Master of Public Health (MPH) | PGDip | PGCert – Online Course
Equip yourself with the key expertise required to address public health concerns on a national and international level.
Our MPH offers a global multidisciplinary public health approach. You will work in small groups with your peers to discuss public health issues and engage in collaborative activities. Our international faculty and students bring a breadth of perspectives to our classroom which provides you with unique insight into public health best practices across the world.
Through the programme, you will explore key topics within public health such as principles and practice within a global context, as well as methodologies and approaches from an ethical, social and economic standpoint. You will learn to critically appraise the complexities of health and social systems from different stakeholder perspectives and evaluate options for strategy development and programme interventions.
You can elect to study specialist modules to advance specific expertise in public health, such as managing crises and disasters, programme and policy challenges in low-income countries, and health economics. The modules you choose could enable you to pursue our specialist pathways in Global Mental Health, International Public Health or Management of Health Systems.
Download a prospectus for more details on this programme.
What will I study?
This programme consists of the following modules. You are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Master of Public Health (MPH), 120 credits to achieve the postgraduate diploma (PGDip) and 65 credits to achieve the postgraduate certificate (PGCert).
Students can additionally choose to take specialist pathways through the programme, which are Global Mental Health, International Public Health or Management of Health Systems. Students on these pathways must select specific modules (details below) and choose a dissertation topic reflective of their specialist pathway.
| Modules | MPH | PGDip | PGCert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practising and Promoting Public Health in a Global Context (15 credits) | x | x | x |
| Generating and Evaluating Public Health Evidence (20 credits) | x | x | x |
| Integrated Research in Public Health: Epidemiology and Qualitative Methods (20 credits) | x | x | x |
| Leading and Managing Health Systems (10 credits) | x | x | x |
| Monitoring and Evaluation of Systems and Programmes (10 credits) | x | x | |
| Optional modules (choose two from): Health Protection: Preventing and Managing Communicable Diseases (10 credits) Managing Crises and Disasters (10 credits) Programme and Policy Challenges in Low Income Countries (10 credits) ‡ Health, Economics and Governance (10 credits) § Global Mental Health: Contemporary Issues (10 credits) Ω Global Mental Health Practice & Research (10 credits) Ω | x | x | |
| Core research methods module (choose one from): Applied Epidemiological Research for Public Health; or (15 credits) Applied Qualitative Research for Public Health (15 credits) | x | x | |
| Health Inequalities: Integrating Public Health Practice (10 credits) | x | x | |
| Dissertation (60 credits) | x |
Guidance for those studying a pathway
‡ This module must be taken for the International Public Health pathway. § This module must be taken for the Management of Health Systems pathway. You will then pick one optional module – either Health Protection: Preventing and Managing Communicable Diseases, Global Mental Health: Contemporary Issues, or Managing Crises and Disasters. Ω These two modules must be taken for the Global Mental Health pathway. The Global Mental Health: Contemporary Issues module must be taken before Global Mental Health Practice & Research.
For more information on the modules, including syllabus and learning outcomes, please download our programme booklet.
All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you want to discuss your previous qualifications and experience before applying, please contact us now via LiveChat.
Applicants should possess either◊:
- A master’s or bachelor’s in medicine, equivalent to a UK degree, coupled with at least one year experience in a public health related field; or
- A minimum of a 2:2 class degree in a public health related discipline, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, coupled with two years’ professional experience in a public health related field; or
- A minimum of a 2:2 class degree in a non-public health related discipline, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, coupled with two years’ professional experience in a public health related field.
- Applicants without a degree may be considered on the basis of holding a significant amount of public health work experience (assessed by the Programme Director)
Applicants should also have:
- A minimum GCSE grade C or equivalent in English language and mathematics.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 (overall) and 7.0 (reading and writing).
If you don’t have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.
Fees for the academic year 2024/25
MPH: £16,868
PGDip: £11,246
PGCert: £5,623
These fees* are fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits.
Executive scholarship
An Executive Scholarship of 15%** is available for our January 2025 intake. Contact our admissions team for more information.
