Public Health MPH



Understand what shapes health - and what public health can do

Course overview

Public health challenges increasingly cross geographical, professional and organisational boundaries. Pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, health inequalities, migration and changing patterns of disease are global phenomena, but their causes and consequences are experienced differently within particular communities and health systems.

Edinburgh Napier's Master of Public Health (MPH) takes an applied, global-to-local approach to these challenges. The programme explores the foundations and changing ideas of public health; the determinants of health and inequality; health improvement and disease prevention; globalisation; leadership; epidemiology; statistics; and research methods. You will learn to connect theory with practice, consider how public health action works in different contexts, and use evidence and data with confidence when communicating with practitioners, managers and decision-makers.

Learning is grounded in contemporary public health practice. Assessments are designed around the kinds of activities undertaken by public health professionals and leaders, including analysing policy, considering or planning interventions, critically appraising evidence, preparing briefing documents, evaluating practice, presenting ideas and developing research.

The programme is relevant to graduates seeking to enter public health, established practitioners and NHS managers seeking career development, and international professionals who want to apply public health evidence within their own settings.

nursing walking

Mode of Study:

Full-time

 (also available online)

Duration:

1 years

Start date:

Jan

Course details

This MPH is taught on campus in Edinburgh over one year, full-time. Modules are taken in a set sequence across the academic year, so that learning builds from the foundations of public health through to your independent dissertation project.

Public health begins with questions about why health is distributed unevenly, whose interests and experiences are represented, and how collective action can improve health. You will examine major concepts and theories, including social, commercial, political and environmental determinants; health inequalities; prevention and health improvement; and population and systems perspectives.

You will use these ideas to compare explanations of public health problems, examine how values and context shape priorities, and consider why interventions may work differently across populations and settings.

Modules include:

JANUARY START

Tri 2: Epidemiology for Public Health (20 credits), Research Methods (20 credits), Principles and Theory of Public Health for Health Improvement (20 credits)

Tri 3: Leadership & Collaborative Working in Public Health (20 Credits), Globalisation & Public Health (20 Credits), Dissertation (60 Credits)

Tri 1: Statistics for Public Health (20 credits), Dissertation (60 Credits)

SEPTEMBER START

Tri 1: Statistics for Public Health (20 credits), Dissertation (60 Credits)

Tri 2: Epidemiology for Public Health (20 credits), Research Methods (20 credits), Principles and Theory of Public Health for Health Improvement (20 credits)

Tri 3: Leadership & Collaborative Working in Public Health (20 Credits), Globalisation & Public Health (20 Credits), Dissertation (60 Credits) 

Lead academics:

You will be taught and supervised by academics with expertise spanning public health theory and practice, health inequalities, epidemiology, health improvement, global health, cancer and mental health, research methods, maternal and population health, complex interventions and leadership. Team members maintain professional links with public health organisations and bodies in Scotland and across the UK, alongside active international research and doctoral supervision. You will also learn from the following members of the wider programme team:

Dr Isabel Nyangu is a Programme Lead for the MPH taught route, with over 14 years’ experience as a public health leader, researcher and consultant. She has provided technical expertise in programme monitoring and evaluation, disease surveillance, and health systems strengthening across diverse global settings, with work spanning infectious diseases, digital health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Dr Martin Sharp is a Programme Lead for the online MPH. Martin is an experienced academic, lecturing in endocrinology, public health and epidemiology, with research interests spanning endocrine reactivity to social defeat, female reproductive health, and reproductive and maternal epidemiology. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reviews for high-impact endocrine and public health journals, and supervises Epidemiology PhD students globally as a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health and Royal Statistical Society.

Professor Iain Atherton is a Professor of Nursing and Data Science. He is internationally recognised for using nationally representative surveys, administrative records and linked data to investigate population health and health-service questions. His work includes health inequalities, end-of-life care, safe nurse staffing and the use of evidence to inform service planning and policy.

Dr Janyne Afseth brings expertise in healthcare leadership, health policy, public involvement, clinical governance, quality improvement and change management. Her teaching emphasises how leaders work with evidence, teams and partners to improve services within changing health systems.

Dr Karen Campbell is an Associate Professor and an internationally recognised clinical academic in cancer care. Her work encompasses person-centred cancer care, evaluation of service transformation, patient-reported outcomes, workforce safety and knowledge exchange. Through strong links with NHS Lothian and Macmillan Cancer Support, she brings applied experience of translating research into service and policy improvement.

Professor Thanos Karatzias is a Professor of Mental Health and an internationally recognised expert in psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD. His work combines global research collaboration with clinical practice and has contributed to the classification, measurement and treatment of complex PTSD.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    Each module follows a flipped classroom approach built on problem-based learning. Ahead of each in-person seminar, you will work through readings, videos, quizzes and activities on Moodle, the University's online learning platform. You then bring this preparation into the seminar, where you work through real public health problems and discuss the material together as a group.

    Teaching combines exploration of public health concepts and debates with structured learning, discussion, case studies, critical appraisal and problem-solving. You will test ideas against contemporary examples and consider how theory helps explain patterns of health, policy choices, and the success or failure of interventions.

    The programme is designed to help you connect theory with your own professional interests and setting. The diversity of the cohort creates opportunities to compare how public health problems, values and possible responses are understood across different communities and health systems.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    Assessment is designed to develop capabilities relevant to public health practitioners and leaders. Depending on the module, you may analyse policy, critique or plan an intervention, produce an editorial or briefing, review evidence, prepare a poster or presentation, or develop a research protocol. Formative activities and feedback help you develop your work before final assessment.

