your studies.

Wellbeing support: Contact the confidential service to talk to a professional counsellor or wellbeing officers for one-to-one sessions and online counselling; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.