If you’re interested in studying for a rewarding degree that can help make a real difference in the world, a master’s in public health could be the right choice.

Public health involves preventing disease and prolonging health through the organised efforts of society and public health professionals. It focuses on discovering the determinants and contributing factors of infectious and non-infectious diseases to prevent their recurrence and make changes that can benefit the population’s health as a whole.

Why study public health?

The critical role of public health worldwide is more obvious today than ever following the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health professionals are at the centre of things, working tirelessly and leading the way for understanding, containing and preventing the virus and minimising the loss of human life. Several careers can be pursued with a master’s in public health degree in the UK and worldwide, and postgraduate programmes at UK universities help students develop practical and transferable skills that can be applied in various healthcare careers.

Learn more about the best universities to study public health in the UK, or start your application with StudyIn by booking a free consultation.

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Top 10 Universities for Master’s Degree in Public Health

Below is the list of the best universities in the UK for studying for a master’s in public health, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026.

1. Swansea University

The MSc Public Health and Health Promotion at Swansea University is a well-established programme that integrates theory and practice with a focus on health promotion. Students engage in multidimensional public health studies, considering medical and socio-economic determinants. The curriculum aligns with regional, national, and global policies, offering relevant outcomes for both local and international students.

Suggested course: MSc Public Health and Health Promotion
Entry requirements: A relevant degree at 2.1 or an equivalent recognised qualification

2. University of South Wales

The MSc Public Health at South Wales prepares professionals to lead change across global health systems. The course covers sustainable public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health protection in diverse environments. Designed in consultation with Public Health Wales, it supports policy planning and evaluation.

Suggested course: MSc Public Health
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or equivalent, plus one year of relevant work experience

3. University of Northampton

Northampton’s MSc Public Health offers a multidisciplinary approach to health promotion, policy, and protection. The course focuses on critical awareness and problem-solving, with modules addressing obesity, mental health, and communicable diseases.

Suggested course: MSc Public Health
Entry requirements: A recognised First- or Second-class Honours degree in a relevant subject

4. De Montfort University

De Montfort’s MPH programme is aligned with UN SDGs and UK Faculty of Public Health standards. It includes real-world projects, optional international field placements, and block teaching for flexible learning.

Suggested course: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Entry requirements: A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

5. University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s MSc Global Public Health explores health systems, policy, and leadership in a global context. The course includes applied learning and strong links with public health employers.

Suggested course: MSc Global Public Health
Entry requirements: A second-class honours degree or equivalent

6. Liverpool John Moores University

The LJMU International Public Health Masters thoroughly understands health and its determinants, focusing on low and middle-income countries. Aligned with international strategies and SDGs, the programme addresses the double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Emphasising risk factor identification and strategic responses is not clinical but enhances public health knowledge and research skills. With a focus on low-resource settings, students benefit from LJMU’s renowned Public Health Institute, gaining vital skills for improving population health, reducing inequality, and meeting dynamic public health sector demands.

Suggested course: MSc International Public Health
Entry requirements: A good honours degree in a health or social science-related discipline

7. University of Sunderland

Sunderland’s MSc Public Health blends taught modules with independent projects. It covers global health policy, health improvement, and service evaluation, with a focus on practical application.

Suggested course: MSc Public Health
Entry requirements: A relevant honours degree (2:2 or above)

8. University of Exeter

The collaborative Public Health programme by the University of Exeter and Exeter Business School aims to develop competent leaders in the dynamic field of public health. Combining the expertise of public health experts and leadership specialists, the programme delivers integrated, multi-disciplinary learning. Focused on disease prevention, life prolongation, and health promotion, it addresses broad health issues at individual, community, and societal levels.

Suggested course: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Entry requirements: At least a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject or relevant public health work experience

9. University of Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire’s MPH is accredited by APHEA and offers extended placement and online pathways. It prepares graduates for roles in the NHS, NGOs, and global health organisations.

Suggested course: Master of Public Health
Entry requirements: A good honours degree (minimum 2:2) in a relevant discipline

10. Newcastle University

Newcastle’s MPH develops advanced skills to tackle complex health challenges. It prepares students for careers in the NHS, local government, academia, and international health organisations.

Suggested course: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Entry requirements: A 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent

Study Public Health Master’s

If you are interested in pursuing a career in public health and need more information on the application process, entry requirements, scholarships, visas and more for these universities, arrange your free consultation online or in person today.

FAQs

What is the role of public health in the UK?

UK public health covers various responsibilities to protect and improve the population’s health. This includes disease prevention, health promotion, health education, epidemiology (study of patterns, causes, and effects of diseases in populations), monitoring and surveillance of health trends, policy development, and ensuring access to healthcare services. Public health professionals work across sectors to address infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health hazards, health inequalities, etc.

Is public health a good career choice?

Public health offers enormous opportunities to impact population health and address pressing health challenges significantly. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about promoting health equity, preventing diseases, conducting research, and influencing health policies. However, like any career, it has challenges and may require dedication, flexibility, and continuous learning.

How much do public health workers earn in the UK?

According to several sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS) and job websites, entry-level positions in public health may start around £20,000 to £30,000 per year. In contrast, experienced professionals or those in senior positions can earn significantly higher, ranging from £40,000 to £100,000 or more annually.

What can I do after a public health degree?

A public health degree opens up diverse career opportunities in various sectors, including:

  • Government agencies (e.g., Public Health England, NHS)
  • Local authorities
  • Nonprofit organisations
  • International organisations (e.g., WHO, UNICEF)
  • Healthcare institutions
  • Research institutions and academia

Career options include epidemiologist, health educator, health policy analyst, community health worker, environmental health specialist, public health consultant, and many more.

How do I become a public health doctor in the UK?

To become a public health doctor (also known as a public health consultant) in the UK, you typically need to follow these steps:

  • Obtain a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent).
  • Gain relevant clinical experience through postgraduate training in a speciality such as general practice, internal medicine, paediatrics, etc.
  • Complete a master’s degree or diploma in public health or a related field accredited by the UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH).
  • Gain practical experience in public health settings through placements or jobs in epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, etc.
  • You can apply for speciality training in public health through the Public Health Speciality Training Programme, which is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC).
  • Complete the training programme, which typically takes 5-6 years and includes rotations in various public health domains.
  • Obtain membership or fellowship with the Faculty of Public Health (MFPH or FFPH) upon completion of training.
  • Apply for consultant-level positions in public health within the NHS, government agencies, or other organisations.