Build the foundations of a career as a public health leader striving to promote health to, and prevent disease in, individuals, families, communities and populations. You’ll analyse public health systems, health protection principles and improvement strategies, learn how to reduce inequalities, and gain essential statistical, research and leadership skills.
Introduction
Public health is about tackling the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. On this programme we’ll equip you with the expertise required to put public health principles into practice.
Established in 1989, the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is internationally respected for its multidisciplinary focus and commitment to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Health for All principles.
Critically appraising the complexities of health and social care systems, you’ll explore contemporary and historical influences on public health systems.
We’ll introduce you to key health protection principles, trace the development and evolution of health improvement strategies, and examine the social factors driving health inequalities.
Gaining experience using advanced statistical data and epidemiological techniques, you’ll discover qualitative research methodologies and receive a grounding in management theories and practice.
The MPH forms a core component of approved training programmes for Health Education North West (HENW). As such, it will help you prepare for UK Faculty of Public Health Part A examinations. You’ll graduate ready to take on a variety of leadership and management roles in public health research, practice and policy.
Who is this course for?
The course attracts students from a wide variety of backgrounds. These include medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, health services, health service management and environmental health, as well as natural sciences, social sciences and humanities subjects.
It’s a suitable programme if you’re working in any area of public health, health services management, policy and planning, housing or transport, or for governmental organisations, community groups and non-governmental organisations.
What you'll learn
Key statistical concepts and epidemiological techniques in healthcare
The application of social science theories and sociological concepts to public health.
How to devise a public health improvement strategy
Current and historical influences on the development of public health systems
Key management theories and concepts underpinning health services
How to use qualitative research to explore current issues in healthcare.
Social determinants of health inequalities
Principles of health protection from infectious diseases, hazards, and emerging threats
How to assess the evidence behind healthcare interventions
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
If you're able to study part-time, you'll
study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 to 36 months. You
can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule
around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you
complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final
dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements
at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any
other life commitments. You will
study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 to 36 months. You
can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule
around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you
complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final
dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements
at graduation the following term.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH I (PUBH110)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Aims:
To introduce students to the purpose and context of research, and the basis for selecting appropriate research designs.
To provide a thorough grounding in the uses and methods of epidemiology.
To introduce students to the key statistical concepts and techniques needed for the basic analysis of data.
To develop the students abilities in the critical evaluation of statistical and epidemiological techniques.
To develop basic information handling skills for use in health research.
To develop information handling and computer skills for use within the course.
HEALTH & SOCIETY (PUBH150)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module will introduce students to social science and sociological theories and concepts. Students will explore the application of these theories and approaches to health and public health. The sessions will be led by active health researchers who will discuss how they have employed theoretical thinking in their own health and health-related research. Students will have the chance to explore a public health problem of their choice and apply different sociological theories to the problem in order to develop their understanding of the issue.
Lectures will be delivered via 12 weekly seminar sessions which will involve a lecture element, in-class discussions and in-class group work. Students are expected to do self-directed learning (SDL) and will be expected to prepare for the contact sessions in advance using materials and readings which will be placed on Blackboard one week before each session. Students will need to do the reading and any activities prior to the session and the sessions will then be used to consolidate this learning.
For the assessment of this module students need to carry out a critical analysis of a public health problem from the perspective of different social science theories or concepts.
HEALTH IMPROVEMENT (PUBH130)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces students to theories and concepts in health improvement. Health Improvement is central to the theory and practice of the ‘new public health’ and is essential for anyone working in public health. Students will have an opportunity to trace the development and evolution of health improvement, and will be able to develop their own health improvement knowledge and skills with an awareness of a broad range of issues surrounding the topic.
Lectures will be delivered via 12 weekly seminar sessions which will involve a lecture element, in-class discussions and in-class group work. Students are expected to do self-directed learning (SDL) and will be expected to prepare for the contact sessions in advance using materials and readings which will be placed on Blackboard one week before each session. Students will need to do the reading and any activities prior to the session and the sessions will then be used to consolidate this learning.
