Madhura
Master of Public Health, MPH
Introduction
Our Master of Public Health (MPH) provides a flexible programme that students can tailor to meet their own needs across a broad range of professional accreditation standards in public health, and/or to pursue an academic career.
This programme is available to start in January or September - apply here. You can also study this programme part-time online.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MPH
- Duration
- 12 months, 24 months or 36 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
This MPH covers the core disciplines required for professional accreditation in public health that is relevant to both UK and international students. The programme also offers an excellent range of specialist elective options to allow you to tailor your learning to your needs and includes a flexible project component enabling you to gain experience oriented towards either the development of a professional career in public health practice or the pursuit of an academic career.
You will be taught by experienced lecturers from a broad range of disciplines including epidemiology, statistics, health data science, public health, global health, psychology, sociology, philosophy, economics and management. Lecturers include both renowned academics and expert practitioners to give you the holistic understanding of Public Health. Your learning is enriched by interaction with other students from varied clinical, non-clinical, professional and cultural backgrounds.
Undertaking this MPH does not require any particular specialist knowledge (e.g. clinical).
This programme is available to start in September or January.
*Students who would like to specialise in a research focused career, for example, through PhD or research jobs, may find that the September cohort is better aligned with their needs. The January cohort is more practice-based and has a stronger alignment with non-research intensive jobs such as working in the community or policy development, and our January start students will enrol on extended work-based placement in their second semester. They can also extend your learning by evaluating the existing policies and understanding their effects on public health practice. We recommend that students check the course details of September and January entries to make an informed decision.*
Available Programmes of Study
- MPH
-
Master of Public Health
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMPH 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Stage 1
Students will be advised of the two research project options prior to registration however, an information session will be held in the first term to provide further guidance on project selection and the options available.
Option A: Full time route with Standard Public Health Project
- Stage 1 Compulsory courses: PD5006, PU5017, PU5030
- Stage 1 Electives courses: PU5032, PU5038, PU5040, PU5052, PU5056, PU5058
- Stage 2 Compulsory courses: PU5552
- Stage 2 Elective courses: BU552X, BU5594, PU5526, PU5528, PU5529, PU5532, PU5547, PU5549, PU5559, RN5506
- Stage 3 Compulsory courses PU5922
Option B: Full time route with Extended Public Health Project
- Stage 1 Compulsory courses: PD5006, PU5017, PU5030
- Stage 1 Elective courses: PU5032, PU5038, PU5040, PU5052, PU5056
- Stage 2 Compulsory courses: PU5552
- Stage 2: Elective courses: BU552X, BU5594, PU5526, PU5528, PU5529, PU5532, PU5547, PU5549, PU5559, RN5506
- Stage 3 Compulsory courses: PU5045
Compulsory Courses
Option A: Students take three compulsory courses.
Option B: Students take three compulsory courses.
- Applied Statistics (PU5017)
-
15 Credit Points
This course in Applied Statistics focuses on the application of statistical techniques in postgraduate research for health professionals, with a particular emphasis on the correct interpretation of statistical analyses results. The course will NOT focus on the statistical theory underlying the subject. An important component of the course is the use of a statistical package (IBM SPSS), which can be used to implement all the methods taught on this course.
- Epidemiology (PU5030)
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15 Credit Points
This course in applied epidemiology gives an introduction to disease measurement at a population level, basic epidemiological study design and analysis, and provides an understanding of key methodological issues needed to apply when designing – or critically appraising – an epidemiological study.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Option A: Students take two elective courses.
Option B: Students take two elective courses.
*Please note that online electives are not available to student visa holders due to UKVI restrictions.
- Designing Real - World Trials (PU5038)
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15 Credit Points
This course will focus on trials in the evaluation of real-world healthcare and public health settings. The course is run by staff from our world-leading Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT) and the Aberdeen Centre for Evaluation - awarded the Queen's Anniversary Award for sustained excellence in health services research. Through studying this course, you will develop the knowledge and awareness of how to design a fair test, the appropriate use of trials and alternative trial designs, involving patients and the public, and sample size considerations.
- Health, Well Being and Behaviour Change (PU5040)
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15 Credit Points
What can health professionals and health care promoters do to improve their own and others health and wellbeing? What influences people’s health behaviours? Why do people find it difficult to change their health behaviour? What are the most promising strategies for improving health and well-being?
