Public Health MSc

Program Overview

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Key information

Study mode: | 100% online
Duration: | 2 years, part timeNext start date: | 29 September 2025Application deadline: | 1 September 2025Intakes: | September 2025, January 2026, and May 2026Tuition fees: | £19,944* (funding options and instalments are available)

These tuition fees may be subject to increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

• Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. You can find further information on the King's Goods and Services tax page.

Course overview

Does your desire to make a difference draw you towards a career in public health? Do you believe in saving lives, improving healthcare solutions, and eradicating health inequalities?

Whatever is making you consider this online MSc in Public Health, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the theories behind public health practice. You’ll also learn how to apply them to real-world public health situations.

Best of all, you can tailor your studies to suit your chosen specialism. Our course offers three pathways: Public Health, Global Health, or Mental Health.

Your studies will give you deeper insights into the wider determinants of health and health inequalities. For example, these include social, economic and environmental influences on health.

We'll discuss how to measure and assess population health. We'll also cover how to monitor health needs and look at how research can inform public health strategies.

Finally, we'll explore the broader healthcare landscape. This includes stakeholders, organisations, and health professionals.

Equipped with this holistic knowledge and global vision, you’ll be positioned to meet the ever-increasing demand for effective changemakers and leaders in healthcare.

Why choose this online MSc?

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Explore key industry topics

These include political, ethical, and legal dimensions. Examine the emerging technologies and innovations impacting existing practices and policies.

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Drive positive change

Develop skills to lead efforts to address health inequalities. Improve health outcomes for local and wider populations.

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Join a prestigious university

King's is ranked 10th globally for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2023) and 12th for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World Rankings 2023).

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Select your specialism

Our MSc offers three pathways: Public Health, Global Health, and Mental Health. This means you can tailor your degree to suit your chosen interests.

Who is this course for?

• Public health professionals looking to strengthen their skills in health policy, research, and leadership.
• Healthcare practitioners aiming to broaden their impact from individual patient care to population health.
• Graduates in social sciences, medicine, or nursing who want to specialise in public health.
• Industry professionals in related sectors such as pharmaceuticals or agriculture, where public health plays a vital role in safety, policy and stakeholder engagement.
• Policymakers and consultants dedicated to developing health strategies and reducing health inequalities.

Course overview

Dr. Katrin Augustin, Programme Director for the Public Health MSc outlines its comprehensive curriculum, covering topics like epidemiology, health economics, leadership, and health protection, alongside specialised pathways in Public Health, Global Health, and Mental Health.

She also explores how the programme prepares graduates for impactful careers in public health, healthcare management, policy, and beyond, equipping them to address critical health challenges worldwide.

Read the video transcript

Hello. I'm Dr Katrin Augustin, the program director for the Public Health MSc at King's College London. This fully online Public Health MSc offers specialised pathways to tailor your studies to your career goals.

As a part time and remote course, it provides the flexibility to balance your studies alongside your professional and personal commitments. The programme covers essential topics related to public health, including health protection and health improvement and introduces you to a wide range of topics that are essential in shaping today's public health workforce and decision making such as health economics, sociology, epidemiology and biostatistics, and leadership and management.

You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices preparing you to make a meaningful impact in the field. In addition, you will gain essential knowledge in conducting public health research and evaluations through the dissertation modules where you will learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in public health and carry out your own scientific research study or health service evaluation. This is an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice within public health demonstrating your analytical skills and contributing to advancing knowledge in the field.

You can choose from three distinct pathways to specialise your MSc. There is the public health pathway in addition to the foundational public health principles including epidemiology, health protection and health improvement. This pathway provides a well rounded overview of topics relevant to public health including leadership and management, sociology, health psychology, and health economics. Public health with global health.

This pathway includes our global health module, which explores health disparities on a global scale, emphasising social determinants of health and strategies for promoting health equity worldwide. And finally, public health with mental health. This pathway examines the intersection of mental health and public health, addressing the prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental well-being.

Our programme not only offers rigorous academic training but also focuses on practical skills to enhance your employability. It is designed for professionals and graduates aiming to deepen their understanding of public health issues, improve their research skills and advance their careers in public health issues, improve their research skills and advance their careers in public health, healthcare management, policy analysis, charity, or related fields.

Whether you're looking to progress in your current role or transition into a new career path, this programme provides the expertise you need. Join us at King's College London to advance your career and make a significant impact in the world of public health.

