Program Overview

Public Health (Online) MPH PG Certificate

The Public Health (Online) MPH PG Certificate program is designed to provide students with the essential skills needed for effective public health practice on a global scale. This course has been developed to offer a flexible approach to advancing expertise in public health, accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).

Course Description

This course explores key national and international public health issues from various disciplinary perspectives. Students gain a better understanding of epidemiological measures, promoting health, and research methods, along with several other module options. The program is offered entirely online, allowing flexibility to study from anywhere, but requires students to complete each module within the designated semester.

Why Sheffield?

• A fully online course that can be studied from anywhere
• Learn essential principles that underpin public health practice
• Ideal for working professionals, career changers, and international students
• Exit award available: finish with a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
• Taught by research-active public health experts

Accreditation

This curriculum has been validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). The University of Sheffield is an APHEA-accredited institution.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year. There may be changes before the start of the course. As students progress through their course, additional details for the core and optional modules available will be confirmed.

Core Modules:

• Critical Reflections in Global Health - Online
• Epidemiology Online
• Health Promotion - online
• Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal Online
• Introduction to Research Methods Online
• Systematic Approaches to Evidence Assessment Online
• Dissertation Online

Optional Modules:

• Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers Online
• Communicable Disease Control Online
• Foundations in Health Policy, Leadership and Management

Duration

• MPH: 2 years, part-time
• PG Certificate: 2 years, part-time

Teaching

All teaching takes place online, using videos, podcasts, and online lectures. The teaching combines three key elements:

• Authentic learning: Using real-world, real-life, up-to-date case studies, examples, and scenarios.
• Social learning: Learning from each other as much as from purely independent study, facilitated by multiple tools.
• Flexibility: The majority of online reading materials are heavily supplemented with videos, screencasts, internet-based materials, and interactive online tools.

Assessment

Students are assessed through coursework and online exams.

Your Career

Graduates of the Public Health online program enjoy diverse and rewarding careers in health and public health. Many have continued with PhD studies or transitioned into research and academic roles, highlighting the quality of the research-led teaching. Recent graduates excel as information analysts, senior public health managers, health promotion specialists, university researchers, and public health experts in the UK and internationally.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject or a medical degree.
• International qualifications are also considered.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £6,577 each year
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £6,577 each year

Save on Your Course Fees

Sheffield graduates could save up to £2,500 on their postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.