Public Health MSc

Study the constantly changing place of public health in our society. Transformations in the organisation and practice of health demand the re-evaluation of established methods and the consideration of emerging ideas. Study topics including:

• Public health in an ageing population
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Research methods
• Risk factors in public health
• Data analytics in healthcare
• The science behind preventing disease

On this course, you will study public health on a global scale. Industry speakers from international public health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), play a crucial role in delivery of this course.

Gain valuable experience with quantitative and qualitative research. For example, you will learn about the science behind preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through qualitative research.

You have the option to undertake 12 months of study or 24 months with professional experience to enhance your career prospects. Our London Student Opportunities team will support you in applying for opportunities with a range of tailored services available. You can also gain valuable experience with our Venture Creation Lab (VCL), which provides you with the opportunity to choose between 4 pathways:

• Entrepreneurial
• Technical
• Research
• Leadership

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.

If you choose to study full time the course will take 1 year to complete or 24 months with Professional Experience. You will study:

• 6 compulsory modules
• 1 course long research project (dissertation) module

If you choose to study part time the course will take 2 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

Modules are delivered using a range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies. These include:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Debates and discussion forums
• Tutorials

Our teaching is rooted in project-based and inquiry-led learning. Support with study skills, conventions of academic analysis and scholarly writing will be available throughout the duration of the course. 

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages. 

Assessment

We will ensure an inclusive and individualised experience using a variety of assessment methods, such as:

• Portfolios
• Presentations
• Vivas
• Project-based research

You will benefit from a variety of feedback modes relevant to the assessment. Feedback received will detail how you can develop areas of research, subject knowledge, and professional practice. 

Professional Experience

Professional experience is the perfect opportunity to enhance your career prospects and deepen your understanding of your subject area. You can undertake a 12 month or 24 month option professional experience placement, depending on if you are studying full or part time. We offer support in looking for placement opportunities through the London Student Opportunities team. While there is no guarantee you will secure a placement, as this decision sits entirely with employers, we can guarantee you will have access to professional experience through our Venture Creation Lab (VCL). VCL is our industry led programme, with four pathways to choose from.

Qualifications

We require applicants to be from (national or international) health aligned backgrounds, including:

• Public health and/or health promotion
• Allied health
• Health-related studies
• Social sciences
• Biosciences
• Sport science
• Environmental health

Either traditionally via the undergraduate route, or via substantial industrial or practical experience. 

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:

• £9,300 per year for the first year full time, and £1,395 for your professional experience year (£10,695 in total)
• £5,150 per year part time, and £1,395 for your professional placement year (£10,695 in total)

International 2024 - 2025 entry

September 2024

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:

• £11,300 for 1 year of full time study

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:

• £14,900 for full time study
• £11,300 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£14,900 in total)

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to consider the cost of accommodation in London. There are many student accommodation options throughout the city. More guidance on finding accommodation in London is available on our dedicated Study in London page.

Where could Public Health MSc take you?

This degree could lead you to a career directly related to Public Health, such as health promotion, or it could take you in a completely different direction, using the many transferrable skills you will develop. These include problem solving, analysing information, undertaking research and more.

This will give you an advantage in careers including:

• The NHS and health sectors abroad
• Community organisations
• Government agencies
• Local authorities
• Health promotion agencies
• Human rights agencies
• International health institutions
• Business and voluntary sectors

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree (Department for Education Graduate Labour Market Report).

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.