What you'll study

You’ll leverage our world-leading academic, research, and clinical expertise to develop a critical understanding of public health. This will empower you to lead and develop evidence-based public health policy and practice. We pay particular attention to the interventions required to effectively – and efficiently – address health inequalities and improve health outcomes for local and wider populations. This includes:

• Measurement and monitoring of population health
• Health needs assessment and risk assessment
• Addressing health inequalities
• Principles and practices of disease prevention
• Health protection strategies
• Health improvement initiatives

How you'll learn

Get more information on the online student experience with King's.

Module overview

This online Public Health MSc course is comprised of 10 modules; four 15-credit core modules, two 30-credit core modules and four 15-credit optional modules (180 credits in total). All core modules on the course are compulsory and you must pass all your chosen modules to complete the award.

Core modules

You’re required to take the following six core modules:

Health and Public Health (15 credits)

This module outlines the development of public health and the underlying principles informing its practice. It explores the relationship with healthcare systems, and continuing concerns about health inequalities and access to health care at local, national, and global levels.

It examines the underpinning theories, disciplines, and ethical frameworks that inform the practice of public health involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. You’ll also discuss source of healthcare information and critical appraisal for ensuring an evidence-based approach to a fast-evolving public health landscape.

Introduction to Epidemiology and Statistics (15 credits)

The pandemic taught us the importance of reliable statistics in terms of numbers affected, vaccinated, and recovered from disease. Sources of data, information, and knowledge in relation to health will be discussed on this module, together with how statistics can summarise and communicate data.

You’ll be introduced to the disciplines of both epidemiology and statistics. The module examines how these disciplines inform our understanding of population health and affect epidemiological research designs and analysis.

Health Protection (15 credits)

This module provides a solid understanding of the key concepts, models and principles of health protection, a key domain of public health. With reference to a range of communicable diseases in low- and high-income countries, you’ll examine issues around the transmission of disease, surveillance and risk assessment, and outbreak management.

A range of strategies informing prevention and control including screening, immunisation and health acquired infections will be explored.

Health Improvement (15 credits)

Health improvement is a core function of public health. This module covers the range of tools, resources and methods informing health improvement strategies with a closer look at concerns around health inequalities.

It adopts a life course approach and draws on examples of non-communicable diseases and their impact on health and well-being at various life stages.

Evidence, Knowledge Management and Evaluation in Public Health (30 credits)

The concept of evidenced based practice is firmly embedded within the public health and healthcare landscape, yet not all evidence is good or equal. You’ll be introduced to key concepts in research theory, design, and process and critically examine their application to a public health problem at either a local, national, or global context.

Implementation science and evaluation theories and frameworks, including quality in health care, will be discussed to enable the development of robust and context relevant public health interventions.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Public Health (30 credits)

In this module, you’ll further explore qualitative and quantitative research methods, and specific study designs aligned with each methodology including methods of data collection and analysis.

The module aims to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the entire research process, how and why multiple methods are used together, and the skill around different methods of analysis.

Optional modules

You’re also required to take 60 credits of optional modules. The following modules listed below are optional and could be subject to change:

Leadership and Management in Organisations (15 credits)

You’ll explore the complex landscape of public health management, now often interdisciplinary and multi-agency. The module provides an overview of the key issues in the leadership and management of organisations.

It considers key classic and contemporary theoretical frameworks concerning leadership, management, and organisational behaviour in public health.

Sociology for Public Health (15 credits)

Health inequalities remain a central concern for global public health. The sociological approaches used to inform our understanding of these are among the subjects covered in this module.

You’ll also discuss the notion of health and illness and, more specifically, the issues around chronic illness, aging, and disability. The changing role of biomedicine, professionals, patients, and the public will also be examined.

Health Psychology for Public Health (15 credits)

The decisions that people make about health, treatment decisions, and health promotion and illness prevention can affect public health in complex ways. This includes the decisions made by patients, the public, and healthcare professionals alike.

This module introduces key theories and concepts of health psychology and behaviour change. It examines how researchers and practitioners can use health psychology theory and principles to design, conduct and evaluate interventions. Case studies will be used to demonstrate how they have improved well-known public health problems, such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, diet and physical activity.

Health Economics for Public Health (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to show how an understanding of economics can help explain the successes and failures of both markets and governments in healthcare.

It considers how key principles of economics, including the laws and determinants of demand and supply, can help improve the efficiency of health care provision. Additionally, it explores their role in enhancing equity in public health within a national and global context.

Global Health (15 credits)

There are persisting inequalities in health outcomes between countries in the Global North and the Global South. Global Health is an interdisciplinary field that analyses the causes and consequences of these disparities, as well as ways of addressing them.