Health behaviours cover a wide range of behaviours (e.g. smoking, physical activity, vaccination, diet, taking medication, and practicing safe sex) and have a major impact on peoples’ health, quality of life, and (healthy) life expectancy. Nevertheless, many people have an unhealthy diet, exercise too little, don’t take their medication as prescribed, smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and so forth.
In this course, we will address these challenges and students will learn key theories about health behaviour and behaviour change, including behaviour change techniques, in order to understand how health behaviours can be influenced by a variety of factors within an individual (e.g., conscious and unconscious thoughts, emotions, goals, and decisions), and also by factors in the environment (e.g., the behaviours and expectations of society; the quality of the communication by health care professionals; or availability and affordability of healthy options in the environment).
Health psychologists and health professionals are expected to be able to develop, evaluate and implement intervention programs to promote healthier behaviour, through changing individuals and their environment.
Within this course you will develop your understanding of health behaviours, what influences them and how to change them. You will experience the role of health behaviours from both the participant’s and researcher view, by developing, participating in and analysing your own behavioural intervention.
- Fundamentals of Research Design (PU5052)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces you to health research methods, focusing on designing strong research proposals. You'll learn to formulate research questions, choose study designs, identify outcomes, and plan data collection.
We will explore key study designs, from experimental to observational, and master sampling and data collection for both qualitative and quantitative research. You'll also develop skills in critical appraisal and research ethics, equipping you to design rigorous and impactful research.
- Key Concepts in Global Health (PU5056)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to key concepts in global health and develops skills to critically appraise organisations, actors, debates and data. Teaching material will cover: key definitions and terminology; institutions, practitioners and scholars in global health; and key drivers and challenges in the global health field. Students will learn about established and emerging topics, how these intersect with broader social, economic and political factors, and how research can make credible contributions in this context.
- Introduction to Health Data Science (PU5063)
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15 Credit Points
Nationally and internationally there is recognition of the critical shortage in data-intensive analytic capacity applied to healthcare. This course is an introduction to the field of health data science, with examples of real-life healthcare applications, using the popular data science language R.
- Women’s Health in A Global Setting (PU5070)
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
Option A: Students take two compulsory courses.
Option B: Students take two compulsory courses.
- Public Health in Action (PU5552)
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15 Credit Points
Public health is the art and science of improving health through the organised efforts of society. This course provides an introduction to a population-based perspective on health, illness and disease. The course illustrates the practical application of numerical ways of thinking about the health of a population. The course covers the three major public health domains of Health Improvement, Health Protection and Healthcare Public Health.
This course aims to support students in developing a critical understanding of the breadth of public health approaches to protecting, promoting, monitoring and improving health among a population as a whole.
- Health Economics (PU5571)
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15 Credit Points
Resources available for the provision and payment for health care are limited. However, knowledge of economics helps ensure that available resources are used in the most effective way possible. Economics allows more informed decision making about a variety of issues: choosing between alternative treatments; setting priorities between patients; choosing between alternative new technologies; organising the provision of health care.
In this course students will acquire a knowledge and understanding of:
- Key themes of economic theory applied to health care
- Some of the main techniques of health care evaluation
- Main arguments concerning alternative systems for organising and financing health care
Optional Courses
Option A: Students take two elective courses in view to undertake Standard Project in stage 3.
Option B: Students take one elective course, extended 90-credit project
*Please note that online electives are not available to student visa holders due to UKVI restrictions.
- The Leadership Challenge (BU5584)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.
- Health Systems and Policy Research (BU5594)
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15 Credit Points
The course aims to provide foundational knowledge while placing greater emphasis on fostering critical thinking about the key challenges confronting health systems and the strategies to enhance health. With a global perspective, it examines diverse healthcare systems, encouraging students to compare, analyse, and critique them. Topics include an overview of financing of health systems, the impact of social inequalities on health disparities and their implications for social policy, as well as public health approaches and their connections to issues such as unemployment and obesity.