For the assessment of this module, students will be expected to devise a health improvement strategy to achieve positive health outcomes for a population in a chosen area of health and then develop an evaluation framework for that strategy.
Health Policy, Governance and Economics (PUBH170)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
To provide an in-depth knowledge of current and historical influences on the development of health systems, including the role played by social, economic, political and ethical values.
To critcally assess and evaluate key management theories and concepts underpinning the functions and roles of management in the delivery of health services.
To foster a critical understanding of the relationship between management theory and practice and public health theory and practice.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
AN INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH (PUBH160)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module covers all aspects of qualitative research including qualitative research design, qualitative methodologies and methods, and analysis of qualitative data. During the module students will be introduced to the key theories and concepts of qualitative research; gain an in-depth understanding of the philosophy of qualitative research, and how it differs from quantitative research.
They will also develop an essential understanding of the ethics of carrying out qualitative research.
Students will develop their knowledge and experience of the skills needed in qualitative research by designing their own piece of qualitative research which they will then carry out.
Students will also gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the different methods used in qualitative research including interviews, focus groups and participant observation before looking at the various different ways of analysing qualitative data. They will also develop the skills to critically appraise published qualitative research.
Lectures will be delivered via 12 weekly seminar sessions which will involve a lecture element, in-class discussions and in-class group work. Students are expected to do self-directed learning (SDL) and will be expected to prepare for the contact sessions in advance using materials and readings which will be placed on Blackboard one week before each session. Students will need to do the reading and any activities prior to the session and the sessions will then be used to consolidate this learning.
For the assessment of this module, students will be expected to conduct a small research project which will allow them to try out the skills involved in conducting Qualitative Research. It will also provide them with the opportunity to participate in another research project so they can experience what it is like to be a research participant and then reflect on that experience.
HEALTH INEQUALITIES: EVIDENCE AND POLICY. (PUBH407)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
1. To develop an in-depth knowledge of the social determinants of health inequalities both historically and in the contemporary world.
2. To provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and skills needed for public health practitioners to develop and implement policies to reduce health inequalities.
Optional modules
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH II (PUBH250)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
To provide students with the context of epidemiological research in practice and in the development of health and public health policy.
To enable students to develop further knowledge and skills in the use of statistical techniques in health research.
To develop more advanced computer skills for use within the course, and in public health practice.
To familiarise students with the major informatics tools available with which to address issues relating to public health research.
HEALTH PROTECTION (PUBH220)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Following an extensive review changes have been made to the content, aim and learning outcomes of the module and also an updating of the assessments so that they better reflect the real world of health protection that health professionals may encounter.
Teaching methods have been updated to emply a wider range of teaching and learning methods, to better engage different learning styles of students. The application of current models used in Public Health England to apply health protection principles have been explicitly applied and a group task has been added to facilitate development of employability skills relevant to and important in health protection. The module is designed for students from a range of health professional backgrounds, and will use an innovative framework to develop the in-depth knowledge and analytical skills needed for the investigation, management and evaluation of important health protection cases, situations, incidents and outbreaks.
The module will deliver an introduction to the core principles of health protection; the theoretical basis for the practice of health protection focused mainly on the United Kingdom; protection from infectious diseases; prevention from harm from hazards involving chemicals , poisons or radiation occur; and preparation for new and emerging threats, such as a bio-terrorist attack or virulent new strains of diseases.
The module will also provide students with some practical insight into the work of Public Health England, and into the roles of other professionals who are responsible for or contribute to Health Protection. The Module will be delivered by staff working mainly in Public Health England.
EVIDENCE-BASED PUBLIC HEALTH: THEORY, METHODS AND PRACTICE (PUBH418)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Assessing the evidence behind healthcare interventions, programmes and services is one of the core competences identifiedby the UK Faculty of Public Health. The module has been designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the opportunities and challenges behind creating a credible evidence base for public health decisions. During the module, we will explore the historical development of evidence-based public health, discover who the main players are, and discuss some of the contemporary debates surrounding its relevance to international public health today.
The module will be delivered through lecture delivery, problem-based learning, small group learning, and self-directed learning, while assessment will consist of one group assignment; a 2000 word systematic review (worth 30% of the total module mark) and the a 3500-word assignment (worth the remaining 70%). The module will also highlight how evidence from a wide range of sources can be identified, synthesised, and translated into initiatives aiming to improve health and reduce health inequalities. The module will draw on the work of key public health organisations, namely the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in England, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US and the World Health Organization. The module will also provide an opportunity for students to transfer their learning from other modules such as ‘Epidemiology and Statistics for Public Health 1’ (, and it is expected that students will complete the assigned pre-reading before each teaching session. This reading will be available via VITAL in advance of the module and VITAL will also be used to provide general module information (e.g. module guide and learning outcomes), communicate with students regarding module-specific issues, and provide the platform to submit their two summative assignments.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
Compulsory modules
DISSERTATION (PUBH300)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
Aim: To conduct and write up a piece of original research of relevance to public health.
The purpose of the dissertation is for students to develop and demonstrate broad public health knowledge and skills relevant to the MPH programme. Students must synthesise and integrate across subjects, selecting material and approaches appropriate to their specific area of study. Full-time students are normally expected to submit within one year of starting their studies. Part-time students are normally expected to submit within one academic year of completing the taught component of the programme.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
The programme is taught using a combination of tutorials, seminars, group exercises, lab work and self-directed study. The focus is on small group sizes and collaborative work, with an open learning approach where the emphasis is on interaction.
You’ll typically attend for two days per week for full-time study for the first two semester. Semester three is dedicated to your dissertation.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through a combination of individual written assignments, written examinations, group presentations and group reports. You will also complete a dissertation and undertake a viva voce, an oral examination, at the conclusion of this research project.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course is led by the Institute of Population Health which aims to improve health and reduce inequalities through pioneering research and education. The Institute has a world-leading status for its excellence in research and education. Underpinning all our activities is the social model of health and its application to health inequalities, and to health and social care systems.
The MPH forms a core component of approved training programmes for Health Education North West (HENW). They’re responsible for the commissioning and management of training and education for: NHS speciality registrars in public health, working towards a Certificate of Completion of Training and students who wish to go on to complete Membership of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine (MFPHM) Part A.
The programme provides a strong foundation for putting public health principles into practice in a variety of settings, including research, practice and policy.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
As an MPH graduate, you can apply for senior positions in public health research, practice and policy. Suitable roles are varied, from working on community health improvement programmes to contributing to the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
You’ll be well-placed to take on a management or leadership role working in:
Governmental organisations.
Health services management.
Policy and planning.
Housing.
Transport.
Community Groups.
Charities.
Non-governmental organisations.
On successful completion of the MPH, you could also choose to pursue further study at doctoral level.
99% of health sciences students from the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£10,400
Part-time place, per year
£5,200
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,400
Part-time place, per year
£12,200
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year. The part-time fees are based on a course duration of two years. Fees may vary on a pro-rata basis for alternative part-time course durations.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is available to any University graduate in a health or health-related profession, as well as non-health-related graduates.
If you are a medicine graduate, you must have at least one year of post-registration professional experience.
If you have a health-related undergraduate degree, preferably at 2:1 or above or equivalent, you must be able to demonstrate at least one year of relevant public health work experience.
If you have a non-health-related undergraduate degree, you must be able to demonstrate at least two years of relevant public health work experience.
In addition, you’ll require GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or equivalent.
You’ll need to provide a personal statement detailing why you wish to undertake the programme and supply one independent academic or professional reference.
Nursing (non-degree) qualifications can also be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MPH, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
