The Top Ten Universities for a Master’s in Public Health in the United Kingdom

There are two public health degrees in the United Kingdom: one at the bachelor’s level and one at the master’s level.

The bachelor’s degree, which takes three years to complete, is available from various universities, including some medical and nursing schools.

Public health master’s degrees, however, are only available from specific schools with an established public health program, such as the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

The main difference between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public health is that students receive more advanced education in their chosen specialty during the course of their master’s degree.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of two universities that were established before English universities received their Royal Charters.

The university was founded back in 1209, making it one of three historical colleges to offer studies within both medicine and health sciences.

Students can take up either an MSc in Epidemiology or MSc Global Health. Both programs include training on public health interventions that address both local and international issues.

The latter program will be co-lead by faculty at Harvard School of Public Health, and as part of their coursework students will also complete an international research project addressing global health challenges; there are study-abroad opportunities available as well as internships with organizations such as UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières).

Oxford University

Oxford University

With eight campuses around Oxford and with some of Britain’s finest minds teaching, Brookes University might just be your ticket to getting a master’s degree in public health.

Here, you will join other highly motivated learners who are driven by an interest in improving public health at home and abroad.

A number of institutes support you throughout your studies and even after graduation as you seek out rewarding opportunities that can help shape your future. One such institute is The Oxford Institute of Population Ageing (OIPA).

OIPA is unique because it is one of only three national centres devoted to research on ageing populations, not just within England but worldwide.

Imperial College London

Imperial College London

A world leader in public health, Imperial offers two degree programs: an MSc with options in Epidemiology or International Health, and an MSc that includes research on a topic of relevance to public health. Both programs are completed over one year and taught by faculty members who are leading experts at both national and international levels.

Applicants must have already completed their undergraduate degree before they begin studies. The entry threshold is higher than other universities—students need to obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.1 (on 4 scale) or equivalent qualifications to be considered. In addition, applicants need to take part in an interview process.

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

As one of Britain’s most prestigious public health institutions, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is dedicated to promoting healthy living and reducing health inequalities across England, Wales and internationally. To do so, they offer an impressive range of accredited postgraduate courses that students can complete either full or part time over four to five years.

For example, some graduates choose to study a course with an international focus at LSHTM while others join as clinicians with specific expertise (such as in mental health).

Furthermore, there are several research-based masters programs such as Doctor of Philosophy and Master’s by Research that students can apply for once they have completed their undergraduate degree.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University

The Manchester School of Healthcare Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University is ranked among the UK’s top five universities in public health, as well as being one of its best rated schools of nursing and midwifery. The school provides high-quality programmes that are industry relevant, innovative and research based.

The university ranks highly for social inclusion and has an excellent reputation for employability, providing graduates with opportunities to work internationally or within academia. If you want to study public health without moving far from home or need a part time course then Manchester is an ideal choice.

University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is home to one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious schools of public health.

The school provides courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. If you’re looking to continue your studies beyond an undergraduate degree in public health, then their master’s degrees may be right up your alley.

There are two main options available: an MSc with Career Development and Promotion (CDPM), or a more research-focused MPhil. Each offers free tuition, which means that it may be one of your cheapest options on our list! It’s also worth noting that graduates from Nottingham will find themselves well placed to continue onto PhD programs at other universities in Britain and beyond.

Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

In what has been described as one of Britain’s most beautiful campuses, Royal Holloway, University of London is not only easy on your eyes but also on your wallet. It is ranked first for affordable tuition and second overall.

Here, you can choose from any number of undergraduate degrees ranging from math to gender studies.

With an outstanding MBA program and two master’s programs (one in business management, another in public health), Royal Holloway gives students an impressive amount of options to consider.

Take your pick from over 40 research groups focusing on topics like cancer treatment and design thinking or opt to join one of their many professional societies like Net Squared or Trips.

University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL)

London is Europe’s largest and most influential city, with a global influence greater than that of any other European city.

London was one of America’s first colonies and one that served as an essential gateway to trade and travel between Europe and India during much of its early history.

Today, London is home to approximately 8 million people and it remains one of Europe’s most densely populated cities.

Students who study public health at UCL can earn either a MA or MSc; options within UCL’s public health program include epidemiology, biostatistics, food policy, education policy research methods, social medicine and health inequalities.

Conclusion

In the United Kingdom, the public health field focuses on improving the health of people around the country as a whole, so it’s important to study at schools that can provide you with the information and resources to do this effectively.

Although there are plenty of universities and colleges in the UK that offer degrees in public health, these ten are among the best schools if you’re interested in pursuing an advanced degree in public health and becoming an expert in this field, too.