University of Malta

What you'll study

This MSc combines core public health disciplines with advanced research training. Typical modules cover epidemiology and communicable disease control, biostatistics and data analysis, health promotion and behaviour, health systems and policy, environmental and occupational health, and research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches. The programme culminates in a supervised research dissertation or major project that applies methods to a public health question relevant to Malta or the wider Mediterranean context.

• Epidemiology — study design, outbreak investigation and measures of disease frequency and association.
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis — statistical methods for public health, use of statistical software and interpretation of findings.
• Health Promotion and Behaviour — theories and practice of interventions, community engagement and evaluation.
• Health Systems and Policy — organisation of health services, financing, policy analysis and health economics principles.
• Environmental and Occupational Health — risk assessment, environmental determinants of health and regulatory frameworks.
• Research Methods — qualitative and quantitative techniques, ethics, study governance and systematic review methods.
• Dissertation / Research Project — independent research under academic supervision, producing a substantive thesis and often a policy-focused output.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (or recognised equivalent) in medicine, nursing, biomedical sciences, social sciences, or another relevant discipline. Candidates with substantial professional experience in health or social care may be considered, especially where experience demonstrates research potential. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. All applicants will be assessed on academic qualifications, relevant experience and the ability to complete a research project.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the public, private and third sectors. Common career paths include public health practitioner, epidemiologist or surveillance officer, health promotion specialist, health policy analyst, environmental health officer, research associate, and roles within international health agencies or NGOs. Many students also use the MSc as preparation for doctoral study or for specialist clinical training that requires a strong grounding in population health and research methods.

Why study at University of Malta

The University of Malta offers the MSc within an established Faculty that combines local health service links with active research programmes. Small cohort sizes support close supervision for the research project and opportunities for applied placements with Maltese health authorities, hospitals and community organisations. The island setting provides unique regional public health challenges and case studies, while the University’s partnerships in the Mediterranean and EU expand opportunities for collaboration and professional networking.