Outdated health policy risks the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. It takes a confident and committed person to drive the necessary changes to safeguard public health. Whatever your healthcare background, our Online Masters of Public Health (MPH) gives you all the experience you need without interrupting your career. It’s essential learning for those working in health improvement, health protection and humanitarian aid.

Our distance learning programme has an emphasis on original research and takes an international approach to public health. Widely recognised by health organisations and businesses the world over, a Master of Public Health opens up careers in teaching, health programme management, epidemiology and academic research.

The University has offered a postgraduate public health programme since 1981, and has been involved in public health education since 1893. Run by the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, home to world leading expertise across an impressive diversity of disciplines, the course features interdisciplinary expertise from environmental protection, sociology and health economics.

Through its research, the institute has been at the forefront of evaluating major public health interventions, such as Scotland’s smoking ban and the country’s current alcohol misuse strategy. It’s this focus on original, life-changing research that elevates the programme content.

In addition to the academic expertise, you’ll benefit from input from local authorities, volunteer organisations and the private sector, not to mention the University’s contractual connections with NHS Scotland.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH

Our online MPH allows you to choose a route of study to match your interests or career goals. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the online programme, you’ll benefit from sharing these interests and unique experiences with students from other healthcare programmes.

Are you more interested in the impact of public health policy on specific populations? The following specialist programme may better support your career aspirations.

Online MSc Population Health Sciences

POPULATION HEALTH SCIENCES

The online Population Health Sciences programme offers students all the benefits of the core public health programme, but with emphasis on statistical, rather than clinically focused, content. Through a broader public health focus, this programme explores the multiple determinants of health outcomes and their impact on the population. With patient data linking now more prevalent, this line of research is key to the future of healthcare.

As the only online programme of its kind in the UK, it offers a unique opportunity to understand how physical and social environment, individual behaviour, distribution of resources, investment and genetics impact on health status and inequalities in populations over time.

In addition to core courses, such as advanced statistics and epidemiology, the programme offers optional courses on subjects including linked data analysis, health economics, communicable diseases and health promotion.

Instead of being assessed through a research dissertation, as per the Online Public Health programme, you will be taught through data analysis, reports, posters, presentations and journal articles. Learning in this way will equip you with the practical skills that are integral to careers in public health, health services, health policy or academia.

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All two programmes are delivered through the Institute of Health & Wellbeing, led by influential lecturers whose work appears in The Lancet, the British Medical Journal and other leading journals.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

  • Appraise policy and assess its contribution to public health
  • Apply principles of epidemiology, statistical analysis and health improvement in the field
  • Identify, analyse and apply social, economic and environmental theories to improve services
  • Assess and debate explanations for the persistence of public health inequalities
  • Evaluate initiatives to improve overall population health
  • Explore models of disease causation and design strategies to mitigate risk
  • Review evidence, interpret data and employ research methods to meet current public health challenges

CURRICULUM KEY FACTS

  • Duration: 2.5–6 years part-time (MPH/MSc), 2–4 years part-time (PgDip), 1–2 years part-time (PgCert). For details on full-time options request more information or speak to an admissions representative
  • Start dates: January, April and September
  • Entry requirements: 2:1 or equivalent from a recognised institution or 2:2 in a related field, with at least six months’ work experience in public health or healthcare
  • International students: applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band