MPH Public Health (Web-based Learning)

Year of entry: 2025

Overview

Degree awarded
MPH
Duration
Online learning 1 yr FT, 2 yr or 3 yr PT
Entry requirements

We require a minimum of an Upper Second honours degree or the overseas equivalent . If you have obtained a Lower Second class honours degree we may still consider your application if you have significant relevant research or professional experience (e.g. 3-years or more in a public health team).

Intercalating students

This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from The University of Manchester and other UK universities, upon successful completion of their third year.

BSc Public Health students

This course is available to you following successful completion of your BSc with an Upper Second classification.

Full entry requirements

Number of places/applicants
200 places
How to apply
Please apply via our online application form . See the application and selection section for details of the supporting documents we require.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. Late applications may be considered.

We reserve the right to close applications if the course is full.

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MPH N N Y Y
PGDip N N N Y
PGCert N N N Y

Course overview

"The team at Manchester exposed me to a highly effective manner of teaching and made learning worthwhile.

"The skills and knowledge that I have acquired are already impacting on my professional and personal development. I am definitely a better teacher, doctor and researcher as a result!"

Ogochukwu Okoye / Master of Public Health (2016 graduate)

  • Learn the skills and knowledge you need to address public health concerns at local, national and international level.
  • Study when it suits you through online learning, with extensive support and an optional face-to-face induction.
  • Have the option to specialise in Occupational Health.
  • Some units can be takenas credited CPD through our Public Health Professional Development programme.
  • We also offer a full-time face-to-face MPH option.

*Please note the part-time course is only available as online learning.*

Open days

Join our academic andf admissions team on Tuesday 26 November 12pm-1pm to find out about master's courses in public health at Manchester. The programme leads will explain the courses' structure, entry requirements as well as the possible career routes after completing the your studies. Book your place here .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MPH (full-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): £12,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £26,000
  • MPH (part-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): £1,200 per 15 credits and £2,400 for the dissertation
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £2,600 and £5,200 for the dissertation
  • PGDip (part-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): £1,200 per 15 credits
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £2,600 per 15 credits
  • PGCert (part-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): £1,200 per 15 credits
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £2,600 per 15 credits

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition and administration costs during your studies.

All fees for entry may be subject to a yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year.

For general fees information please visit postgraduate fees .

You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan if you choose the one-year full-time or two-year part-time course. Please check the government's eligibility criteria .

The course fees include all the tuition, technical support and assessments required for the course.

Costs may be incurred for travel, subsistence and accommodation charges during the following optional events or units:

  • the face-to-face induction for first year students
  • the blended course units (please see course details)

Additional expenses

Cost of AP(E)L

The University permits applicants with comparable previous experience to submit an application for consideration of Accreditation Prior (Experiential) Learning (AP(E)L). The maximum AP(E)L is 15 credits to a certificate, 45 credits to a diploma and 60 credits to a master's.

If an AP(E)L application is successful, the University charges £30 for every 15 credits of AP(E)L. The overall tuition fee is adjusted and administrative charge applied.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Equity and Merit Scholarships

We offer Equity and Merit Scholarships to academically excellent students. Please see the Equity and Merit website.

Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes

If you're a current or recent student at The University of Manchester and plan to start a master's course, you may be eligible for our Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes.

For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page.

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Contact name
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4563
Email
Website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/public-health-data/masters/
School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a minimum of an Upper Second honours degree or the overseas equivalent . If you have obtained a Lower Second class honours degree we may still consider your application if you have significant relevant research or professional experience (e.g. 3-years or more in a public health team).

Intercalating students

This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from The University of Manchester and other UK universities, upon successful completion of their third year.

BSc Public Health students

This course is available to you following successful completion of your BSc with an Upper Second classification.

English language

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof from applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office ).

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

  • IELTS : 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component)
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 overall (with a minimum of 22 in each component)

See further information about requirements for your country .

If the language of instruction of your first degree was English, but you obtained the degree from a university of a non-majority English-speaking country, the English language requirement may be waived for applicants on our Personal Professional Development CPD programme only, provided written evidence is submitted.

The Personal Professional Development CPD programme is not award-bearing and allows you to complete up to three units from the MPH syllabus. After successfully completing this level of the course, students could then be considered for progression to the award-bearing levels of our course, through re-application.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

I really enjoyed doing the MPH, and it spurred my interest in pursuing a doctorate.

It also provided the foundation for my PhD proposal, which builds upon the findings of my master's dissertation.

Layla Lavallee / Research Midwife & DPhil Primary Care Student, Oxford University
Please apply via our online application form . See the application and selection section for details of the supporting documents we require.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. Late applications may be considered.