- Systematic Reviewing (PU5526)
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15 Credit Points
This course will equip students with the relevant skills to interpret and conduct systematic reviews on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Using lectures and practical sessions, students will understand the principles of systematic reviewing and the differences between narrative and systematic reviews. They will learn to formulate a clear research question and undertake each stage of systematic reviewing of randomised controlled trials. They will also learn about the importance of the levels of evidence and systematic reviews of other different study designs. This course will also introduce the students to advances in systematic reviews such as network meta-analysis and use of Individual Patient Data (IPD)
- Qualitative Health Research (PU5529)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides a sound introduction to qualitative health research. You will consider the relevance and value of qualitative methodologies which respond to current health agendas. The course introduces planning to conduct relevant research and a range of methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data. You will gain insight into issues of rigour, quality and ethics, and understand the importance of engaging with relevant audiences.
- Health Informatics (PU5532)
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15 Credit Points
We live in a time of ‘Big Data’ with the rapid growth in the digital capture of health information. Health Informatics is the science of data capture, linkage and analysis of large datasets to improve health. The demand for health researchers with training and experience in health informatics is high. For people practicing in Public Health, it is a key skill. It will equip students for any career in health research or public health practice and this course is an excellent stepping stone for those wishing to develop a specialist interest in the field.
- Challenges in Global Nutrition (PU5547)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides up-to-date knowledge of the challenges of nutrition in the global context. It provides students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of the methods of monitoring population nutritional status, a picture of the current global nutritional status, the determinants of nutritional status in different populations, and skills that will enable them to design, implement and evaluate nutrition interventions and programmes aimed at addressing global nutritional issues. The learning is widely applicable to all populations globally although the main focus is on low and middle-income countries (LMIC).
- Understanding and Applying Regression Models (PU5559)
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15 Credit Points
This intermediate-level course intends to advance a student's statistical skills and understanding of common and more advanced regression modelling techniques so that they can apply them to a wide range of health research data. The course will focus on introducing the student to the concepts underpinning generalised linear models. They will deepen their understanding of linear and logistic regression and learn how to analyse outcomes such as count data and time-to-event data using regression for count data and survival analysis. This course will focus on the application, interpretation, and communication of the learned methodologies. It assumes that students will already have completed a first course in introductory statistics and have an understanding of hypothesis testing and basic mathematical skills.
We strongly recommend signing up for this course only if you have solid knowledge and experience of basic statistical concepts and methodologies used for descriptive statistics (e.g. mean, standard deviation and other measures on central tendency and dispersion) and statistical inference (e.g. standard error, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests such as t-test and ANOVA). Knowledge or experience of simple linear regression is preferable but not essential.
- Sustainable Diets and Global Food Systems (RN5506)
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15 Credit Points
The course will explore the complex nature of sustainable diets within a global food system. It will give you an understanding of the need for healthy and more environmentally sustainable diets to tackle some of the greatest global challenges facing us today, including poor dietary health, climate change and environmental degradation, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It will cover the multidimensional attributes and the challenge of combining these attributes into a single entity of sustainable diets. The course will explore synergies and trade-offs between attributes, barriers and drivers of change and potential solutions to achieving sustainable diets within a global food system. In addition, external influences affecting the resilience and changes to the food system will be discussed.
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
Option A: Students complete a Standard Research Project.
Option B: Students complete an Advanced Research Project.
- PU5045 Advanced Research Project (90 credits)
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
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60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for non-laboratory based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a scientific laboratory setting, you should register on MB5904).
MPH 12 months or 36 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £15,000
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
A variety of different approaches (e.g. essays, exams, poster presentation in mini conference style, oral presentation) are used to assess student understanding, progress and performance throughout the programme.
Why Study Master of Public Health?
- The MPH will help you develop the knowledge and the skills to tackle Public Health challenges by providing a multi-disciplinary approach to health care and is set within the traditional strengths of an ancient Scottish University and a leading UK Medical School.
- You will experience a supportive collegiate learning environment that offers interaction with both leading academic researchers and experienced public health practitioners.
- The programme covers core topics in public health from a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives that will set you up to respond to the needs of communities and populations around the world.
- You can create a tailor-made programme by selecting from a broad range of elective courses that include the traditional and emerging public health domains such as health informatics, challenges in global nutrition and public health ethics.
- Co-ordinators will work with you to guide the selection of elective courses and topic area/length for your public health project at an early stage to ensure your MPH is aligned to your career aspirations.
- Flexible options include projects based in academic and work-based settings; and extended research projects which provide career insights and opportunities for networking.
