| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc Public Health
Overview
The MSc Public Health is a postgraduate program that focuses on the social determinants of health, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of public health issues and the skills to address them.
Introduction
This course aligns with the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2016) and will equip students with the core skills needed to effectively interpret and understand key areas of health research and how this can be used to inform and drive policy.
Course Details
Attendance
- Full-time
- Part-time
Duration
- One year (full-time)
- Two/three years (part-time)
Next Enrolment
- September 2025
Modules
- Principles of Public Health
- Applying Population Health
- Evidence-Based Public Health
- Global Health Economics
- Dissertation
Teaching
- Lectures
- Case studies
- Individual and group work
- Independent learning
- Student-led presentations/discussions
- Seminars
Assessment
- Written assessments
- Examinations
- Project reports
- Oral presentations
- Research project/dissertation
Employment and Stats
What About After Uni?
Professionals who wish to develop the skills and knowledge to take a lead role in areas such as prevention, promotion, protection, and international health.
Career Links
Lecturers on the MSc Public Health have close links with a range of national and international agencies and community partnerships, mostly through research with an 'applied' focus.
Requirements
Applicant Profile
This course is suitable for you if you want to develop an understanding of public health problems and intelligently appraise the debates over contemporary public health issues.
Personal Statement
To gain a place on the MSc Public Health, you'll need to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Standard Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate degree
- We will accept an undergraduate honours degree, normally a 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject.
- An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
International Students
- We accept qualifications from all around the world.
- Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
- If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5.
- We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
Alternative Entry Requirements
- Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
- We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.
Fees
Type of Study
- Full-time home: £9,100 per year
- Full-time international: £17,000 per year
- Part-time: Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
Additional Costs
- You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
- If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
- Explore our International Scholarships.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of public health issues and debates.
- Learn about the social determinants of health.
- Develop critical skills in public health concepts and practices.
Description:
This program offers a comprehensive education in public health with a focus on social determinants of health and a global approach. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, group work, and individual research, students gain core knowledge in epidemiology, statistics, and research methods, as well as delve into critical issues like global public health inequalities and health economics. This program provides two completion options, allowing students to attain either a Postgraduate Diploma (PgCert) with less coursework, a Master’s degree with a dissertation, or both.
Unique features:
- Strong focus on social determinants of health.
- Multi-disciplinary approach.
- Global perspective on health issues.
- Collaboration with practitioners and researchers. The program is offered both full-time (one year or two years) and part-time (two or three years).
Outline
Content:
The program covers a range of public health topics including:
- Research Methods Applied to Public Health: Develop research skills and critically analyze existing evidence.
- Evidence-based Public Health: Utilize the best evidence to make decisions in areas like disease prevention and health promotion.
- Global Health Economics: Understand how economic considerations influence global healthcare.
Structure:
- Full-time students choose five modules over eight months for the PgCert, or add a dissertation for the Master's degree.
- Part-time students can complete the PgCert in eight months, the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in two years, and the Master's degree in three years.
- Five of the modules can be taken individually for continued professional development.
Module Descriptions:
- Epidemiology and Statistics for Public Health: Gain advanced knowledge in epidemiological and statistical principles.
- Research Methods Applied to Public Health: Develop research skills, analyze health data and critically assess existing research.
- Evidence-based Public Health: Understand the social determinants of health and the role of evidence-based decision making.
- Global Health Economics: Explore the role of economics in global healthcare systems and how to utilize resources effectively.
- Dissertation: Conduct research on a chosen public health topic, applying research methods and critical thinking.
- Optional modules:
- 21st Century Global Public Health Challenges: Gain awareness of global health challenges and approaches to improve health.
- Public Health within Allied Health Professions: Integrate public health concepts into allied health professional roles.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Essays and written assessments.
- Exams and quizzes.
- Project reports and case studies.
- Oral presentations and group work.
- Dissertation for Master's students.
Grading:
The University uses a standard grading system with the following categories: 50-64 (pass), 65-69 (merit), and 70 and above (distinction).
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes diverse teaching strategies including:
- Lectures for knowledge dissemination.
- Case studies and real-world examples for practical application.
- Individual and group assignments to foster problem-solving and teamwork.
- Student-led presentations and discussions to encourage active participation.
- Seminars for interactive learning.
Faculty:
The faculty consists of experienced academics and public health professionals with expertise in various fields, including:
- Public Health Policy and Practice.
- Health Economics.
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
- Global Health.
Teaching Hours:
Full-time students attend approximately 10.5 hours of teaching per week, spread across two days.
Virtual Learning Environment:
Students have access to Blackboard, an online platform with resources, discussion forums, and wikis.
Careers
Potential Careers:
Graduates can pursue careers in various public health fields such as:
- Local and National Government Health Departments.
- Health Policy Development and Advocacy.
- Public Health Research and Academia.
- International Health Organizations and NGOs.
Career Support:
The program provides support for career development, including:
- Career guidance and advice.
- CV writing workshops.
- Job application support.
- Program Leader: Dr Alex Clarke-Cornwell and Dr Anna Cooper-Ryan.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health.
- The School of Health and Society offers research opportunities and partnerships with various national and international agencies.
Full-time home 2024/25 £8,820.00per year Full-time international 2024/25 £16,380.00per year Part-time 2024/25 Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. Full-time home 2025/26 £9,100.00per year Full-time international 2025/26 £17,000.00per year Part-time 2025/26 Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements
Standard Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate degree: An undergraduate honours degree, normally a 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject. An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
- International Students: Qualifications from around the world are accepted.
Alternative Entry Requirements
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): The University welcomes applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. The APL process could help you to make your work and life experience count. It can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course. Two forms of APL may be used for entry:
- Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)
- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
Language Proficiency Requirements
For international students who are not from a majority English-speaking country:
- IELTS: 6.5 with no element below 6.0.
- Other English language qualifications: The University accepts a range of other English language qualifications.
Additional Notes
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a personal statement (up to 750 words) outlining their motivation, past experience (both academic and non-academic), main interests around public health, future career goals, and reasons for choosing the MSc Public Health program at the University of Salford.
- Applicants should also provide an academic/work-related CV and two references (at least one academic reference and one academic or work-related reference) on letterhead paper, signed and dated.
Conclusion
The University of Salford's MSc Public Health program has specific entry requirements for both domestic and international students. These requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary academic background, qualifications, and language skills to succeed in the program.
