Public Health MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
Our master’s in public health meets the urgent need for skilled, resilient public health professionals ready to tackle global health issues head-on. This master’s in public health is ideal for healthcare practitioners such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, policymakers, and other public sector professionals with a passion for public health.
The curriculum is designed to provide a profound understanding of complex public health issues while developing the leadership and problem-solving skills necessary to address them effectively. A key component of this MSc public health is the professional project, enabling you to deepen your expertise, demonstrate your dedication, and hone your research and analytical skills.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
Study public health online from anywhere in the world under the guidance of dedicated expert tutors with extensive experience in public health. Our multidisciplinary approach connects you with industry leaders and a network of international peers, fostering the exchange of best practices and insights into diverse healthcare systems.
Our 100% online MSc in public health is designed to be fully flexible. Learning is centred around clinically rich case scenarios, with an academic forum for in-depth research, exploration, and discussion. Reflective practice ensures that your learning can be immediately applied to real-world situations, enhancing your practical skills.
Upon completion of this part-time master in public health, you will be equipped to:
- Critically evaluate current research in public health.
- Apply advanced knowledge and practical understanding of global public health to benefit populations and develop services.
- Make informed decisions in complex and unpredictable public health scenarios.
- Address multifaceted public health issues with creativity and reflective practice.
- Develop and implement strategies for managing health improvement needs in various populations.
- Critically assess existing and potential public health interventions for diverse healthcare settings.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Prof Edward Kunonga
A passionate public health professional with knowledge, experience and expertise on improving population health and healthcare quality at a local, regional, national and global level. Extensive public...
Tutor - Dr Ibrahim Elbayoumy
Bachelor of medicine and surgery, MSc in public health preventive and social medicine, MD,PhD in public health ,preventive and social medicine, MSc in
Diabetes Care and Education-Dundee faculty of medicine-Scotland...
Validating partner
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Accreditors and Endorsers
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate course has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
Postgraduate Diploma courses
In order to be eligible for our Postgraduate Diploma courses you need to hold a medical degree or undergraduate degree in a health related science and be working within the field that you wish to study, as the course is designed to further your knowledge within your chosen subject and is not designed to introduce these as new topic areas.
We have two intakes a year in March and September. Click the following link for the up to date application deadlines and module dates: Module Dates.
The Action Taker Discount offers savings based on your programme: £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount. The Action Taker Discount will be applied to your final payment. To take advantage, act quickly after acceptance to secure your savings.
Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Prof Edward Kunonga
A passionate public health professional with knowledge, experience and expertise on improving population health and healthcare quality at a local, regional, national and global level. Extensive public health experience including working as a Director of Public health for an urban district health authority in the UK, a consultant in public health/epidemiologist and health care quality expert for the north east region of England and as a freelance public health consultant. Committed to and passionate about improving population health outcomes and quality of life through prevention, early intervention and equitable access to healthcare.
Tutor - Dr Ibrahim Elbayoumy
Bachelor of medicine and surgery, MSc in public health preventive and social medicine, MD,PhD in public health ,preventive and social medicine, MSc in
Diabetes Care and Education-Dundee faculty of medicine-Scotland –UK.
Current post: Full professor of public health and community medicine in Tanta faculty of medicine-Egypt since November 2016 . Consultant of public health and preventive medicine in ministry of health in Kuwait. Lecturer and tutor of post graduate public health studies since March 2021 in university of South Wales.
- Published many research works in international journals
- Speaker in many international conferences in China. South Korea .Japan, and Hong Kong
- Researcher in epidemiology of infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, brucellosis and infectious hepatitis.
- Interested in epidemiology of chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus and its health economics ,obesity and cancer and pharmacoepidemiology.
- Reviewer of many national and international journals
Register Interest
Complete the form below to keep in the loop
Success
Thank you for registering interest in the Public Health MSc
Why Study a Public Health Master's with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
This MSc global public health is suitable for healthcare professionals with an interest in public health – this could include, but is not limited to: Doctors, GPs, nurses, pharmacists, policy makers, public health professionals, geographers, exercise scientists, sociologists and environmental scientists.
Graduate entrants are expected to include those with an interest in public health, especially those in the public sector, such as police, fire service, local authority, local and national government, health service, and NGO’s.
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
The masters in public health is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma. The second year of the msc in public health course starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
Module Aims
- To provide an overview of the introduction to public health and explore relevant definitions.
- To critically use relevant data and evidence to understand contemporary issues within the public health arena.
- To develop an understanding of evidence-based interventions, to prevent contemporary issues or to protect the population’s health.
