Population Health
Part-time
One year
September 2026
In a nutshell
All applicants must complete the Population Health Fellowship Pre-Screening Form before submitting their application through the admission portal.
This PgCert comprises of two modules at level 7: Principles of Public Health and Applied Public Health. It will facilitate health and social care professionals’ opportunities to develop a specific area of understanding in relation to population health. These two long thin modules will provide a framework for off the job learning and skill development.
Population health is an approach aimed at improving the health of an entire population and reducing health inequalities, by applying effective interventions throughout the delivery of health and associated care. It is about optimally using the resources we have to improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the whole population. It includes action to reduce the occurrence of ill-health, including addressing wider determinants of health, and requires working with communities and partner agencies.
The need for more population health action has been highlighted in the NHS Long term workforce Plan. As such this programme provides health and social care professionals with a chance to invest in their continuing professional development, with the aim of driving improvement in population health across all elements of the NHS and social care.
You will:
- Be able to undertake level 7 modules to develop your understanding of population health and health inequalities.
- Be able to undertake this qualification entirely online
- Be able to learn with other practitioners to develop networks and share best practice to help us all reduce health inequalities, improve health and outcomes for all patients and service users
- Be able to apply your knowledge to embed, evaluate and improve population health in your area of practice
- Study over two days, with one day focused on the core learning elements and one day designed to allow the work-based project to be undertaken. During breaks in the learning programme, both days will be dedicated to the work-based project.
This is for you if...
You want to develop your knowledge and skills around population health
You want to make a difference in your workplace and community in relation to population health
You are interested in undertaking a project linked to local needs/factors for population health
You have an interest in working in or specialising in population or public health
You have an interest in understanding more about the wider determinants of health
All about the course
This programme provides an opportunity for health and social care professionals to further develop their knowledge and expertise around population health. Focusing on fundamentals of understanding population health, health inequalities and strategies to promote and protect health and reduce inequality across health and social care sector.
Population health is an approach aimed at improving the health of an entire population and reducing health inequalities, by applying effective interventions throughout the delivery of health and associated care. It is about optimally using the resources we must improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the whole population. It includes action to reduce the occurrence of ill-health, including addressing wider determinants of health, and requires working with communities and partner agencies.
The programme will facilitate learners to identify, evaluate and develop knowledge, skills and behaviours, to ensure they can support population health initiatives within their workplace and specific area of practice.
Learning will be delivered online to support work-based learning and application, with one day dedicated the taught module content and one day focused on the applying population health module. This will be supported by work-based mentors and meetings to develop apply and learning in practice for specific populations
If you have any questions please contact Dr Anna Cooper-Ryan at SHS-PHadmissions@salford.ac.uk
Principles of Public Health
In this module students will develop an understanding of the key determinants of health and an awareness of the social context of public health and the importance of using the current best evidence in making decisions in the areas related to population health. Students will be able to bring their professional experiences and critically consider how their learning can support and enhance their job role and area of practice. Students will be encouraged to challenge practice and use theoretical concepts to reflect on their experiences and explore their current and future development as a practitioner.
Applying population health
In this module students will undertake a project, primarily within their workplace, linked to population health. The project will be designed, conducted and then reported on by the students during this long thin module. It will bring in their professional experiences and critically consider population health relevant to the student’s role and area of practice. Students will be encouraged to challenge practice and theoretical concepts to reflect on their own experiences and explore their current and future development. This module will allow a flexible, bespoke delivery to develop new knowledge, skills, and behaviours, and be able to apply these skills within current roles and area of practice
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.
In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.
What you need to know
Applicant profile
You will need a relevant degree at level 2.2 or above within a health and social care topic. You will also be required to be working in an appropriate practice-based role in health and social care, public sector or public health-related role.
Please note that for those seeking to be part of the funded scheme it must be within the public sector, voluntary sector or public health related. This means that we cannot accept applications from applicants working within the private sector.
Applicants with at least 2 years of practice experience but who have not undertaken training (or have very limited training) linked to population health or public health at postgraduate level will be considered.
Public Health Fellowship
Unfortunately, the applications for the Public Health Fellowship are now closed. However, the PgCert in Enhanced Clinical Practice, delivered by the University of Salford, includes the same core learning content as the Population Health Fellowship and enables you to pursue a Public Health pathway within a broader Enhanced Practice framework.
This programme is available via both apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship ('direct entry') routes.
Undergraduate degree
A relevant degree at level 2.2 or above within health and social care
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Application guidance
For those applying through the regions and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) please speak to local regions around the selection process for individuals to receive funding. Interviews may occur as part of this process.
Within the application all applicants will need to provide evidence around – a formally agreed workplace mentor and formally agreed support from employer for work-based learning activity/ project, with two day a week release.
How much?
For those applying for NHS England’s funded tuition fees for the population health scheme, the University of Salford will lead the selection process. This may include interviews. Further details can be found in the supporting documents. Please note, the deadline for the funding application has now passed.
In addition to tuition fee funding, employers of successful applicants may be eligible for salary support. NHS England will provide further details when available.
As part of the application, all applicants must provide evidence of:
- A formally agreed workplace mentor.
- Employer approval for work-based learning activity/project.
- Agreement for two-day-a-week release, with one day fixed for teaching and the remaining time allocated flexibly for work-based learning activities
For those funding their studies through other means, applications can be submitted at any time. Applicants must provide a letter of support confirming the two-day release, a formally agreed workplace mentor, and employer support for the work-based learning activity/project. They must also indicate their source of funding within the application.
Please note, the cost for self-funding students is disclosed below.
All Set? Let's Apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Enrolment dates
Student information
Terms and conditionsUCAS information
Course ID B91MCL
Institution