    Rather than relying on a single type of academic assignment, the programme asks you to communicate evidence in forms appropriate to different professional audiences and purposes.
  • library

    Facilities

     This course is taught in person at our Sighthill campus.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Dissertation Module MPH Taught/Blended ( HSC11165 )

The master’s dissertation is a cumulation of your learning and knowledge gained from undertaking the modules during your master’s journey to independently carry out a piece of research, either through conducting a literature review, analysis of secondary datasets, or writing of a substantial research proposal (that can be taken forward for doctoral study) on a topic aligned to public health and your research interests.The module content will be accessed via the Skills resources tab online via the virtual learning environment. It covers topics on how to; choose your research topic and develop an original research question, select an appropriate and feasible research design to answer your research question, develop a literature search strategy, conduct a critical appraisal of literature using standardised tools, navigate ethical and research governance issues, conduct methods of data collection/extraction, analyse and synthesise data, and write up your project.

Further information

Epidemiology for Public Health (Taught) ( HSC11180 )

This module introduces the fundamental principles and applications of epidemiology as the core science of public health. You will develop a critical understanding of measures of health and disease, study designs, and approaches to describing and analysing patterns of health in populations. The module emphasises how epidemiological evidence is generated, interpreted, and applied to public health challenges. Through exploring case examples, you will consider how epidemiology contributes to understanding risk factors, health inequalities, and the evaluation of interventions, providing a foundation for more advanced study and practice in public health.

Further information

Globalization and Public Health (Taught) ( HSC11181 )

This module introduces you to key contemporary challenges in global public health, drawing on priorities identified by the World Health Organisation and other international bodies. It aims to foster a critical understanding of the social, political, economic and environmental determinants that shape health outcomes worldwide. You will develop in-depth knowledge of pressing global health issues, while also examining how these challenges manifest at regional, national and local levels, including within Scotland and the wider UK. Through this lens, the module highlights the interconnectedness of health across borders and equips you with the analytical skills to evaluate global health problems and responses in diverse contexts.

Further information

Leadership and Collaborative Working in Public Health MPH Taught/Blended ( HSC11167 )

This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding in relation to the theories and models of leadership and management relevant to public health. You will explore theories of leadership, collaboration and partnership and their implications for health improvement in public health settings. Different public health contexts including community development, health promotion projects, health services and emergency planning will be explored. You will reflect on learning needs in relation to skills for collaborative leadership for service improvement. You will also critically consider other models for planning, implementing, leading and evaluating public health projects in a range of contexts.

Further information

Principles and Theory of Public Health for Health Improvement MPH Taught/Blended ( HSC11169 )

This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding in relation to the key principles and theories underpinning public health and how these apply to public health practice for health improvement. This will include an overview of the history of public health and the current theoretical frameworks. The principles of health needs assessment will be examined. The importance of public health policies as well as factors influencing the formulation of public health policies will be explored. Additionally, you will critically explore the impact of social determinants of health and wellbeing and reflect upon the extent to which public health practice is evidence based.

Further information

Research Methods MPH Taught/Blended Programme ( HSC11171 )

The module aims to enable you to critically appreciate the value of empirical literature, research design and data interpretation, relating to public health. The module will provide further knowledge on the critical appraisal of evidence from published literature, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, structured literature reviewing, ethics, data collection and analysis. The intention is for you to be able to discriminate between different research methodologies suitable to answer specific pertinent public health questions.

Further information

Statistics for Public Health Taught MPH ( HSC11182 )

This module brings together the foundational concepts and methods in statistics crucial for evidence-based public health practice. This module will equip you with the quantitative skills necessary to navigate and contribute to this data-rich field. You will explore various types of public health data, learn how to effectively summarise them, and understand the fundamental principles of their presentation in public health. The module will delve into the core of descriptive and inferential statistics and will enable you to gain experience in interpreting results and communicating findings clearly and accurately. Upon completion, you will be able to critically appraise statistical information in public health literature, identify and quantify disparities in health outcomes across different populations, and provide evidence needed to develop targeted interventions and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes to improve population health.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Public Health?

To apply you will need a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include, but are not limited to: anatomy, biomedical sciences (including microbiology and chemistry), dentistry, dietetics, education, environmental health, epidemiology, food science, genetics, global health, health promotion, human biology, immunology, medicine, neuroscience, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, parasitology, pharmacology, physiology, physiotherapy, psychology, social and public policy, sociology, sports science, statistics and virology, radiotherapy, podiatry, speech & language therapy.

Other qualifications/experience which demonstrate through our recognition of prior learning process that you have appropriate knowledge and skills may be considered on an individual basis.

Can I get admission into Public Health based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test.  The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 with no individual component score of less than 6.5.  For guidance on the acceptability of other English Language tests please contact pgadmissions@napier.ac.uk

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,030 tba
Overseas and EU £22,290 tba

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online degrees. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers & employability

close-up of a patient's arm as a nurse takes their blood pressure

What can you do with a public health degree?

An MPH opens multiple paths into public health: entry into the field for career changers, progression within an existing health or management role, or a move towards research and doctoral study. The applied skills you build throughout the programme, from interpreting evidence to leading across professional boundaries, translate directly into roles such as public health intelligence analyst, health improvement practitioner, policy adviser and epidemiologist. These roles span the NHS, national and local government, the third sector and international public health organisations. The precise opportunities available to you will depend on your previous qualifications, professional experience and location.

Relevant areas of work may include:

  • Public health practice and programme management

  • Health improvement and community health

  • Public health intelligence, evidence and analytical roles

  • Policy development, monitoring and evaluation

  • Health service planning and improvement

  • Research and research support

  • Governmental, third-sector and international public health organisations

  • Doctoral study in public health or a related field
graduating female is throwing her graduation hat in the air outside Usher Hall