Program Overview

Master of Public Health (MPH) | PGDip | PGCert – Online Course

The Master of Public Health (MPH) online course is internationally respected for its multidisciplinary focus and commitment to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Health for All principles. This programme is essential for individuals working in any area of public health, including governmental organisations, health services and management, policy and planning, housing, transport, community groups, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

About the Programme

Throughout the programme, students explore key topics within public health, such as principles and practice within a global context, as well as methodologies and approaches from an ethical, social, and economic standpoint. Working in small groups with peers, students learn to critically appraise the complexities of health and social systems from different stakeholder perspectives and evaluate options for strategy development and programme interventions.

Programme Structure

This programme consists of the following modules:

• Practising and Promoting Public Health in a Global Context (15 credits)
• Generating and Evaluating Public Health Evidence (20 credits)
• Integrated Research in Public Health: Epidemiology and Qualitative Methods (20 credits)
• Leading and Managing Health Systems (10 credits)
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Systems and Programmes (10 credits)
  • Optional modules (choose two from):
    • Health Protection: Preventing and Managing Communicable Diseases (10 credits)
    • Managing Crises and Disasters (10 credits)
    • Programme and Policy Challenges in Low Income Countries (10 credits)
    • Health, Economics and Governance (10 credits)
    • Global Mental Health: Contemporary Issues (10 credits)
    • Global Mental Health Practice & Research (10 credits)
• Core research methods module (choose one from):
  • Applied Epidemiological Research for Public Health (15 credits)
  • Applied Qualitative Research for Public Health (15 credits)
• Health Inequalities: Integrating Public Health Practice (10 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

All applications for the Master of Public Health (Online) are open to UK and international professionals who wish to study online. Applicants should possess:

• A master's or bachelor's in medicine, or a non-health related degree at 2:2 or above, equivalent to a UK degree.
• Relevant work experience (for those without a degree).
• A GCSE Grade 4, Grade C, or GCE O Level pass in Mathematics and English, or an equivalent qualification.
• Evidence of English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 (overall) and 7.0 (reading and writing).

Fees and Funding

• MPH: £17,357
• PGDip: £11,572
• PGCert: £5,786
  • Executive Scholarship of 15% available on the April 2026 intake for the full master's (MPH) programme only.
  • Other scholarships and discounts available, including:
    • 10% discount for University of Liverpool alumni
    • 5% discount for up-front full tuition fee payment
    • Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship

Teaching and Assessment

The learning, teaching, and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment. Teaching methods include:

• Innovative lecturecasts
• Comprehensive eLibrary
• Forums for discussion with peers
• Support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team Assessments are based on work carried out in the virtual classroom and may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations.

Career Prospects

This programme is designed with the professional development needs in mind of a wide range of health practitioners. Graduates will be equipped with the expertise to put public health principles into effect in a variety of settings, including research, practice, and policy. This could open senior roles in public health research and practice within a range of sectors, such as health organisations, governmental organisations, charities, and NGOs.

About the University

The Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and has a world-leading status for excellence in research and education. The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. By studying online with Liverpool, students can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university while continuing to work in their current role.