Other scholarships and discounts
You may be able to benefit from the following scholarships and discounts:
- Regional Scholarships of up to 20%. To find out the scholarship offered in your region, please make an enquiry now.
- 20% UK Scholarship available on the January 2025 intake of all master’s awards, for students residing in the United Kingdom.
- 10% discount for University of Liverpool alumni
- 5% discount for up-front full tuition fee payment
Further support
We aim to make it as easy as possible for you to cover the costs of your studies. You could benefit from:
- Simple monthly payment plan provided to spread the cost over the duration of study
- Students living in England may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover some of the programme cost.
Please speak to our admissions team for more details of fees, scholarships, discounts and support.
*All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed.
**Please note that the Executive Scholarship can only be used with the Up-Front Payment Discount.
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.
Teaching methods
Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes:
- innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content
- a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals
- forums for you to discuss programme content with peers
- support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team
Assessments
Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting.
We are committed to:
- providing frequent and transparent feedback
- ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear
- making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform
- delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules
- ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours
- providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues
Online learning experience
We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform.
Typically, your learning experience will include the following:
- directed learning – including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours
- self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding
- assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment
On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per module, per week.
Study duration
Our master’s award has an approximate study duration of 30 months, studied online and part-time. Our PG Diploma award has an approximate duration of 20 months and our PG Certificate has an approximate duration of 10 months.
Please note, that the actual study duration may be longer depending on study options chosen, speed of study, and module availability.
Students pursue the programme in a linear fashion, which is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules, and a three-week break for the Christmas period. You will receive an indicative module timetable during the enrolment process.
On successful completion of your degree, and payment of any outstanding tuition fees, you will receive an invite to attend an in-person graduation ceremony in the vibrant city of Liverpool
Academic staff
We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.
They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.
All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool.
Quality and assurance
As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards.
The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.
Apply for this course by completing a simple online form.
In order to apply, you will need to provide copies of the following supporting documentation:
- School or college transcripts/certificates
- University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
- Degree certificates
- Evidence of English language proficiency (EU and international applications only)
- Personal statement
- An up-to-date CV
Acknowledgement of your application
The admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application and will pass it to the Department Head and/or appropriate academic department(s) for consideration.
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform the University so that you receive appropriate support.
Deadlines
We have regular start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if they have special requirements.
This programme has been designed with the professional development needs in mind of a wide range of health practitioners – from those interested in improving the health and well-being within communities, to individuals working for NGOs in developing countries, or in developed countries – to help them progress to the next stage of their career ladder.
You will be equipped with the expertise to put public health principles into effect in a variety of settings including research, practice and policy. This could open up senior roles for you in public health research and practice within a range of sectors, such as health organisations, governmental organisations, charities and NGOs.
Our students work for a range of national and international organisations including Action Against Hunger, International Rescue Committee, Medecins Sans Frontiers, Partners in Health and UNICEF. For further details, view our class profile.
The Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and has a world-leading status for excellence in research and education. Our activities are underpinned by the social model of health and its application to health inequalities, and to health and social care systems. We inspire people to learn and achieve – and do things that they never thought possible. The latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 rated 97% of our research as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), making us joint 3rd in the UK. 100% of our impact and environment is world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
By studying online with Liverpool, you can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university and a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.
The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.
Study Online with the University of Liverpool
Yasmina Fadlallah – Master of Public Health (MPH) Student
Why did you decide to study online with the University of Liverpool?
I selected the University of Liverpool for several reasons. Something that stood out was the university’s prestigious reputation and outstanding history in public health education. Additionally, the University of Liverpool has long-standing connections with a diverse range of organisations, providing an invaluable opportunity for me to engage with innovative public health research and practice.
Read Yasmina’s full testimonial
Winston Wangwe – Master of Public Health (MPH) Student
What has inspired you most during your studies?
I was inspired by the quality and structure of the module lessons, the availability and dedication of my tutors, and my interactions with, and narratives of, my fellow students from all over the world. I had classmates from different countries, of varying ages, who had come to pursue the MPH from different starting points in life. I found their life experiences quite inspiring. I also had tutors who have achieved a great deal in the world of health policy, health finance, and research, and I am inspired to one day be like them.