Module Content
- Overview/history of public health
- Demographic data
- Global burden of disease
- Non-communicable disease
- Infectious disease
- Personal Factors contributing to non-communicable disease and infectious disease
- Wider determinants contributing to non-communicable disease and infectious disease
Learning Outcomes
- Apply relevant understanding of data and evidence to understand the factors that impact on contemporary public health issues, whilst reflecting on the strength, weaknesses and limitations of using robust data and evidence.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically apply appropriate statistical and evidence-based analysis techniques and methods to contemporary public health issues.
Module Aims
To critically use relevant data and evidence to understand the impact of environmental/geopolitical issues and interventions to protect the population’s health.
Module Content
- Safe and secure supplies of water and food
- Rising temperature
- Flooding/water security
- Diminishing Biodiversity
- Natural disasters
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply the evidence to assess the impact of environmental/geopolitical issues on the health and wellbeing of populations and population groups, whilst reflecting on the strength, weaknesses and limitations of using robust data and survey information.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically apply robust evidence to support effective interventions to protect populations.
Module Aims
To critically use relevant data collected by a variety of methods and techniques to survey and assess a population’s health.
Module Content
- Sources and uses of data
- Surveys and epidemiology
- Population statistics: Techniques and methods for analysing population health data - quantitative
- Population statistics: Techniques and methods for analysing population health data - surveillance qualitative
- Data from the use of health and other services
- Legal and ethical frameworks for the use of data
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to critically apply appropriate techniques and methods to the analysis of health data for populations and population groups.
- Critically appraise and apply appropriate data and survey methods to assess the health and wellbeing of populations and population groups within an applicable legal and ethical framework.
Module Aims
To develop knowledge of a range of effective strategic leadership, organisational and management skills in a variety of complex public health situations and contexts, dealing effectively with uncertainty and the unexpected to achieve public health goals.
Module Content
- Leadership
- Policy development
- Change/project management
- Partnership
- Working within and with communities
- Implementation of public health interventions in complex settings
Learning Outcomes
- To assess, communicate and understand the management of different kinds of risks including health, financial, reputational and political.
- To critically apply influencing and negotiating skills in a variety of complex settings to advocate for public health issues.
Module Aims
- To critically apply the evidence base to address issues within public health care systems.
- To develop an understanding of needs assessment and health impact assessment to support evidence-based interventions.
- To develop skills in pathway development for integrated services.
Module Content
- Understanding of health protection risk
- Understanding of environmental determinants of disease and disease control
- Identifying and managing an outbreak
- Identifying and managing an incident
- Surveillance: Immunisation and screening
- Health protection: legal
Learning Outcomes
- Use appropriate data and evidence to critically apply the appropriate techniques and methods to identify and assess the risks and hazards of communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases, relevant to health protection.
- Demonstrate an ability to coordinate appropriate public health responses, communicating effective interventions to protect populations by preventing communicable and non-communicable disease, ensuring that this is supported by the critical application of robust evidence.
Module Aims
- To critically apply the evidence base to address issues within public health care systems.
- To develop an understanding of needs assessment and health impact assessment to support evidence-based interventions.
- To develop skills in pathway development for integrated services.
Module Content
- Understanding organisation and management of care and healthcare systems
- Understanding needs assessment
- Understanding health impact assessment
- Working to protect equality and diversity
- Understanding quality and risk in health care
- Understanding patient pathways and the transformation of patient pathways
Learning Outcomes
- Critically apply the evidence base to the factors that impact on public health issues within a variety of health and care systems, whilst reflecting on the strength, weaknesses and limitations of using robust data and evidence.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically apply appropriate techniques and methods to the analysis of health care public health issues and linked health data and evidence for populations and population groups, and protect the health of populations in a healthcare environment.
Year 2
Module Aims
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.
Module Content
- Quantitative Studies
- Statistical Analysis Interpretation
- Interpreting the Evidence
- Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
- Qualitative Studies
- Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesizing the Evidence
- Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
- Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
- Select and apply different methodological approaches and tools to answer research questions in your field of practice.
Module Aims
- To formulate the research question that you seek to answer.
- To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
- To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
- To develop skills in independent research and study.
- To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.
Content Summary
The module will depend on formulating the question and the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific public health related project relevant to the person's practice. This project may comprise:
- Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal.
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
- Secondary data analysis.
Learning Outcomes
- Design and undertake research and development project related to public health in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
Year 1
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Year 2
This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.
Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.
Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry requirements
Since our master's in public health distance learning part-time programme is conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare or Public Health related field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £840 | £9,000 |
| 1st May 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £840 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £840 | |
| 1st March 2026 | £660 | |
| 1st May 2026 | £660 | |
| 1st July 2026 | £660 | |
| 1st September 2026 | £660 | |
| 1st November 2026 | £660 | |
| 1st January 2027 | £660 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
Talk To Our Students
Reviews
Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
