Public Health
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Two year
September 2025
In a nutshell
On this course, you'll receive instruction in core public health skills, including epidemiology, statistics, and research methods, and have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of a range of topics, including evidence-based public health, global health economics, and 21st-century global public health challenges. The focus of our curriculum is on the social determinants of health, which makes it unique among the other Greater Manchester universities.
This course aligns with the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2016). In this regard, the course will equip you with the core skills you'll need to effectively interpret and understand key areas of health research and how this can be used to inform and drive policy. You'll also learn how to use this insight to inform and drive public health.
During your time with us, you can tap into the expertise and skills of our partners, who include external public health practitioners and research staff from across the University. While the programme does not include a placement or work experience, students have the opportunity to work on external or internal applied research projects as part of their dissertation.
The University of Salford’s School of Health and Society is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).
You can read more about the Public Health team and activities on our blog.
You will:
- Gain a public health qualification that explores the social determinants of health.
- Be exposed to a range of important issues that are recurrent in public health practice both nationally and globally.
- Develop a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach to public health.
students accepted
This is for you if...
You want to understand the social determinants of public health issues.
You want to help shape government policy.
You want to work internationally.
All about the course
The MSc Public Health adopts a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach, focusing on the social determinants of health.
The taught modules will provide you with core public health and epidemiology knowledge and skills, research methods and quantitative analysis skills, and a focus on health inequality and the social determinants of health. You will also be exposed to a range of important issues that are recurrent in public health practice both nationally and globally.
This course runs full-time over one year or part-time over two/three years, giving you the chance to exit with the following awards:
Full-time:
- Postgraduate Diploma: five modules over eight months
- Master's: five modules plus a dissertation over one year
Please note that there is no option to complete the PgCert on a full-time basis.
Part-time:
- Postgraduate Certificate: two or three modules over eight months
- Postgraduate Diploma: five modules over two years
- Master's: five modules plus a dissertation over two or three years
Five of the modules on this programme are available as standalone for the purposes of continuing professional development:
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
Evidence-Based Public Health
You 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 of health protection, disease prevention, health maintenance and promotion.
Global Health Economics
Health economics is becoming increasingly integral to how healthcare systems are organised in many countries, to maximise the efficiency and value for money of the services provided. The aim of this module is to help students understand how these techniques are used in decision-making around the world, how to collect and analyse the relevant evidence needed for decision-making, and how to work within these systems to obtain funding and support for investment in public health.
Dissertation
Students will have the opportunity to choose a dissertation topic of their choice, with tutorial assistance from the public health team. This will enable you to tailor your own research to your own needs. This dissertation will allow you will allow you to showcase critical knowledge and application of research/inquiry methods, critical knowledge of salient professional and clinical organisational issues and other issues relating to your practice. You will need to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of research/inquiry techniques applicable to your area of practice to enhance research and advance scholarship.
Choose one option from:
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.
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.
Teaching Staff
The public health academic team comprise of:
- Dr Alex Clarke-Cornwell (Programme Leader)
- Dr Anna Cooper-Ryan (Programme Leader)
- Dr Cathy Ure
- Nilam Prinjha
- Robyn McCarthy
- Dr Joshua Pink
What about after uni?
Professionals who wish to develop the skills and knowledge to take a lead role in areas such as prevention, promotion, protection and international health.
With this qualification, you'll be well-placed to apply for public health roles in local or national government health departments. The range of jobs varies widely and can include health promotion, health policy development, research or health advocacy.
Full-time students on this course can apply for student membership with The Royal Society of Public Health. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to apply for a fellowship membership with The Royal Society of Public Health.
Career Links
Lecturers on the MSc Public Health have close links with a range of national and international agencies and community partnerships, mostly through research with an ‘applied’ focus. Examples of these links include: The World Health Organisation’s Collaborating Centre for Research in Oral Health in Deprived Communities; The Royal Society for Public Health; The NHS; the Department of Health; the Strategic Health Authority; and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The benefits of these links to students include: research-informed teaching; a strong applied focus to the programme; the opportunity to engage with key public health professionals and practitioners; and access to an exciting seminar series, including speakers of international renown.
What you need to know
Applicant Profile
This course is suitable for you if you want to develop an understanding of public health problems and intelligently appraise the debates over contemporary public health issues.
We are looking for applicants who are passionate about working towards improving public health and reducing health inequalities.
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
Personal Statement
To gain a place on the MSc Public Health, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Within your personal statement (up to 750 words), we’ll want to understand:
- What motivates you and what past experience (both academic and non-academic) do you have?
- What are your main interests around public health, and why?
- What are your future career goals?
- Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Salford and the MSc Public Health programme?
You should also provide an academic/work-related CV and two references (at least one should be an academic reference, with the second one being an academic or work-related reference – paid/unpaid) provided on letterhead paper, signed, and dated.
An English qualification is an essential entry criterion for the programme, so special attention should be paid to your writing style and expression in the statement.
International students can find more information about what to include in your personal statement.
Undergraduate degree
We will accept an undergraduate honours degree, normally a 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject. An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
You can find advice about what to include in your personal statement for MSc Public Health.
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).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100 per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000 per year |
| Part-time | 2025/26 | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships.
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