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the causes and drivers of global health inequalities. You’ll learn about the roles of global health actors, including global governance institutions and humanitarian organisations, and investigate how complex global health emergencies exacerbate existing inequalities.

Public Health and Mental Health (15 credits)

This module introduces students to public mental health, adopting a population approach that examines evidence-based interventions to prevent and improve mental health and wellbeing for all.

The global burden of mental illness will be examined and the interface with wider socio-cultural determinants that may mediate and mitigate risk factors across the life course. You’ll examine the impact on health inequalities and explore its status within the global burden of disease and implementation in practice.

Pathway options

Depending on the optional modules you choose, the MSc in Public Health offers three distinct pathways, each tailored to your interests:

Public Health pathway

Choosing the optional modules in Leadership and Management in Organisations , Sociology for Public Health , Health Psychology for Public Health , and Health Economics for Public Health gives you the opportunity to graduate with an MSc in Public Health.

This pathway covers all core principles and domains that inform current public health decision making. You’ll develop the skills to leverage scientific evidence and shape and inform leading medical policies. You’ll critically examine research around health inequalities to tackle public health concerns in your own country and actively influence global health outcomes.

Public Health (Global Health) pathway

Choosing the optional modules in Leadership and Management in Organisations_ , Sociology for Public Health , Health Economics for Public Health and Global Health_ gives you the opportunity to graduate with an MSc in Public Health (Global Health).

This pathway explores health inequalities between the Global North and South. You’ll cover diverse topics including international development, global governance, health systems strengthening, conflict, migration and global health emergencies.

Public Health (Mental Health) pathway

Choosing the optional modules in Leadership and Management in Organisations_ , Health Psychology for Public Health ,Health Economics for Public Health_ and Mental Health and Public Health gives you the opportunity to graduate with an MSc in Public Health (Mental Health).

This pathway will focus on integrating mental health into public health practices and policies. You’ll critically examine the burden of mental health against wider socio-cultural determinants that may influence risk factors across a person’s life.

Hear from a graduate

"This master's degree has enhanced my reputation in the scientific community and opened new opportunities for me. I am now the Specialty Chief Editor of a scientific journal."

Stefano, Public Health MSc student

Meet your Programme Director

Dr. Katrin Augustin

Katrin joined King’s in 2019 after having worked on dietary therapies for childhood epilepsy.

Her research interests revolve around gender and health, specifically gendered notions of health needs and health service utilisation.

How you're assessed

Assessments are crafted to evaluate your knowledge, understanding, and critical awareness of course topics. They also assess your ability to analyse and apply specialist knowledge to practical situations. These assessment methods may vary between modules. They’re likely to include one or more of the following:

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Written coursework

(essays and reports)

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Individual and group presentations

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Online exams

Entry requirements

Standard requirements

A 2:1 honours degree (or above), or international equivalent, in a related subject, for example social science, nursing or medicine.

A master's degree at Merit (or above), or international equivalent, in a related subject, for example social science, nursing or medicine.

If you have a lower degree classification , or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a master's or PGDip).

Non-standard entry requirements

Applications for candidates who fall outside of the standard entry requirements are still considered and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. This includes candidates applying based on professional experience/qualifications relevant to public health.

Non-standard applications will need to be supported by degree certificates or transcripts (where relevant). You’ll also need to provide a CV, reference letter and personal statement demonstrating your motivation and preparedness to study online at master's level.

English language requirements

English language band: B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You’re usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed:

• An undergraduate degree (at least three years duration) within five years of the course start date.
• A postgraduate taught degree (at least one year) within five years of the course start date.
• A PhD in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Personal statement and supporting information

Depending on your previous qualifications, you may need to submit a personal statement and a reference letter as part of your application.

You’ll need to submit a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

You’ll need to submit your CV as part of your application to highlight your experience.

Public Health publications

Take a look at some published studies from Public Health researchers and students at King's:

Public Health pathway

• Pinho-Gomes A, Knight A, Critchley J, et al. (2020) Addressing the low consumption of fruit and vegetables in England: a cost-effectiveness analysis of public policies. J Epidemiol Community Health.
• Orlando S, Mazhari T, Abbondanzieri A, et al. (2022) Characteristics of nursing homes and early preventive measures associated with risk of infection from COVID-19 in Lazio region, Italy: a retrospective case–control study. BMJ Open.