We reserve the right to close applications if the course is full.

Advice to applicants

Your application form must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:

  • one academic reference on letter headed paper or sent from a work email. A professional reference can be provided in instances where you have been out of university for more than 3 years. We do not contact referees directly so please inform them yourself;
  • copies of official degree certificates (with translations if not in English) if you have already graduated;
  • copies of official university transcripts (with translations if not in English);
  • a personal statement (approximately 300-500 words) about why you wish to take this course and how it will affect your personal and professional development. This statement should try and refer to your current role;
  • full CV including any voluntary experience;
  • proof of English language proficiency (if required).

Supporting documents can be uploaded with the online application form or sent directly to pgtaught.mph@manchester.ac.uk . After applying, please do not submit documents in any other way without telling us first so we can provide you with the most efficient service.

Please make sure you include your University ID number on any correspondence and do not send any documents before you have submitted your application.

How your application is considered

Your application will be reviewed by the relevant Programme Director on receipt of all required supporting documentation.

Applicants are considered on an academic and relevant professional experience basis, based on all information provided.

Interview requirements

We do not normally interview applicants, but reserve the right to do so in certain circumstances.

Deferrals

Deferrals are considered on an individual basis. Successful applicants may defer entry to the course for up to one year.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved.

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

Our online Master of Public Health (MPH) course meets the training needs of health professionals around the world who are interested in a career in public health or those seeking new skills in this area.

Contemporary public health practice requires practitioners to be adaptable and flexible, with a broad experience of a range of subject areas.

As public health is a rapidly changing and interdisciplinary field, our programme is constantly evolving with new course units and topics being introduced regularly to ensure that you are at the forefront of contemporary public health practice. We also have additional learning opportunities through our research and CPD programme that deal with the hot topics in public health and primary care.

This course will equip you with:

  • the skills and knowledge to apply to public health concerns at local, national and international level;
  • the ability to apply relevant theory and scientific principles to practical situations;
  • the capability of meeting core-competencies in public health.

You can see what ourStudent Ambassadors have to say about our MPH course and contact them with any questions.

You can also specialise in occupational health.

PhD with integrated master's

If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.

You can also visit this page for examples of projects related to integrated master's courses.

Special features

Through the MPH, I learnt more practical aspects of public health and became more confident in applying the theory to my day-to-day public health interventions.

I'm looking forward to specialising in implementation science so that I may join the efforts of building the foundation of implementation science in Tanzania.

Immaculata Kessy MD / MPH graduate and Equity and Merit scholarship holder (2021)
Expert teaching

You will be taught by professionals in the field of local, national and international public health. There is an emphasis on applying learning to public health issues.

Flexible learning 

Course content is delivered online, enabling you to study around other commitments. If possible a face-to-face induction is held in Manchester at the start of the course, but attendance is not compulsory. There are fully online and blended options where face-to-face sessions are planned.

Learn with students from around the world

Mix with students from a range of disciplines from all over the world.

Additional course information

We run induction sessions for all new students starting our Public Health and Primary Care courses.

Face-to-face induction  

A face-to-face induction is normally held at the University at the beginning of the academic year.

The course is designed to introduce you to the content and technology used throughout the programmes. It is also an opportunity for you to meet academic and support staff.

You are encouraged to attend the face-to-face induction course when it is running, and many students find it very beneficial.

However, due to the international nature of our programmes, attendance is not compulsory for distance learners and an online induction is also offered.

The face-to-face induction includes:

  • an introduction to the course units
  • an opportunity to meet tutors and administrators
  • an introduction to the online learning environment
  • an introduction to the library and e-resources at Manchester
  • an opportunity to present your work and hear about work undertaken by other students

You will be required to provide your own transport and accommodation for the face-to-face induction.

Confirmation of attendance on the residential induction will be sought once you have applied for the course.

Online induction

Our online induction will offer a similar programme to the face-to-face induction but will be delivered entirely online. Attendance is not compulsory but the induction can help to introduce you to the course, the team and provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Teaching and learning

Most of our course unitsare delivered completely online. A learning structure with a recommended pace is in place throughout the courseunit, with specific deadlines for all summative assessments.

Some course units require your participation throughout, and some of the optional units are blended, which require a mandatory face-to-face element. Please check whether your chosen course unit includes any face-to-face teaching days, as this is clearly stated in the Course Unit Overview.

If you areunable to attend a face-to-face component due to mitigating circumstances, you may be permitted to repeat this unit in a subsequent year. However, if you are unable to attend the face-to-face sessions, please do not choose one of the blended units.

