MSc Public Health
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
Frederick Road campus
How long will I study?
Full-time: One year
Part-time: Two years
Part-time: Three years
International students accepted?
Yes, available to international students
Overview
The Master of Public Health at Salford will prepare you to understand and respond to complex public health challenges at a local, national and global level.
You will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to assess population health needs, interpret epidemiological and other forms of public health evidence, address health inequalities, and design and evaluate effective public health responses.
This course takes an applied and contemporary approach to public health. You will explore health equity, community resilience, epidemiology and data intelligence, research methods, health economics, human rights and power, alongside emerging areas such as digital public health. Our Simulation, Digital Tools, and Practice in Public Health module runs across all three trimesters, helping you progressively develop practical and digital skills for contemporary public health practice.
The curriculum is aligned with key public health competency and skills frameworks, including the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (PHSKF) and UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) standards, supporting the development of knowledge and capabilities relevant to contemporary public health practice. The University of Salford is also an institutional member of ASPHER.
Throughout the Master of Public Health, you will develop critical thinking, communication, analytical and decision-making skills relevant to public health practice and leadership.
Pathway to Postgrad
Meet us on campus at our Open Day, or chat to our tutors online to get a closer look at what studying here could mean for you.
It’s all part of Pathway to Postgrad – a series of events designed to give you clear guidance, real support, and opportunities to find out more as you take your next step into postgraduate study.
You will:
- Develop advanced skills in epidemiology, data interpretation and evidence-informed public health decision making
- Examine how inequality, power and social determinants shape population health
- Apply public health knowledge through practical simulations and real-world scenarios
- Develop research skills using quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches
- Explore health economics, digital public health and contemporary public health challenges
- Complete an applied public health project addressing a topic relevant to your interests
This is for you if...
You want to develop a career improving population health and reducing health inequalities
You want practical as well as academic preparation for contemporary public health practice
You are interested in how evidence, policy, communities and wider systems influence health
You want to develop analytical, research, leadership and communication skills
You are joining public health from health, social science or another relevant discipline
You want a multidisciplinary Master of Public Health informed by contemporary public health frameworks and practice
Our facilities
On this course, you will have access to specialist simulation suites that support scenario-based learning and the development of practical public health skills. These facilities enable you to work through realistic public health situations, apply evidence to decision-making, practise communication and teamwork, and reflect on your responses in a supported learning environment.
You may also engage with the University’s THRIVE building, providing opportunities to connect public health learning with prevention, wellbeing and community-focused practice.
Teaching staff
The Master of Public Health is delivered by a multidisciplinary public health team with expertise spanning epidemiology, health inequalities, evidence-based public health, research methods, health economics, human rights, simulation and applied public health practice.
- Dr Lana Ghuneim – Programme Lead
- Dr Alex Clarke-Cornwell
- Dr Abdelrahman Alfar
- Dr Helen Dring-Turner
- Alistair Fisher
- Tracy Corbett
How you'll learn
Future careers
The Master of Public Health will help you to develop transferable and specialist skills relevant to public health practice in the UK and internationally. You will develop competencies in epidemiology and data interpretation, health needs assessment, research, critical appraisal, policy, communication, health economics, programme development and evaluation.
Graduates may pursue roles across local and national government, the NHS and wider health services, public health organisations, charities and non-governmental organisations, international agencies, research organisations and universities.
Depending on your previous experience and professional background, potential roles may include public health practitioner, public health analyst, health improvement practitioner, health inequalities officer, programme or project officer, research officer, public health intelligence roles and health promotion roles.
The Master of Public Health can also support professionals already working in health, social care or related sectors who wish to develop their public health expertise or progress into leadership, research, policy or specialist public health roles.
Career Links
The MPH has been developed with input from public health stakeholders and employers to ensure that the curriculum reflects contemporary public health priorities and the skills required in practice. Teaching and applied learning will draw on links with public health practitioners and organisations, providing opportunities for students to engage with current public health challenges and professional perspectives.
The public health team has strong links with local, national and international public health organisations, developed through applied research, professional practice and community partnerships. These include links across the NHS, local authorities, the third sector and wider public health organisations.
These connections help ensure that teaching is informed by contemporary public health practice and research. They also provide opportunities for you to engage with public health professionals and practitioners through guest teaching, seminars and applied learning activities.
The wider School and its research centres work collaboratively with organisations including NHS partners, local authorities and community organisations, helping connect the MPH to current public health priorities and real-world practice.
Modules
Public health professionals increasingly need to work across disciplines, interpret complex evidence and respond to rapidly changing health challenges. This Master of Public Health has been designed around these contemporary demands.
You will study epidemiology and data intelligence alongside health equity, community resilience, research methods, health economics, human rights, digital public health and applied public health practice. The course combines theoretical understanding with opportunities to apply your learning to realistic problems and scenarios.
Practical Simulation and Skills and Digital Public Health in Practice run across the programme, helping you progressively develop skills for professional public health practice. Assessment is designed around authentic public health tasks, including analysis, presentations, policy-related work, business cases and applied projects.
