The Masters in Public Health in the UK is an increasingly popular choice for students seeking to impact global health greatly. With its world-renowned universities and rich academic tradition, the UK has become a top destination for pursuing an MPH. As we approach 2025, the demand for public health professionals continues to rise, making this degree more relevant than ever. This blog provides a complete overview of what you can expect from this program in the UK, which covers the top colleges, eligibility criteria, program curriculum, scholarships, and career scope.
Overview of Masters in Public Health in the UK
The Masters in Public Health in the UK, also known as MPH is offered by some top institutions renowned for their academic rigour and practical approach. The program lasts one to two years, depending on the course structure and whether it’s pursued full-time or part-time. These programs provide a thorough understanding of public health issues, focusing on research, policy development, health promotion, and disease prevention.
The Public Health courses in UK for international students allow students to study various elements of public health, including environmental health, epidemiology, health economics, and biostatistics. Students also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences through internships, fieldwork, and research projects, which are essential parts of the curriculum.
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Public Health in UK
Admissions to MPH programs in the UK can be taken easily if you fulfill the following criteria-
- You need to have completed a relevant Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 60% from a recognized university or college.
- You must have passed an English proficiency test such as the IELTS or TOEFL exam.
- You will have to provide work experience as some universities require relevant work experience.
Program Curriculum of Masters in Public Health in UK
The MPH curriculum in the UK is designed to provide an overall understanding of public health principles while allowing students to specialize in areas of interest. Common subjects covered include:
- Epidemiology: The study of disease distribution and determinants in populations.
- Biostatistics: Application of statistical methods to biological and health data.
- Health Policy and Management: Examination of health systems, policies, and the management of health services.
- Environmental Health: Study of environmental factors affecting public health.
- Global Health: Addressing health issues that are not limited to national boundaries.
- Health Promotion: Strategies to promote health and prevent disease.
- Research Methods: Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential for public health research.
- Social Determinants of Health: Understanding how social factors such as income, education, and ethnicity impact health outcomes.
In addition to these core subjects, students may have the option to choose elective modules based on their interests, such as infectious diseases, nutrition, mental health, or health economics.
Institutions for Public Health Courses in UK for International Students
Below is a table that has some of the top universities in the UK offering a Masters in Public Health in the UK along with their approximate fees:
| Institute Name | Annual Tuition Fees for International Students |
| University of Edinburgh | £23,500 |
| Imperial College London | £41,000 |
| University of Glasgow | £28,540 |
| University of Manchester | £22,000 |
| King’s College London | £31,260 |
| University of Birmingham | £23,580 |
| University of Sheffield | £26,200 |
| University of Leeds | £27,500 |
| University of Liverpool | £25,000 |
Scholarships for Masters in Public Health in UK
| Scholarship Name | University | Scholarship Details |
| Chevening Scholarships | Available at multiple universities across the UK | Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Available at multiple universities across the UK | Covers tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for students from Commonwealth countries. |
| MSc Public Health Scholarships | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) | Partial to full tuition fee scholarships for outstanding MPH applicants. |
| Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship | University of Edinburgh | Provides partial tuition fee waivers for international students. |
| Imperial College London President’s Scholarships | Imperial College London | Covers full tuition fees and a generous stipend for outstanding applicants. |
| International Excellence Scholarship | University of Glasgow | Offers up to £10,000 towards tuition fees for top international students. |
| Manchester Global Health Scholarship | University of Manchester | Partial tuition fee scholarships for international students in the MPH program. |
| King’s International Scholarship | King’s College London | Partial tuition fee scholarships for exceptional international students. |
| Birmingham Masters Scholarship | University of Birmingham | Provides a tuition fee discount of up to £2,000 for international students. |
| International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship | University of Sheffield | Offers a tuition fee discount of up to £3,000 for high-achieving international students. |
| Leeds Masters Scholarship | University of Leeds | Partial tuition fee waivers for outstanding international students. |
| University of Liverpool International Postgraduate Scholarship | University of Liverpool | Offers partial tuition fee waivers for high-achieving international students. |
Scholarships may cover full or partial tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses. Always check the details and eligibility criteria on the university’s official scholarship page.
Career Scope of Public Health Courses in UK for International Students
An MPH from the UK opens up numerous career opportunities in public health and related fields. Graduates can pursue careers in: –
- Public Health Agencies: Roles in local, national, and international health departments, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and policy development.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Working on public health projects in areas such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and disaster response.
- International Organizations: Positions in global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), and World Bank.
- Research and Academia: Opportunities to conduct public health research or teach at universities and research institutions.
- Private Sector: Roles in health consultancy, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare management.
- Policy and Advocacy: Developing and advocating for health policies at the local, national, or international level.
The demand for public health professionals has never been greater, and an MPH degree prepares you with the skills, knowledge, and network to make a notable impact on global health. Whether you aim to work in disease prevention, health promotion, or policy development, the MPH program offers a strong foundation for a rewarding and impactful career.
Conclusion
Earning a Masters in Public Health in the UK is a wise move for anyone who wants to make an impact on the health and wellbeing of global citizens. The UK is known for its excellent universities, extensive coverage of courses, and excellent employment opportunities, which will enable the students to gain professional experience and reach the potential for delivering the best solutions in public health. Whether one aspires to practice in government or public health, academic or for-profit research or business, an MPH from the UK can prepare one to be ready to practice in this fast-growing and essential area.
