Course Overview
| Level of study: |
Postgraduate degree |
| Tuition Fees |
Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: |
- A second-class honours degree, or equivalent.
- Applicants with a health-related first degree are preferred, however those with a non-health related degree background can apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate one-year’s relevant experience in areas such as a public health/health promotion or community development role.
|
| English language requirements: |
- IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score (in the four bands of listening, speaking, reading, and writing) below 5.5.
- GCSE English Grade C/4 or equivalent
Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.
|
| Mode of study: |
Full-time |
| Duration: |
1 year |
| Assessment method: |
Coursework only (may include class tests) |
| Student finance: |
Available |
| Locations: |
London
Birmingham
Manchester
|
| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: |
Next application deadline
|
About this course
Do you want to explore the impact of policy on health and wellbeing and health inequalities?
Do you want an opportunity to gain valuable experience through a public health work placement?
In December 2022, adverts for healthcare jobs were the most common across the UK (Office for National Statistics, 2023), highlighting the demand in this sector.
This MSc Health Promotion and Public Health programme will give you the necessary key skills and experience needed to successfully flourish within a public health/healthcare related role.
On this programme you will learn about the theories and philosophies that underpin health and wellbeing, and explore the role and impact of local, national, and international public health programmes. You will explore and apply key concepts in epidemiology, health economics, and other forms of evidence for the promotion and improvement of the health and wellbeing of selected populations.
You will also benefit from a work-based learning component, where you will link theory to practice whilst on placement at a health promotion/public health/health improvement organisation.
- Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively identify and ethically address health inequalities.
- Propose solutions to the ethical, legal, leadership and management issues in public health.
- Learn about and assess the impact of policy on health and wellbeing and health inequalities.
- Develop your information literacy skills, digital capabilities and reflective practice to address current public health issues.
This programme is ideal for anyone interested in working in the population health and health promotion field, whether this is within the NHS, community organisations, government or other related agencies.
| Teaching and Assessment |
| Lectures and seminars: |
12-14 hours per week |
| Independent study: |
38 hours per week |
| Assessment: |
Coursework (may include class tests) |
Careers and postgraduate opportunities
Developing skills that are industry-focused and transferrable, you will be the ideal candidate for jobs in a variety of fields and sectors. Whether you’re interested in working within the NHS, community organisations, government, or any other health related agencies, this public health programme is ideal for you.
Gain skills in:
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Data Analysis
- Epidemiology
- Health Promotion
- Management
- Project Planning
| Competitive job roles this programme might open up for you: |
| Public Health Officer |
Global Health Specialist |
| Epidemiologist |
Healthcare Consultant |
| Environmental Health Specialist |
Research Analyst |
Blended Learning
Please note this option is available for UK/Home students only.
Our aim is to equip you with the crucial skills necessary to enhance your employability and ready you for the next steps in your professional journey. With blended working becoming a permanent aspect of many organisations worldwide, the experience you gain from our blended learning model will help you build confidence and succeed in the digital workplace.
· On-Campus Engagement: You will have scheduled sessions delivered face-to-face on campus, fostering relationships and connecting with your fellow students.
· Interactive Online Learning: Timetabled live online sessions will provide opportunities for participation and questions during the class.
· Accessible Support Services: You can access support services remotely, and your campus is open for you to book facilities and services in person, whether on your scheduled days on campus or at times that suit you.
Our blended approach combines the benefits of both live online and in-person learning experiences. Generally, your blended timetable will follow one of the formats outlined below:
· Daytime Students: As a daytime student, you will be on campus with face-to-face teaching 50% of the time, and have the other 50% of teaching through online sessions.
· Evening and Weekend Students: As an evening/weekend student, you will be taught face-to-face during the week and have an online session either on a Saturday or Sunday.
Please note: Blended learning is available only to UK/Home students, and the specific blended timetable will be determined by the scheduling team.
Evening and Weekend Study
This option provides the same level of student support as our other programs and allows you to effectively balance your full-time studies with your personal commitments.
Modules
May 2026 intake
All modules are core and 30 credits unless specified.
Principles, Skills and Information Systems for Health Promotion and Public Health
This module provides the basis for the study of health promotion and public health practice, and will enable you to develop an appreciation of the role of theories, approaches and models in informing health promotion and public health practice.
- Explore the influence of regional, national and global social determinants on the health and well-being of populations and health inequalities.
- Learn the key skills and standards required for public health practice.