Global Health pathway

• Arora, S. & Knight, A. (2021). Questionnaire Survey of Burnout Amongst Dentists in Singapore. International Dental Journal.
• Bright, S., Moses, F., Ridout, A. et al. (2023). Scale-up of a novel vital signs alert device to improve maternity care in Sierra Leone: a mixed methods evaluation of adoption. Reproductive Health.
• Redondo, P., Mazhari, T., & Khanolkar, A. (2025). Effectiveness of infrastructural interventions to improve access to safe drinking water in Latin America and the Caribbean on the burden of diarrhoea in children <5 years: a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis. Global Health Action, 18(1), Article .

Mental Health pathway

• Lefkowitz B, Houdmont J, Knight A. (2023). A systematic review of dentists' psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. National Library of Medicine.
• Counson I, Sanatkar S, Knight A, Lawrence D, Harvey SB. (2023). Comparing post-traumatic stress severity in professional and volunteer Australian firefighters. National Library of Medicine.

Career options in Public Health

Our MSc in Public Health equips you with knowledge and skills to lead on initiatives to maintain health and well-being on an individual, local, national, or global scale. Between there is a projected shortfall of 10 million health workers worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This master’s degree prepares you to play a vital role protecting people of all ages from health risks both now and in the future.

Working across a range of sectors and industries within the public, private or charity sector, you can focus on research, education, or practice. As a public health practitioner in roles such as health educator or manager, you’ll develop, implement, and evaluate public health policies and programmes.

Alternatively, as a public health policy analyst or consultant, you could specialise in public health intelligence and strategy. You could advise organisations, charities, thinktanks and governments about how to improve fair access to healthcare, for example, or increase take-up of vaccinations and other preventative measures. Students who have studied on the on-campus version of the course have gone on to work in the following roles:

• Healthcare Administrator
• Research Analyst
• Public Health Project Manager
• Disaster Management Manager
• Chronic Disease Management Coordinator
• Health Commissioner
• Health Unit Coordinator
• Health Promotion Educator
• Outreach Educator

Those with existing clinical qualifications have proceeded to roles including Medical Officer, Infection Disease Specialist, and as a Public Health Academic.

Program Outline

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Public Health MSc (online, part-time) - King's

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Degree Overview:

This online, part-time MSc in Public Health equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead in improving public health outcomes for individuals and populations around the world.

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The program offers two specialist pathways: Global Health and Mental Health and Public Health.

Students will explore public health challenges from various perspectives: social, economic, environmental, and ethical. The curriculum delves into:

• Measurement and monitoring of population health
• Health needs assessment and risk assessment
• Addressing health inequalities in local and global contexts
• Principles and practices of disease prevention and health promotion strategies
• Health protection strategies and implementation of health improvement initiatives
• The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and the development of critical thinking skills necessary for analyzing complex public health issues.
Students will learn to lead the creation of effective policies and practices to address health inequalities and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

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Outline:

The Public Health MSc comprises:

• Six core modules (15 credits each):
• Health and Public Health
• Introduction to Epidemiology and Statistics
• Health Protection
• Health Improvement
• Evidence, Knowledge Management and Evaluation in Public Health
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Public Health
• Four optional modules (15 credits each) chosen from:
• Leadership and Management in Organisations
• Sociology for Public Health
• Health Psychology for Public Health
• Health Economics for Public Health
• Global Health (for Global Health pathway)
• Public Health and Mental Health (for Mental Health and Public Health pathway)

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Assessment:

Assessments include:

• Written coursework (essays and reports)
• Individual and group presentations
• Online exams

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Teaching:

The program is delivered online, offering flexibility and accessibility for students worldwide. The teaching methods include:

• Interactive online modules
• Live webinars and tutorials
• Online discussion forums and collaboration tools
• Individual consultations with faculty

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for diverse career opportunities in public, private, and non-profit sectors, including:

• Healthcare Administrator
• Research Analyst
• Public Health Project Manager
• Disaster Management Manager
• Chronic Disease Management Coordinator
• Health Commissioner
• Health Unit Coordinator
• Health Promotion Educator
• Outreach Educator
• Medical Officer (for those with existing clinical qualifications)
• Infection Disease Specialist
• Public Health Academic

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Other:

• The program intake occurs in January, April, and September.
• The next start date is September 23, 2024.
• The tuition fees for the program are £18,996 per year, with potential increases in subsequent years.
• Funding options and payment plans are available.
• International students may be required to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to the tuition fees.
• Meet the Programme Director: Dr. Katrin Augustin
• Fees: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/online-programmes/public-health-msc-pth-online/fees
• Funding options: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/online-programmes/public-health-msc-pth-online/fees#funding
• FAQs: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/online-programmes/public-health-msc-pth-online/faqs