MPH Public Health (Online)
Study online and boost your health research career with a Masters in Public Health from Scotland’s top-rated University for Health Sciences research.
Key facts
- Award MPH, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date September 2023, January 2024, September 2024
- Application notes Applications for September 2024 entry will open in September 2023.
- Duration MPH part-time: 36 months (September start), 44 months (January/February start), 40 months (May start)
- Mode of study part time
- Delivery online
Overview
Public health plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of individuals and society. As COVID-19 has shown, policy and decision-making has an impact on all aspects of our lives. The world needs more highly trained and skilled people working in public health roles, to help drive the change towards a healthier and fairer society. This course can help you become part of that change.
Whether you’re already involved in public health research, policy and practice, or are planning a career in those areas, this Masters course will develop your skills, knowledge and experience to support your future career ambitions, either in the UK or abroad.
Delivered by some of the leading thinkers in public health, the course will equip you with unique insights into modern public health theory and methods and teach you how to apply them to your work. You will work with experts in the field as you develop a critical understanding of public health approaches and learn how to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
This innovative course is delivered entirely online, making use of the full range of digital learning opportunities. It is, therefore, an ideal option if you want to gain a Masters qualification while working. The module choices are flexible, allowing you to create a tailored programme that suits your own learning needs, interests and goals in public health.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
This course aims to produce highly skilled public health practitioners and leaders. It will allow you to develop your own specialisms and areas of interest, while reflecting on the role of public health in improving the lives of individuals and communities. Through your studies, you’ll learn how to:
- Analyse and apply public health theory and techniques to a range of key areas
- Gain first-hand insight into the skills and methods used by researchers, practitioners and policymakers
- Develop practical and transferable skills, including communication, research methods, critical appraisal, and the development of recommendations for policy and practice
A distinctive Masters course
This is a multidisciplinary course, which aims to develop your expertise in both the art and science of public health practice. It is founded on the belief that improving population health and reducing health inequalities is vital to creating a better society. To best develop your skills and understanding, it combines both practical and theoretical skills, working in collaboration with global experts, and third sector partners.
Our course has a strong focus on the social impact of public health policy: investigating how society can tackle health inequalities, exploring the role of public health advocacy in driving change, and considering the relationship between grassroots experiences and the policies that shape interventions. There is also a strong focus on public health practice: helping you develop skills that will allow you to drive improvements in the delivery of services and support in your own area of work.
It focuses on how societies, groups and individuals can improve public health and tackle health inequalities, considering both top-down and bottom-up approaches (e.g. government policies versus grassroots movements). There is a focus on helping you develop skills that will be relevant to current and future careers in public health, through individual study and collaborations with other students and staff.
Flexible learning
You can study many MPH Public Health modules as standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses.
These modules can link into appraisal systems such as the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework to help you record your professional development as you study.
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
The MPH course is delivered with close support from Stirling University’s Institute of Social Marketing and Health (ISMH). For over 20 years, the ISMH has provided world-leading research on public health policy with a particular focus on the role of commercial drivers in shaping public health outcomes. You will benefit from being taught by researchers working closely with this highly-regarded and influential research unit.
Our research is world-class and is recognised for its quality and innovation. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) analysis 100% of our research environment, 80% of our research impact and 83% of our overall research in Allied Health Professions and Nursing is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall and Merit in all sub-skills, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass with a minimum of 152/200 overall and 33 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Course details
This innovative course uses a wide range of digital methods and platforms to create the best quality online learning environment. And you’ll be supported throughout by the course director and your dedicated personal tutor.
You’ll be required to complete four core modules, two optional modules and a research project to earn your MPH in Public Health. You can also graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma by completing four core modules and two optional modules in two years, or a Postgraduate Certificate by completing three core modules in one year.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
How you'll learn online
We use a wide range of teaching digital methods, including:
- Online videos and recorded lectures
- Webinars and online discussions
- Podcasts with external experts
- Online discussion forums, including Padlets and discussion boards
- A wide range of digital resources to download or read on screen
All students get access to the full Office 365 suite, including Teams and access to a range of downloadable apps to improve their online learning experience.
You're expected to complete no more than one module per semester.
Assessment
Our assessments are designed to help you develop the practical skills that you will need to apply in your career as a public health specialist.
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including essays, short-answer exams, project plans, objective test questions, posters, presentations, policy briefs and academic journal manuscripts.
For example, we have also developed a unique research project module where instead of a traditional 12,000 word dissertation following your research project, our students write a draft journal article manuscript (with a real submission possible and encouraged), a policy brief and a presentation.
Classroom hours
Some modules have scheduled lectures/discussions which typically take place in the evening (UK time). The exact day and time will vary depending on the module, but these sessions are recorded and can be viewed at a later date.
Course director
Key staff
Teaching on the course will be provided by colleagues within the Faculty, including in particular the Institute for Social Marketing and Health.
Ask an expert
Professor Jayne Donaldson explains why Stirling is the ideal place to study health sciences and sport.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK | £9,975 | £10,500 |
| Students from the Republic of Ireland | £9,975 | £10,500 |
| Overseas (non-EU) students | £9,975 | £10,500 |
| European Union students | £9,975 | £10,500 |
Students from the UK
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Postgraduate Scholarship, which provides a 40% fee discount on full-time, on-campus postgraduate degrees at the University of Stirling.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
We offer a range of funding options for overseas students.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
If you complete this course in 36 months or less, you may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students who complete this course in 36 months or less may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
You’ll graduate with the skills needed for a successful high-impact career as a public health researcher, policymaker or practitioner across the public, private, voluntary, community and not-for-profit sectors.
- Increase your value to employers by expanding your public health knowledge and research skills
- Continue your career as you study through our distance learning approach
- Expand your knowledge – and opportunities – in multiple aspects of public health
Public health practitioner roles differ greatly in the work they focus on and in their specific job titles. Some examples of the types of roles you’ll be qualified for include:
- Health Policy Advisor
- Public Health Advisor
- Substance Misuse Worker
- Heath Improvement Practitioner
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordinator
- Smoking Cessation Advisor
- Advanced Health Improvement Practitioner
- Environmental Scientist
- Health/Education Advisor
- Support Worker
Companies we work with
This course has a multidisciplinary focus, teaching and delivering both practical and theoretical skills in collaboration with public and third sector partners such as the NHS.
What our students said
Nigeria
Masters in Public Health
Read Oluwaseun's storyAt the University of Stirling, I have been exposed to a wide array of learning tools, journals and books which have made concepts in the MPH course easier to understand. The modules in the course are designed to equip students with knowledge that can be applied globally. The Student learning services also provides numerous resources which help students in overcoming potential areas of difficulty such as critical thinking and writing. Stirling is a forward thinking and innovative university.