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Master of Public Health

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Master of Public Health

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in public health.

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Course overview

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.

Plus, if it suits you better, you can study some of the course modules as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. For more information contact: mph@liverpool.ac.uk

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.

Semester one

Compulsory modules

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH I (PUBH110)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module develops students’ skills and knowledge in epidemiological research and statistical methods, covering key concepts and all the main types of epidemiological study designs. This includes descriptive statistics, tests of association and hypothesis tests. Students gain a critical knowledge of a wide range of study designs and the ability to apply the fundamental principles of robust epidemiological research methods.
Students learn through a combination of interactive tutorials focused on understanding and apply key epidemiological concepts and statistical techniques through structured exercises. These tutorials are combined with data lab sessions in which students develop skills in using the statistical analysis packages to develop skills in public health data analysis.
Weekly formative assessments are built into the module, and students are formally assessed through a 2 hour exam, which test skills in interpreting and evaluating epidemiological studies, and the production of a short report on the epidemiology of an illness or health issue using data on mortality and/or morbidity.

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 weekly lecture/workshop sessions which will involve a lecture element, in-class discussions and in-class group work. Students will also conduct a field trip to a local health improvement organisation. 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 the VLE 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.

AN INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH (PUBH160)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

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, photovoice 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 weekly 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 the VLE 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 summative assessment of this module, students will be expected to conduct a micro, in-class 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.

Optional modules

Health Policy, Governance and Economics (PUBH170)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Social policy, health economics, and the organisation and management of health and health care programmes are among the core competencies identified by the UK Faculty of Public Health. The module has been designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of these. Health policy defines what ‘we’ want a health system to do. We will reflect on how policy is made, implemented and reviewed, looking at how public health advocates can seek an impact on policymaking. We also look at the governance (organisation and management) of health systems, paying particular attention to how these are defined, organised and funded. Attention is also given to how the performance of health systems is measured and assessed. This includes international comparisons and consideration of public, private and mixed economy models. We consider the measurement of effectiveness, and how to allocate resources, linking this to the health economics component, in which we introduce students to its key concepts, and particularly its application to public health. We will cover the evaluation of programmes and interventions, and ways to think about cost effectiveness (‘value for money’). The aim is to allow students to understand what health economics does, and to think critically about how it can be useful to public health, as well as its possible pitfalls. By studying these three components the module looks at how health (and social care) services are planned, managed, and held to account, and how change and service improvements are implemented and led, both nationally and within local organisations.

The module will be delivered through lecture delivery, problem-based learning, small group learning, and self-directed learning, while assessment will consist of two assignments; a group exercise producing a presentation examining evidence from other countries about possible solutions to a public health challenge, and an individual assignment in which a policy brief is produced. The module will also provide an opportunity for students to transfer their learning from other modules such as ‘Health Improvement’ and it is expected that students will complete self-directed learning via the assigned pre-reading before each teaching session. This reading will be available via the virtual learning environment (VLE) in advance of the module and the VLE 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.

Global Public Health (PUBH001)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Tackling the health challenges we face requires an understanding of public health that takes into account global dynamics. Global Public Health offers a critical, in-depth overview of public health challenges beyond national boundaries, including their epidemiological, socio-economic, cultural, and political determinants. It provides conceptual and applied skills to critically analyse and evaluate the interconnectedness of global public health issues. As such, it offers learners of the Master in Public Health the possibility to expand the scope of their studies to the global arena.

Case studies of global public health interventions will be discussed throughout the module. Students will develop critical thinking and applied skills to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and ethical implications of various global health interventions. They will examine diverse approaches, policies, and strategies aimed at addressing global public health problems, and assess their impact on different populations and regions, with particular emphasis on cultural and historical context.

Furthermore, students will learn to appraise and analyse health policies at global, national, and local levels, understanding their implications on public health outcomes.

The module will be delivered through lectures, seminars, and self-directed learning. A formative assessment in the form of an individual, 15′ presentation will take place on the last session of the module; the summative assessment will consist of a 3000-word report.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Study as a CPD module

You can study some of the modules on this course as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. Contact us using the buttons at the bottom of the course page to find out more.

Learn more about CPD at Liverpool.

Study as an intercalated degree

Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.

Your experience

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.

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Careers and employability

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 planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

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 £11,700
Part-time place, per year £5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year £28,300
Part-time place, per year £14,150
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 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.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

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.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

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.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Course

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining one of 30+ selected master’s courses, you could be eligible to receive a discount worth £5,000 off your tuition fees, if you haven’t studied with us before.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • China
  • Columbia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Libya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zimbabwe

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. If your application is successful, you could expect to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining a master’s degree, you can apply to be considered for a tuition fee discount of £20,000 with a Fulright Scholarship. One Fulbright Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Hong Kong Graduate Association & Tung Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme is available to any University graduate in a health or health-related profession, as well as non-health-related graduates and others approved by the University. The entry requirements are as follows:

• Graduates in medicine of an approved university, health related degrees, and non-health related degrees at 2:2 level or above
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of work experience (paid, voluntary, internships, etc.) relevant to public health
• Applicants without a degree may be considered on the basis of holding a significant amount of direct public health work experience (assessed by the Programme Director).

In addition, applicants require a GCSE Grade 4, Grade C, or GCE O Level pass in Mathematics and English, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants will also need to provide a personal statement detailing why they wish to undertake the programme and how their work experience is relevant to the programme

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.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Why 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.

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Accommodation

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.

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Fees and Finance

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.

Changes to Master of Public Health MPH

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.