Population Health
Part-time
One year
September 2026
In a nutshell
All applicants must complete the Applied Population Health Programme Pre-Screening Form before submitting their application through the admission portal.
This postgraduate certificate comprises of two modules at level 7: Principles of Public Health and Applied Public Health. It will provide opportunities for health and social care professionals to develop a specific area of understanding in relation to population health. These two modules will provide a framework for off-the-job learning and skill development.
Population health is an approach aimed at improving the health of populations and reducing health inequalities, by applying effective interventions throughout the delivery of health and associated care. It is about the optimal use of resources 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 Plan (2019) and The Future Doctor Programme (2020). 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 on a Wednesday for the core learning elements, and require time to allow you to undertake a work-based project (suggested equivalent of a day)
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. The first semester will be dedicated to knowledge-based sessions, with the second two semesters focused on conducting and supporting the project phase. Learning will take place on a Wednesday. Students need to have one dedicated day (Wednesday) to undertake the course, and time to undertake their project (suggested equivalent of a day). Students on the course should be supported by work-based mentors and meetings to develop and apply learning in practice for specific populations.
If you have any questions please contact Robyn McCarthy and 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.
Applied Public 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 exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run 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 can 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 about after uni?
Links with Industry
The public health team also run the successful Public Health practitioner degree apprenticeship programme which means our teaching and learning staff have up to date knowledge of current public health practice in a range of organisations including local authorities, ambulance service and voluntary sector.
Further Study
Students who undertake this course may be interested in: PgDip Public Health, MSc Public health although these are taught face-to-face only.
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 tuition fee funded scheme it must be within the public sector, voluntary sector, or public health related. This means that we cannot accept applications for funding placed 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.
Applied Population Health Programme
As part of the Applied Population Health Programme NHS England will be supporting the tuition fees of 50 eligible and successful students on the course. The closing date to apply via the pre-screening form for funded places will be 1st June 2026.
Applications for NSHE tuition fee funded places will follow a two-step process:
- All applicants must apply through the pre-screening form (no direct applications will be considered)
- We will then invite those who are successful to apply through the main University application system (only those will an invite at this stage will be processed)
In previous years this course has been oversubscribed, therefore the University of Salford reserves the right to close admissions prior to the published deadline should the course become fully subscribed. Interviews may occur as part of this process.
Please note that the course places awarded to cover the tuition fees in conjunction with the NHSE Applied Population Health Programme are limited and will be allocated in waves. Please also be aware that there is no NHSE salary support/backfill funding available for 2026/27 cohort it is only NHSE supported tuition fee payments.
This will be based on project type, applicant role, and regional place numbers. This is designed to ensure there are a mixture of projects and roles represented on the course. All projects must clearly align to the NHS 10 year plan three shifts and show a link to local population health needs.
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
All applications for NHSE tuition fee funding must complete the online pre-screening form at the top of this course finder page. You will then be notified if you should apply through the University admissions portal.
Please note that only self-funded applications will be accepted through the University system without a prior invitation to the offer to apply. Within the main University application all NHSE tuition fee funded places will need to provide evidence around. Formally agreed support from employer for work-based learning activity/ project, and support to identify a mentor.
How much?
For those applying for NHS England’s Applied Population Health Programme for funded tuition fees, the University of Salford will lead the selection process. This may include interviews. If you are offered one of the funded places, applicants will need to provide evidence of:
- Support to obtain a workplace mentor
- Agreement to undertake the programme on a Wednesday
- Agreement you are able to undertake a work based population health project
- For those funding their studies through other means, applications can be submitted at any time. Applicants must provide a letter of support confirming the release on a Wednesday, support to obtain a workplace mentor, and employer support for the work-based project. You must also indicate their source of funding within the application.
Please note, the cost for self-funding students is disclosed below.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2026/27 | £3,120 per year |
All Set? Let's Apply
All applicants must complete the Applied Population Health Programme Pre-Screening Form before submitting their application through the admission portal.
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
Enrolment dates
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Terms and conditionsUCAS information
Course ID B91MCL
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