- Real life research projects in public health issues will provide you with opportunities to apply the skills gained from the taught elements of the course to influence policy and practice.
- Full and part-time flexible study will help you navigate your learning effectively and have a good work-life balance.
- Dedicated student support with ‘SUCCESS PLUS’ programme (with matched mentors) consistently achieves a successful completion rate of over 90% among enrolled students.
- The Foresterhill Health Campus at the University is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes a Medical School, large teaching hospital, maternity and children's hospitals, and the Rowett Institute.
- Programme has APHEA Validated Curriculum, APHEA is the leading global accreditation agency for public health schools, programmes and training courses.
What Our Students Say
Adegoke Alabi
Cindy Zheng
Entry Requirements
Completion of our PgCert in Research Methods for Health allows you to enter the PgDip stage of the programme.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will usually possess a health-related Honours degree (at a 2:2 level or at least 60%) or be able to demonstrate evidence of equivalent experience in health care practice or research. Students from non-health backgrounds who have Honours degrees (as above) in science, social science or humanities subjects and who are interested in a public health related career will also be considered for the programme.
Please check the In My Country or Territory pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
Completing the MPH at the University of Aberdeen will equip you with a cutting-edge knowledge of Public Health and essential research skills relevant for application in both academic and workplace practitioner environments across the globe, including:
- Career in Public Health Sector: Pursue a career in world ranking academic research institutions for projects commissioned by coordinating authorities of health such as WHO, Ministries of Health and NGOs. You will be able do this by developing a critical awareness of the wide public health domains and demonstrating evidence based knowledge.
- Influence Public Health policy: Influence public health policies through independent research with publication in peer reviewed journals; and contribute to translating research evidence to practice in professional and health authority settings.
- Become an independent researcher: Identify research priorities and goals set by global and national health authorities. You will learn to address these priorities by understanding the key concepts of Public Health through taught courses and translate them to formulating research questions, developing appropriate research methodology, conducting research, analysing data and writing a report.
- A pathway to a PhD and/or Public Health role: With its emphasis on a knowledge of relevant research disciplines, skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, critical thinking and scientific writing - an MPH is a common entry pathway to undertaking further research including a health-related PhD.
Students starting the programme in Jan 2024 may be able to apply for the Post-MPH Internship, gaining experience of working in a service Public Health Directorate and interacting with the NHS Board and Local Authorities. This internship is open to home and international students and will take place from February 2025 to May 2025. Please contact Prof A Poobalan (a.poobalan@abdn.ac.uk) and Dr S Hanley (sharon.hanley@abdn.ac.uk) for more information.
Industry Links
The University has excellent links with NHS Grampian and the City Council which is responsible for providing health and social care to a population of just over 500,000 in the Northeast region of Scotland and employs around 17,000 staff.
What our Alumni Say
Dr Gajarishiyan Rasalingam
Dr Gajarishiyan Rasalingam
- Graduated
- 2020
I surely recommend Masters in Public Health here at the University of Aberdeen for the future students, you will surely develop professional skills and you will feel very competitive to tackle the global health crisis.
Mohammed Talha Bashir
Elaine Whitely
John Handal
Our Experts
Our MPH is delivered by experienced academic researchers and public health specialists from across various disciplines, professions and research methodologies.
If you have any questions regarding our September start programme please contact Dr Janet Kyle. For queries on the January start programme please direct these to Dr Sharon Hanley.
- Programme Coordinators
- Dr Sharon Hanley
- Dr Janet Kyle
- Dr Kathryn Martin
- Other Experts
- Dr Amudha Poobalan
- Professor Corri Black
- Dr Miriam Brazzelli
- Professor Vikki Entwistle
- Dr Patricia Norwood
- Professor Ioannis Theodossiou
- Dr Zoë Skea
- Dr Daniel Powell
- Dr Leone Craig
- Dr Mairead Black
- Dr Kirsty Kiezebrink
- Dr Heather Morgan
- Professor Jennie Macdiarmid
- Professor Shantini Paranjothy
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Health Sciences Building
The Health Sciences building, located on the Foresterhill Health Campus, houses the purpose built Clinical Research Facility, researchers from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences and the Imaging Department which boasts state-of-the-art equipment
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX