Master of Public Health
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Duration
- 12 months
- 24 to 36 months
- Start date and application deadlines
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- Start date
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
Build the foundations of a career as a public health leader striving to promote health to, and prevent disease in, individuals, families, communities and populations. You’ll analyse public health systems, health protection principles and improvement strategies, learn how to reduce inequalities, and gain essential statistical, research and leadership skills.
Introduction
Public health is about tackling the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. On this programme we’ll equip you with the expertise required to put public health principles into practice.
Established in 1989, the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is internationally respected for its multidisciplinary focus and commitment to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Health for All principles.
Critically appraising the complexities of health and social care systems, you’ll explore contemporary and historical influences on public health systems.
We’ll introduce you to key health protection principles, trace the development and evolution of health improvement strategies, and examine the social factors driving health inequalities.
Gaining experience using advanced statistical data and epidemiological techniques, you’ll discover qualitative research methodologies and receive a grounding in management theories and practice.
The MPH forms a core component of approved training programmes for Health Education North West (HENW). As such, it will help you prepare for UK Faculty of Public Health Part A examinations. You’ll graduate ready to take on a variety of leadership and management roles in public health research, practice and policy.
Who is this course for?
The course attracts students from a wide variety of backgrounds. These include medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, health services, health service management and environmental health, as well as natural sciences, social sciences and humanities subjects.
It’s a suitable programme if you’re working in any area of public health, health services management, policy and planning, housing or transport, or for governmental organisations, community groups and non-governmental organisations.
Plus, if it suits you better, you can study some of the course modules as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. For more information contact: mph@liverpool.ac.uk
What you'll learn
- Key statistical concepts and epidemiological techniques in healthcare
- The application of social science theories and sociological concepts to public health.
- How to devise a public health improvement strategy
- Current and historical influences on the development of public health systems
- Key management theories and concepts underpinning health services
- How to use qualitative research to explore current issues in healthcare.
- Social determinants of health inequalities
- Principles of health protection from infectious diseases, hazards, and emerging threats
- How to assess the evidence behind healthcare interventions
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
You’ll study three compulsory modules and chose one optional module in semester one.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| EPIDEMIOLOGY AND STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH I (PUBH110) | 15 |
| HEALTH IMPROVEMENT (PUBH130) | 15 |
| AN INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH (PUBH160) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HEALTH POLICY, GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMICS (PUBH170) | 15 |
| GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH (PUBH001) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
You’ll study three compulsory modules and chose one optional module in semester two.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| HEALTH INEQUALITIES: EVIDENCE AND POLICY. (PUBH407) | 15 |
| HEALTH & SOCIETY (PUBH150) | 15 |
| HEALTH PROTECTION (PUBH220) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| EPIDEMIOLOGY AND STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH II (PUBH250) | 15 |
| EVIDENCE-BASED PUBLIC HEALTH: THEORY, METHODS AND PRACTICE (PUBH418) | 15 |
| PLANETARY HEALTH (PUBH002) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
You’ll complete a dissertation in semester three.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (PUBH300) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
The programme is taught using a combination of tutorials, seminars, group exercises, lab work and self-directed study. The focus is on small group sizes and collaborative work, with an open learning approach where the emphasis is on interaction.
You’ll typically attend for two days per week for full-time study for the first two semester. Semester three is dedicated to your dissertation.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through a combination of individual written assignments, written examinations, group presentations and group reports. You will also complete a dissertation.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Study as a CPD module
You can study some of the modules on this course as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. Contact us using the buttons at the bottom of the course page to find out more.
Study as an intercalated degree
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
Your experience
This course is led by the Institute of Population Health which aims to improve health and reduce inequalities through pioneering research and education. The Institute has a world-leading status for its excellence in research and education. Underpinning all our activities is the social model of health and its application to health inequalities, and to health and social care systems.
Explore where you'll study
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Careers and employability
The MPH forms a core component of approved training programmes for Health Education North West (HENW). They’re responsible for the commissioning and management of training and education for: NHS speciality registrars in public health, working towards a Certificate of Completion of Training and students who wish to go on to complete Membership of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine (MFPHM) Part A.
The programme provides a strong foundation for putting public health principles into practice in a variety of settings, including research, practice and policy.
As an MPH graduate, you can apply for senior positions in public health research, practice and policy. Suitable roles are varied, from working on community health improvement programmes to contributing to the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
You’ll be well-placed to take on a management or leadership role working in:
- Governmental organisations.
- Health services management.
- Policy and planning.
- Housing.
- Transport.
- Community Groups.
- Charities.
- Non-governmental organisations.
On successful completion of the MPH, you could also choose to pursue further study at doctoral level.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Part-time place, per year - £14,150
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year. The part-time fees are based on a course duration of two years. Fees may vary on a pro-rata basis for alternative part-time course durations.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
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You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
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All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
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International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme is available to any University graduate in a health or health-related profession, as well as non-health-related graduates and others approved by the University. The entry requirements are as follows: • Graduates in medicine of an approved university, health related degrees, and non-health related degrees at 2:2 level or above In addition, applicants require a GCSE Grade 4, Grade C, or GCE O Level pass in Mathematics and English, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants will also need to provide a personal statement detailing why they wish to undertake the programme and how their work experience is relevant to the programme |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MPH, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
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Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
Accommodation
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Fees and Finance
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Contact us
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Last updated 18 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions