Public Health MSc

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Improve the lives of others by preventing and managing health problems. Make a real difference to people’s health and help them to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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Overview

This course mixes taught elements with independent projects. We support you with guidance and inspiration, and you will negotiate a final project that matches your personal interests. You will analyse the global and national policy and its practical implications and have an opportunity to study an area of healthcare in depth.

Public health covers three key domains: Health improvement, which includes monitoring specific diseases, risk factors and inequalities; Improving services, which includes audit, evaluation, service planning and efficiency; and Health protection, which includes responses to infectious diseases and environmental hazards.

Why us?

92% of students reacted positively when asked how often the teaching staff make the subject engaging. (National Student Survey 2024).
91% of students reacted positively when asked if their course developed the knowledge and skills they would need for the future. (National Student Survey 2024).
90% of students surveyed said they felt free to express their ideas, opinions and beliefs (National Student Survey 2024).

We're proud to have received the Silver award in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the 'very high quality' of our teaching and learning (TEF 2023).
We're 2nd in the UK for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025).
We are one of the world’s best young universities according to the THE Young University Rankings 2024.

Our partners, accreditations and networks

Course structure

This course can be studied full-time over one year.

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed learning and e-learning.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.

Assessment methods include coursework, projects, poster and oral presentations, timed tests and exams.

Course modules

Core Modules

Applied Public Health Practice (30 credits)

Health Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (30 credits)

The Health Research Methods module guides you through the entire research process, from identifying a question to collecting and analysing data, writing reports, and preparing for presentations and publication. It aims to inspire you about public health research and helps you develop your own project proposals. You'll learn both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a deeper focus on quantitative research in the second-term module Epidemiology and Health Measurement. A key part of the module is building your skills to critically assess and confidently evaluate existing research.

Social Determinants of Global Health and Health Systems (30 credits)

This module explores the complex factors shaping global health, focusing on how larger social processes—like climate change, globalisation, and corporate influence—affect public health. Sociology helps us understand why health inequalities exist by examining both the social structures and individual behaviours involved. Its methods are crucial for studying health at a population level, shedding light on the root causes and ongoing processes that sustain these inequalities.

Dissertation (60 credits)

Building on the Applied Research Methods and Project Management module, this module helps you develop your research skills through a dissertation project. The project will be practical, relevant to your current role (if applicable), and aligned with your career goals. You’ll focus on research directly impacting healthcare practice or public health policy, emphasising its relevance and practical application. You must justify your project’s usefulness, ethical considerations, and design methodology.

Optional modules (choose one):

Epidemiology and Health Measurement (30 credits)

By tracing the history of epidemiology, from Jon Snow’s cholera investigations in Victorian London to modern methods used in public health research and practice. You will gain a strong understanding of different study designs, including how to implement and evaluate screening tests, and learn about key types of economic evaluation. You'll also focuses on effectively using health data from both routine and non-routine sources, with specific sessions on communicable diseases, life-course, and social epidemiology.

Leadership and Management in Health (30 credits)

This module introduces you to key management and leadership theories in healthcare. You’ll explore how leadership shapes culture and drives high-quality, safe, and compassionate care. Key topics include the differences between leadership and management roles, managing change and innovation, and the importance of building effective relationships. You’ll also look at leadership traits, cultural intelligence, coaching, mentoring, talent management, and decision-making strategies. The module covers ethical management, globalisation, and leading equality and diversity in healthcare organisations.

Entry requirements

To study this course, you need:

2:2 honours degree; or
Equivalent professional qualifications
We require an undergraduate degree with a classification of 2:2 or above, in a health-related subject such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy or Dentistry. We will also consider a degree in one of the following areas alongside work experience: Microbiology, Chemistry, Veterinary Science, Social Work, Psychology, Botanical Sciences and Agriculture.

The work experience must be in a healthcare role and can include health promotion, and public health advice. You must upload your CV and include your personal statement as part of your application. You must meet the minimum English language requirements to join the course:

6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (IELTS)

We accept a range of English language tests and qualifications for students from all over the world. View the full list here.

Fees and finance

2025/26 fees

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,000 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£17,900 if you are an international student

For more information on fees and funding, visit our Scholarships pages.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

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Contact

Contact Student Recruitment for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland in London:

020 7531 7333

recruitment-london@sunderland.ac.uk

Read the full programme specification for information about our Health and Social Care courses.

Page last updated: 29 April 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.