- Discover how public health surveillance and information systems are used to identify the need for interventions and measuring their effects.
Advanced Methods in Research and Development in Health and Social Care
The aim of this module is to equip you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the methodological and philosophical issues related to research, service evaluation and project development initiatives within health and social care.
Students are required to write identified research question relevant to either research, service evaluation or a project development initiative.
- Develop your theoretical and scientific knowledge along with your problem-solving skills and learn how to apply them.
- Explore different methods and models, identifying the strengths and weaknesses in each.
Epidemiology and Policy for Public Health
This module will teach you how to use demographic statistics and epidemiological data and analysis to improve the health of the public. You will use your information literacy skills, digital capabilities, epidemiological analysis and sound evidence to plan and implement public health interventions at population levels.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of how epidemiologic data and analysis is used when addressing public health issues.
- Acquire the skills to respond to policy consultations and construct a policy brief.
- Effectively assess the impact of policies on health and inequalities.
Project Planning and Public Health Practice
Project and programme planning are integral parts of public health. Health practitioners need to assess the health and well-being needs of individuals and communities, whilst having the knowledge and skills to plan and deliver successful and effective health improvement interventions from inception to closure.
In this module you will gain an insight into working in a public health setting, providing you the opportunity to observe and understand the skills needed to work within this field.
- Develop the knowledge and skills to be able to plan and manage a multi-stakeholder public health focused project.
- Understand the importance of using evidence when identifying and designing public health interventions.
- Link theory to practice through work-based learning.
MSc Project (60 credits)
This module aims to enable you to develop an in depth understanding and obtain practical experience of the research process and skills required to undertake and write up an enquiry-based project on a specific public health issue.
- Bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have learnt from your previous modules in the form of a final project.
- Develop your confidence in taking an evidence-based approach to your professional practice.
September 2026 intake
All modules are core and 20 credits unless specified.
Principles of Health Promotion and Public Health
Public Health: Research and Epidemiology
This module develops your knowledge and skills in public health and behavioural research, with a particular focus on epidemiology. You will learn how to understand, interpret, and apply research evidence to improve health outcomes at a population level.
The module also explores the key principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, helping you interpret public health data and identify patterns and trends in health outcomes.
You will examine a range of epidemiological study designs and critically assess their strengths, limitations, and relevance to public health practice.
- Appraise the key principles of epidemiology and biostatistics to interpret public health data and identify trends in population health.
- Apply qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies in public health and health promotion research.
- Interpret ethical governance principles in public health research, demonstrating an understanding of ethical considerations in the design, implementation, and dissemination of health research.
Leadership and Management in Public Health Practice
As public health continues to evolve and respond to emerging health challenges, practitioners require the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead and manage teams effectively.
This module explores key public health competency frameworks and develops the analytical, strategic, and professional skills needed for leadership.
The module places strong emphasis on ethical decision-making, crisis management, values-based leadership, and capacity building within public health practice. Through work-based learning, you will have the opportunity to link theory to real-world practice through placements or visits, including a ten-hour placement visit/webinar with a public health practitioner to observe and explore the role in practice.
- Critically appraise the principles of leadership and management applied to public health practice.
- Critically reflect on the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles required for a public health practitioner.
- Critically analyse project and management skills in public health, including service provision, risk management, and sustainability initiatives.
- Create collaborative strategies and partnerships that foster values-driven leadership and healthful cultures within diverse public health contexts.
Person-centred Health Promotion and Public Health Across the Life Course
This module provides the knowledge and skills to promote health and wellbeing across every stage of life. It takes a holistic, person-centred approach, recognising that health and wellbeing are shaped by individual experiences, social circumstances, and life transitions.
You will explore health across the life course and examine how factors such as health inequalities, trauma, and social determinants influence health outcomes.
The module also focuses on promoting health literacy, empowering individuals to access, understand, and use health information to support shared decision-making and active participation in their own care.
- Critically apply life course theories and models to improve health and wellbeing.
- Critically evaluate the impact of health literacy, health inequalities, and trauma on health and wellbeing across the life course, alongside strategies to mitigate these.
- Analyse person-centred approaches to health promotion to manage life transitions and overcome barriers to health.
- Appraise the effectiveness of tailored and respectful care across the life course to improve health and wellbeing.
Health Inequalities and Community Action
This module develops your skills in critically evaluating the impact of health inequalities and creating community-based strategies to address them.