Coursework and assessment

You will use a number of assessed and non-assessed activities to develop key skills and expand your knowledge base. There are no written exams; assessment is based on assignments and other activities such as group work.

Course unit details

Youare required to complete Evidence-Based Practice as a compulsory core unit.

MPH students must choose seven other course units from the MPH plus the dissertation, or nine other course units from the MPH plus the critical review.

MPH Occupational Health students please visit the course page.

If completing the MPH through the dissertation route, you will be able to choose from a range of dissertation modules designed to cater for different work situations and interests. The master's dissertation is a focused, critical and reflective body of writing that seeks to add to the understanding of a particular problem or question. It is an opportunity to expand knowledge and expertise in an area of study, through in-depth, critical and reflective thinking, relevant to the focus of the dissertation.

If completing the MPH through the critical review route, you will have the opportunity to conduct a detailed critical reflection and evidence based review relating to a public health question or topic. It shares some similarities to the preliminary sections of a dissertation, but with a smaller word count. If choosing this option, you will be required to take 10 course units in addition to the critical review.

A dissertation/critical reviewsupervisor will be allocated based on the topic you would like to investigate.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Evidence Based Practice POPH60041 15 Mandatory
Health Promotion Theory & Methods POPH60021 15 Optional
Working with Communities POPH60072 15 Optional
Economic Evaluation in Healthcare POPH60092 15 Optional
Practical Statistics for Population Health POPH60982 15 Optional
Fundamentals of Epidemiology POPH60991 15 Optional
Communicable Disease Control POPH62051 15 Optional
Health Systems Challenges in Low and Middle Income Countries POPH62212 15 Optional
Global Health into the 21st Century POPH62311 15 Optional
Global Women's Public Health POPH62411 15 Optional
Qualitative Research Methods POPH63121 15 Optional
Dissertation - Master of Public Health POPH63140 60 Optional
Critical Review - Master of Public Health POPH63150 30 Optional
Emergency Planning, Response & Resilience POPH64132 15 Optional
Implementation Sciences POPH64552 15 Optional
Health Services Management POPH64662 15 Optional
Intercultural Public Health POPH64771 15 Optional
Health Improvement POPH65012 15 Optional
Digital Public Health POPH65022 15 Optional
Climate Change and Health POPH65042 15 Optional
Introduction to Health Policy POPH65052 15 Optional
Behaviour Change and Public Health POPH65062 15 Optional
Public Health and the Antibiotic Crisis POPH65072 15 Optional
Business, Media & Health POPH65092 15 Optional
Infection Prevention & Control POPH65552 15 Optional
Nutrition and Public Health POPH66662 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 26 course units

Scholarships and bursaries

For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page.

What our students say

"One of the highlights was serving as a student representative for two academic years, a position that guaranteed regular interaction with staff and a diverse student community from tens of countries.

"This was an experience that further strengthened my communication, teamwork, problem-solving and other transferable skills."

Ben Wamamili / Medical Doctor and PhD student in New Zealand

Read stories from Emily Christopher and  Ogochukwu Okoye about their experience of the course.

You can also see what our  Student Ambassadors have to say about our MPH course and contact them with any questions.

Facilities

This course is delivered throughonline learning. You will havenormal access to online library facilities.

Disability support

Online learning resources are designed with accessibility as a priority, using the latest web accessibility technologies.

Further practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability and Advisory Support Service .

CPD opportunities

We offer a number of our units as standalone credited CPD courses through our Personal Professional Development programme in public health and primary care.

Careers

Career opportunities

"The MPH empowered me with scientific writing skills, critical thinking skills, independence in work and many other skills.

"The knowledge and skills gained from the course have enhanced my research experience and taken me to another level in my career; that is, the ability to design study projects and health programmes for my institution and the country."

Annet Nakaganda / Cancer Epidemiologist and Research Administrator, Uganda Cancer Institute

A career in public health offers diverse opportunities in a variety of settings.

Most of our students complete the course part-time while working in a wide variety of jobs and sectors, and many (eg GPs, hospital doctors, health promotion staff, managers and researchers) take the course to give them public health skills and expertise to apply within their own profession and/or setting.

Intercalating medical students from Manchester and elsewhere take the MPH if they are interested in careers in public health or general practice, or want to work in low and middle-income countries.

Some of our students use their expertise and qualifications to help them move into predominantly public health-related roles. You can see the occupations that some of our MPH students and graduates work in on the student ambassadors' page . You can also get in touch with them to ask questions about the course.

There are a range of resources offered by the University and the Faculty of Public Health, a membership organisation for public health professionals in the UK and around the world, to help you think about how a Master of Public Health can aid your career path.