Public Health MA

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Level of study:
Masters
Entry Requirements:
More information
Start date:
September 2026
Duration:
One year full-time or two years part-time
Attendance:
Full-time, Part-time
Course delivery:
On-campus (Clifton Campus)

Work placement opportunities

MA Public Health header showing a globe and stethoscope

About this course

The need for a public health workforce that has the required skills, knowledge and experience, and that is also able to adapt to changing demands with a focus upon prevention and protection is essential. This Masters degree is an adaptable and evolving course which aims to prepare you for the public health workforce by critiquing, exploring and linking theory to practice, enabling you to become future change agents and being job and career ready upon graduation.

You will explore topics which focus on public health from a local, national and international perspective, immersed in social theory, in order to develop transferable skills.

Put your skills into practice

You have the opportunity to undertake work and project experience through an optional placement.
Prepare for your future career

During the course you'll undertake practical and simulated experiences of public health issues, preparing you for your future career in public health.
Learn from guest speakers

Throughout your studies, you'll hear from guest speakers, many of whom are current professionals in the field of public health.
Mapped to the professional framework

The course is mapped to the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework, with an overview of the UK's Faculty of Public Health Diplomate Exam.

This course focuses on the local, national and international elements of public health. You will be required to explore and critique these, while considering different cultural, economic and sustainable practices within the public health field and how this links with the theory you'll learn.

In order to achieve breadth of understanding, you will explore the evidence-base through analysis and critique of research, its epidemiological foundations, and the way that statistics inform and shape public health. You will discuss health protection issues and determine how they affect policy development, and this will be underpinned by exploring the theoretical concepts of health and healing.

Linking these elements together through either the exploration of a single topic through independent study, or choosing to undertake a project while on a placement with a public health team, you will consolidate this knowledge to understand and demonstrate the principles of public health.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

Core modules

Optional modules

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Joseph Nwajideobi

Public Health student

“I chose to study at NTU because it provides a strong, supportive learning environment especially for international students.”
Read Joseph's profile
Kate Sikwese

Public Health student

“My goal is to use the knowledge and skills that I have gained at NTU to make a positive impact on the health outcomes of people in my community.”
Read Kate's profile
Aji Buba

Public Health student

“Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you study. Embrace the moment, go with it and make it memorable.”
Read Aji's profile
Jyothy Jinadevan

Public Health student

“I chose to pursue a postgraduate degree in Public Health because of my passion for improving population health outcomes.”
Read Jyothy's profile
Chisom Chidi-Okeke

Public Health student

“NTU's reputation as a top-ranked university with a strong commitment to research and innovation was a key factor in my decision. I was impressed by the quality of the faculty and their expertise in various areas of public health.”
Read Chisom's profile
Sonal Passia

Public Health student

“The course has enabled me to deepen my intellectual curiosity and personal development.”
Read Sonal's profile

Study and support

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, group work, practical and simulated application and presentations, and one-to-one supervision. You will receive support throughout your studies from committed and enthusiastic teaching staff, who are also involved in research activity.

You may also get the opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers such as Nottingham City Council's Public Health Team, and alumni who have worked or volunteered locally, nationally and internationally.

Placements

We work with a range of partners that provide placement opportunities for our students, including:

Assessment methods

The course employs a varied assessment regime, which includes essays, reports, reflective pieces, a portfolio, individual and group presentations, an exam and viva. The Independent Project and the Research Proposal gives you the opportunity to design, implement and present a significant piece of research relevant topic of your choice.

In-sessional academic writing support

In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) and UK students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes as this is a compulsory module within the programme.

Contact hours

You will have around 10-12 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars and workshops) with our teaching staff which is around 30% of a full-time week. All of our teaching is in-person. The remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.

Jo Brown

Senior Lecturer

Jo Brown is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the MA Public Health course at NTU.
Visit Jo Brown's staff profile
Damilola Omodara

Senior Lecturer

Dr Damilola Omodara is a Senior Lecturer for the MA Public Health course.
Visit Damilola Omodara's staff profile
Leah Jayes

Senior Lecturer

Leah Jayes is a Senior Lecturer for the MA Public Health course at NTU.
Visit Leah Jayes's staff profile
Mathew Nyashanu

Senior Lecturer

Mathew is a senior lecturer in the School of Social Sciences.
Visit Mathew Nyashanu's staff profile
Philip Jones

Senior Lecturer

Philip Jones is a Senior Lecturer for the MA Public Health course at NTU.
Visit Philip Jones's staff profile
Dr Moses Mukuru

Senior Lecturer

Dr Moses Mukuru is a Lecturer in Public Health MA Postgraduate Course at NTU and a module lead for policy and practice.
Visit Dr Moses Mukuru's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above) in a related subject.
Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences in the multidisciplinary public health territory (e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience - either paid or unpaid) and knowledge and skills would enable them to study this course at masters level in their Personal Statement.

Additional requirements for UK students

Such experience and skills are likely to include a range of the following:

Previous study

You should provide any history of previous study that suggests that you are likely to cope with a course of study at postgraduate level.

Work experience

You should be able to demonstrate a clear appreciation of your role, function and relevant achievements within employment, and an awareness of how the course of study may assist your future career aspirations. The work experience should be in a public health field for at least six months and you should have undertaken some training that you can evidence during that time that links to this field of study.

Personal skills

You should be able to demonstrate the ability to work independently and in teams, to solve practical problems, to plan work and manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines, and to show perseverance and initiative when required.

Communication

You should be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate ideas effectively in both verbal and written forms.

Motivation

You should be able to provide a clear reason for applying for the course and have a demonstrable commitment to pursue study in the field of multidisciplinary Public Health. No references are required when applying for this course.

Other qualifications and experience

We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements:

You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above) in a related subject.
Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences in the multidisciplinary public health territory (e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience - either paid or unpaid) and knowledge and skills would enable them to study this course at masters level in their Personal Statement.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.

Additional requirements for international students

Such experience and skills are likely to include a range of the following:

Previous study

You should provide any history of previous study that suggests that you are likely to cope with a course of study at postgraduate level.

Work experience

Personal skills

Communication

You should be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate ideas effectively in both verbal and written forms.

Motivation

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

Other qualifications and experience

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

Getting in touch

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

Full-time - £9,100
Part-time - £4,550

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£17,200

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

Alumni discount

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

The course cultivates intellectual and research skills, experience and knowledge suitable for effective practice in a wide range of multidisciplinary public health sectors. You will be equipped to progress into policy, research and practice roles in the public, private or voluntary arenas in the UK or internationally. For those already employed it provides transferable skills such as independent critical thought, analysis and evaluation, partnership working skills and self-directed learning, linking the theory to practice.

Volunteering opportunities

Our Employability team will advise you on the volunteering opportunities available to you which will assist you in your chosen field of public health and widening your understanding, whilst also providing a good source of information for your future CV.

The Employability team also work closely with the course staff to fit in sessions which will enable you to enhance your CV, have an understanding of covering letters and interview etiquette.

The course team arrange also for Alumni to visit and discuss their journeys post-graduation.

Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).
Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Framework Housing Association
- Public Health England
- Creative Care East Midlands
- Mencap
- Vanclaron
Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:
- Health Protection Practitioner
- Nurses
- Public Health Support Officers
- Lab Scientists
- Community Wellbeing Project Managers
- Researchers
- Dieticians
Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.
NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

How Salihat got an internship at the World Health Organisation

Following in her uncle’s footsteps, Salihat came from Nigeria to study at NTU. After her first application to WHO was rejected, she tried a new approach.

View Salihat Badamasuiy's profile

Campus and facilities

Public Health students are taught in the Ada Byron King building and the Health and Allied Professions Centre on our Clifton Campus.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September the year before.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Apply now

International students

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.