Master of Public Health (MPH)

Program Overview

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Master of Public Health (MPH)

Overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a flexible online degree that can be tailored to fit around full-time work. It is designed to prepare students for success in a broad range of public health and academic careers.

Key Info

• Learning mode: Online
• Study level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
• Credits: 180
• Typical duration: 24 months
• Start month: September or January
• Indicative cost: £16,580

Curriculum

The Curriculum for this online MPH has been validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).

Compulsory Courses

• Epidemiology (15 credits)
• Applied Statistics (15 credits)
• Health Economics (15 credits)
• Public Health in Action (15 credits)

Optional Courses

• Designing Real-World Trials (15 credits)
• Evidence-Based Health (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Research Design (15 credits)
• Key Concepts in Global Health (15 credits)
• Qualitative Health Research (15 credits)
• Women’s Health in a Global Setting (15 credits)
• Challenges in Global Nutrition (15 credits)
• Health Care Systems and Policy (15 credits)
• Health Informatics (15 credits)
• Nutrition and Health Through the Life Stages (15 credits)
• Sustainable Diets and Global Food Systems (15 credits)
• Understanding and Applying Regression Models (15 credits)

Final 60 Credits

• 60-credit research project
• 30-credit case study and a 30-credit work-based placement
• 30-credit case study or work-based placement plus two optional 15-credit courses
• Four 15-credit optional courses

How You’ll Study

Online Learning

• Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone, and laptop, 24 hours a day.
• Your online learning experience will be enriched by interaction with other students from varied clinical, non-clinical, professional, and cultural backgrounds from around the world.

Your Tutors

• This online MPH is delivered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
• You’ll learn from renowned academic researchers and public health practitioners.

Assessments

• You’ll be assessed entirely online.
• We use a range of online assessment methods throughout your degree, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer tests, numerical exercises, essays, reports, posters, oral presentations, and peer review.

Study Hours

• Hours for taught courses: 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete 15 credits, 300 hours for 30 credits.
• You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials.
• MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.

Support

• Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies.
• You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email.
• You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.

Fees and Funding

• Master of Public Health: 180 credits, £16,580
• This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
• The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.

Entry Requirements

• For entry, you will usually have a health-related honours degree (a 2:2 or at least 60%) or be able to demonstrate evidence of equivalent experience in healthcare practice or research.
• You can also apply if you have an honours degree (2:2 or at least 60%) in science, social science, or a humanities subject and you’re interested in a public health-related career.

How to Apply

• You apply through our online Applicant Portal.
• There is no application fee for our online degrees.
• You will need to upload relevant qualifications and documents.

International Students

• We welcome students from all over the world.
• See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.
• You do not need a student visa to study online with us.

IT Requirements

• You will need access to a computer (PC, laptop, or Mac) with an up-to-date operating system.
• Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
• You will need reliable internet access.
• We recommend a wired connection and a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.

English Language Requirements

• Teaching is delivered in English.
• If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• An online Master of Public Health (MPH) program offered by the University of Aberdeen.
• Aims to provide a broad foundation in public health knowledge and essential research skills.
• Enables graduates to pursue careers in public health, academia, independent research, or to progress to a PhD.
• Program covers key topics for professional accreditation in public health, tailored to individual career goals through optional elective courses.
• Designed for part-time study with online access and flexibility to fit around full-time work.
• Open to students from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to medicine, nursing, political science, engineering, healthcare management, social work, and nutrition.

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Outline:

• Structure: Online, part-time, flexible
• Study Options:
• Full online MPH (180 credits)
• Individual short courses (15 credits each) that contribute towards the full MPH
• Combinations of full MPH program and short courses
• Credits Required: 180 credits
• Duration: Minimum 24 months for full MPH; individual course durations vary
• Credits Breakdown:
• Compulsory Courses (45 credits):
Public Health in Action, Applied Statistics, Epidemiology
• Optional Courses (75 credits):
5 courses chosen from an extensive list (see detailed descriptions below)
• Final 60 Credits:
Choose from: research project (60 credits), 30-credit work-based placement and 30-credit case study, 4 additional 15-credit optional courses

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Optional Short Courses and Descriptions:

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> Challenges in Global Nutrition: Focuses on nutrition challenges faced around the globe.

(15 credits, January start)

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> Designing Real-World Trials: Develops skills to design and implement randomized controlled trials.

(15 credits, September start)

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> Evidence-Based Health: Covers skills to extract, assess, and apply health research evidence.

(15 credits, September start)

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> Fundamentals of Research Design: Offers foundational skills in health-related research.

(15 credits, September start)

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> Health Economics: Enhances skills for health professionals and researchers on economic aspects within healthcare.

(15 credits, January start)

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> Health informatics: Explores managing Big Data in healthcare and its application to improve health and well-being.

(15 credits, January start)

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> Key Concepts in Global Health: Introduces essential concepts within the field.

(15 credits, September start)

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> Nutrition and Health Through the Life Stages: Studies the relationship between diet, human development, health, and diseases through various life stages.

(15 credits, January start)

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> Qualitative Health Research: Provides an exploratory research approach in health.

(15 credits, September start)

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> Understanding and Applying Regression Models: Equips students with advanced regression model use within a Master's-level course.

(15 credits, January start)

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> Women's Health in a Global Setting: Tackles various global women's health issues.

• Online learning materials accessible 24/7 via MyAberdeen portal.