Building on person-centred and life course approaches, the module focuses on community engagement and partnership working. You will learn how to collaborate with multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral teams to address the wider determinants of health and support sustainable change.
The module also explores the role of policy, including global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, in relation to community action and tackling deprivation. By the end of the module, you will have developed practical skills in assessing community health needs, planning interventions, and leading initiatives alongside communities and key stakeholders.
- Critically determine the role and value of human rights and equality within community health.
- Critically contrast evidence-based strategies to address health inequalities and identify health needs in community settings.
- Critically analyse approaches to identify, address, and mitigate health risks within community contexts.
- Appraise and develop effective project implementation approaches to address health needs and priorities in at-risk or seldom-heard communities.
Global Health and Policy Development
Research Skills in Health Promotion and Public Health Dissertation (60 credits)
This module provides the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality research in public health and health promotion. You will learn how to plan and design research projects, critically review literature, address ethical considerations, and present findings effectively.
The module covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the use of relevant software tools for data analysis. You will also apply these skills through a dissertation, which may involve systematic reviews, research proposals, intervention evaluations, or secondary data analysis.
By the end of the module, you will be able to produce evidence-based research that informs public health policy and interventions, supporting improvements in health outcomes at individual, community, and population levels.
- Complete a comprehensive literature review identifying gaps in current public health knowledge in your chosen topic area.
- Evaluate relevant research designs and methodologies and create a structured research plan that complies with ethical standards and governance in public health research.
- Apply qualitative or quantitative data analysis techniques using relevant software tools and interpret findings within your chosen public health research area.
- Write and defend a dissertation, including evidence-based recommendations for public health policy and practice, tailored to an academic publication.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2026/27. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Academic requirements
A second-class honours degree, or equivalent.
Applicants with a health-related first degree are preferred such as:
- Pharmacology
- Health and Social Care
- Nutrition/Food science
- Dentistry
- Physical Therapy/physio therapy/occupational therapy
- Physiology
- Social work
- Communication
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Occupational health
- Environmental health
Non-standard entry
Applicants with a health-related first degree are preferred, however those with a non-health related degree background can apply and will be considered if they can demonstrate one-year’s relevant experience in areas such as a public health/health promotion or community development role.
This may include the following experience in a CV or statement of purpose:
- Working within a health education, health promotion, community development, health and social care, or a public health role at policy, community, family or individual levels.
- Working within a community or charity setting or within a broader setting with a focus on health improvement. E.g in sanitation, vaccinations, addictions, social development and/or community-based approaches to engage and support at risk populations.
Please contact us and our team will be happy to discuss your options.Â
For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.
English language requirements
- IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score (in the four bands of listening, speaking, reading, and writing) below 5.5.
- GCSE grade 4/C, or equivalentÂ
We accept other English language tests too, click here to find out more.Â
Tuition fees for 2025/26
- UK/Home students: £8,250
International students:
- London: £15,450
- Birmingham: £13,800
- Manchester: £13,800
Tuition fees for 2026/27
- UK/Home students: £8,500
International students:
- London: £16,200
- Birmingham: £14,550
- Manchester: £14,550
What does my tuition pay for?
- Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our branch campus pages
- Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
- Students Activities Association (SAA) – who organise events on campus, discounted sightseeing trips and help students create and run societies
Additional costs
Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation etc. As an Ulster University Branch Campus student you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.
The modules you will study may require you to purchase additional course textbooks and you should be prepared to buy some additional texts, we recommend allowing an additional £180 per year for the duration of your course.
Student Finance
Students from the UK may be able to receive financial support from the Government to help fund your studies, subject to your eligibility. You can learn more about Student Finance and check your eligibility on the Student Finance website.
Information for international students
Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information on this can be found on our Finance page.
Scholarships and discounts
To support you in financing your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and fee discounts for self-funding students that you may be eligible for.
Need more help?Â
For more information on tuition fees, student finance, and payments, please visit our Finance page.
How to find out more
To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
How to apply
UK and International students can apply directly to study the MSc Health Promotion and Public Health via our online application form below.
APPLY FOR MAY 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
Face-to-Face Study:
With this study option, your classes will be in-person and on-campus on your timetabled days.
APPLY FOR SEPTEMBER 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
Face-to-Face Study:
With this study option, your classes will be in-person and on-campus on your timetabled days.
Information for disabled applicants
At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
If you’re not sure or have any questions about studying with us, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.
