City

What you'll study

The MPH programme combines core public health disciplines with applied skills and a supervised research project. Typical core modules cover epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, health policy and systems, health promotion and disease prevention, and environmental and occupational health. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as global health, health economics, health protection, behavioural science, or data analytics for public health.

Teaching uses a blend of lectures, seminars, case-based learning, practical computing classes and group projects. Students complete a substantial independent dissertation or an applied public health project, and many programmes include a practice placement or consultancy-style project with an external partner to develop hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree) in a relevant subject such as health sciences, medicine, life sciences, social sciences or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower second-class degree plus relevant professional experience in health, social care, public policy or research are also considered.

Suitable applicants are expected to demonstrate quantitative ability and problem-solving skills. International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements. Professional qualifications and substantial relevant work experience in public health, the NHS, local government, NGOs or international agencies can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles in local authorities, the NHS, central government, public health agencies, charities and international organisations. Typical job titles include public health practitioner, health protection officer, health promotion specialist, epidemiologist or surveillance analyst, policy analyst, programme manager and research assistant. The degree also provides a foundation for specialist public health training, research careers and doctoral study.

Students benefit from City’s London location and links with health services and policy bodies, which can support networking, placements and employment opportunities across the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Why study at City

City, University of London combines an applied approach to public health with access to a wide network of NHS trusts, local authorities and public health organisations in London. The programme emphasises practical skills—epidemiological analysis, programme evaluation and health planning—alongside policy and leadership development.

Students learn from academic staff with active public health research and policy engagement and benefit from guest lecturers and placement opportunities with practice partners. The central London campus makes it easy to connect with employers, public health networks and interdisciplinary collaborators across health, business and social policy.