Loughborough University

What you'll study

This master's combines core public health principles with practical research and applied skills. Typical modules cover epidemiology and biostatistics, research methods for public health, health promotion and behaviour change, health systems and policy, and determinants of population health. Teaching balances lectures and seminars with practical data analysis workshops, group projects and case studies drawn from local, national and global contexts. A substantial independent research project or dissertation allows you to investigate a topic in depth and develop transferable skills in study design, data collection, analysis and written communication.

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics: study of disease patterns, study design and statistical approaches used to analyse population health data.
• Research Methods: qualitative and quantitative methods, critical appraisal and evidence synthesis.
• Health Promotion and Behaviour Change: theories and interventions to improve health across settings such as schools, workplaces and communities.
• Health Policy and Systems: how health services are organised, financed and evaluated, and the role of policy in shaping health outcomes.
• Determinants of Health: social, environmental and economic influences on population health, including inequalities and global health drivers.
• Independent Research Project: an extended piece of research supervised by academic staff, which may include secondary data analysis, primary data collection or programme evaluation.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need an undergraduate degree at a lower second-class (2:1) honours level or above in a relevant subject such as health sciences, medicine, nursing, allied health, social sciences, biomedical sciences or a related discipline. Applicants with lower academic qualifications but with substantial professional experience in health or social care may be considered on a case-by-case basis. International applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements; acceptable evidence includes recognised qualifications or approved test scores. Admissions may also consider personal statements and references that demonstrate motivation for public health study and relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of public health-related roles across the public, voluntary and private sectors. Typical careers include positions in local authority public health teams, NHS public health and health intelligence units, health promotion and community development roles, health policy and commissioning, research assistant and analyst posts, and roles with national and international NGOs. The degree also prepares students for further research training (MPhil/PhD) and for professional development pathways such as public health specialty training.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough offers an interdisciplinary approach to public health, drawing on strengths in health sciences, epidemiology and applied research. Students benefit from research-active staff, practical data-analytic training and opportunities to engage with local public health practice. The campus-based environment supports collaborative learning, and the university’s strong links with health organisations and employers help with networking and employability. Practical teaching, access to facilities for data analysis and professional-development support contribute to preparing graduates for a range of public health careers.