In your final trimester, you will complete an Applied Public Health Project, allowing you to investigate an area of public health that reflects your professional or academic interests.
The course has been designed with reference to contemporary public health competency and skills frameworks and takes a strong focus on health inequalities, evidence-informed practice and the wider determinants of health.
This course runs full-time over one year or part-time over two or three years. The full Master of Public Health comprises 180 credits.
Full-time:
- Postgraduate Diploma: exit award available on successful completion of 120 credits
- Master of Public Health (MPH): successful completion of 180 credits, including the 30-credit Applied Public Health Project (Dissertation)
Please note that there is no option to complete the Postgraduate Certificate as a full-time route.
Part-time:
- Postgraduate Certificate: exit award available on successful completion of 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma: exit award available on successful completion of 120 credits
- Master of Public Health (MPH): successful completion of 180 credits, including the 30-credit Applied Public Health Project (Dissertation).
Part-time study can be completed over two or three years, allowing the taught modules and Applied Public Health Project to be spread across the duration of your studies.
Six of the modules on this programme are available as standalone modules for the purposes of continuing professional development:
- Evidence into Action: Evidence-Based Public Health
- Health Equity and Community Resilience: Policy, Systems and Place
- Public Health Analytics: Epidemiology & Data Intelligence
- Applied Public Health Research Methods
- Health Economics for Decision-Making
- Public Health, Power and Human Rights
Trimester 1
Evidence into Action: Evidence-Based Public Health
You will develop the skills needed to identify, critically appraise and use evidence to inform public health decisions. You will consider different forms of evidence, their strengths and limitations, and how evidence can be translated into policy and practice.
Public Health Analytics: Epidemiology & Data Intelligence
You will develop your understanding of epidemiology, public health data and statistical reasoning. You will learn how to interpret patterns of health and disease, work critically with population data and use quantitative evidence to inform public health assessment and decision making.
Health Equity and Community Resilience: Policy, Systems and Place
You will examine the social, economic, environmental and structural determinants of health and explore why health inequalities arise and persist. You will consider approaches to assessing community needs, building resilience and working with communities to improve population health.
Trimester 2
Applied Public Health Research Methods
You will develop advanced knowledge of research design and quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods relevant to public health. You will critically evaluate methodological approaches and develop the skills required to design a rigorous and ethically appropriate public health study.
Health Economics for Decision-Making
You will explore how economic principles are applied to decisions about population health and healthcare. You will consider resource allocation, economic evaluation, priority setting and the development of evidence-informed public health business cases.
Public Health, Power and Human Rights
You will critically examine how power, policy, politics and human rights shape public health. The module considers inequalities within and between populations and examines how public health responses can address structural determinants and promote social justice.
Trimester 3
Applied Public Health Project (Dissertation)
You will undertake an independent project addressing a relevant public health problem or question. Depending on your chosen route, this may involve traditional research or a more applied public health project, allowing you to integrate and demonstrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout the MPH.
Across all trimesters
Simulation, Digital Tools, and Practice in Public Health
You will develop practical and digital competencies for applied public health practice. Through simulations, case-based learning and hands-on use of digital tools, you will apply public health principles to real-world scenarios. The module develops skills in areas including health protection, digital public health, professional decision-making, communication and reflective 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.
Entry requirements
Applicant Profile
This Master of Public Health is suitable for graduates and professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and skills in public health and contribute to improving population health and reducing health inequalities.
You may already have a background in health or social care, but the course is also relevant to applicants from disciplines such as social science, psychology, biomedical sciences, policy, economics, education or other areas related to population health.
We are particularly interested in applicants who are curious about the causes of health inequalities, interested in using evidence to improve health, and willing to engage critically with complex contemporary public health challenges.
The course is suitable both for those seeking to begin a career in public health and for professionals who want to broaden their expertise or move into public health, research, policy, leadership or related roles.
Application Guidance
To gain a place on the Master of Public Health, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Within your personal statement of up to 750 words, we would like you to explain:
- what motivates you to study public health and the relevant academic, professional, voluntary or other experience you bring
- your main interests in public health and why these areas are important to you
- your future career goals and how studying the Master of Public Health will support them
- why you have chosen to apply to the University of Salford and the Master of Public Health programme.
You should also provide an academic or work-related CV and two references. At least one reference should normally be academic, with the second being either academic or work-related, including paid or voluntary experience. References should be provided on headed paper, signed and dated.
As evidence of English language proficiency is an essential entry requirement for the programme, your personal statement should also demonstrate clear, accurate and appropriate written English.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
An undergraduate honours degree, normally a 2:2 or above, or an equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
International Students
We accept qualifications from countries around the world. International applicants should refer to the University’s country-specific guidance for equivalent entry requirements.
English language requirements
International applicants from a non-majority English-speaking country will normally require IELTS 6.5, with no individual element below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent qualification.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education.
Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees are calculated pro-rata based on the full Master’s programme rate. PGDip and PGCert fees will vary proportionally to the number of credits you study, as these qualifications require fewer credits to complete than a full Master’s degree.
2027/28
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,540 per year |
| Part-time | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2027/28
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £18,000 per year |
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.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: