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Public Health MA

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.

What you’ll study

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.

Core modules

Concepts of Health and Healing

This module explores the fundamental approaches and concepts of health and how this is affected by social determinants of health. Analysing and understanding these perspectives will enable you to explore and plan health promotion interventions on a local, national and global scale.

Public Health, Sustainability and Community

The practical elements of this module allow you to explore the needs of a local community and consider the place of sustainability and public health interventions within this domain. Considering public health policy, you will explore the effects of socio -economics and the social determinants of health in order to develop an intervention that will improve the health outcomes of a defined community.

Policy and Practice in Multidisciplinary Public Health

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the development process of public health policies at national and global levels and how to analyse health policies for scholarship or reform purposes. During the module, you will learn how to critically analyse existing health policies and propose evidence-based recommendations for policy improvement. It will expose you to the application of the theories and frameworks of the policy process, and methods of doing health policy analysis and evaluation.

Health Protection and the Effects on Society

This module will explore the health protection issues locally, globally and internationally, and how these are addressed with the evaluation of the outcomes of this. It incorporates a mixture of practical and theoretical sessions which allow you to explore and identify stressors which affect the public health outcomes of individuals and consider mitigating against these risk factors. You'll explore the role of the public health professional in several different health protection scenarios, explore of the impact of these, and consider the short and long-term implications.

Research Methods

The Research Methods module aims to broaden your understanding of epistemological and methodological approaches in research while deepening your knowledge of the challenges faced by public health researchers in real-world settings. The module covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches, equipping you with the skills to critically evaluate and apply research methodologies to public health challenges. Through practical exercises and discussions, you will develop the ability to design and conduct rigorous research in public health contexts.

Independent Study

The ability to manage a project is an essential skill. With a choice between a primary research project, secondary data analysis and a critical review of literature, you will lead a public health project of your choice. Demonstrating understanding of methodology and the ability to synthesise and discuss information is an essential component of this module and will transfer in to any public health working environment.

Professional Practice and Work-Based Experience in Public Health

This module aims to enhance your employability by providing you with the opportunity to work on a project in a supported environment ,being part of a team within the public health field.  It allows you to observe and reflect upon how an organisation works.

Research Proposal

The Research Proposal module supports you to identify and apply appropriate research processes to a public health research question of your choice. You will take the lead in developing a research proposal, incorporating a literature review, aims and objectives, rationale, methodology, time management plan, and dissemination strategy. Through a combination of teaching, guided supervision, and independent study, this module provides a strong foundation for conducting rigorous public health research.

Optional modules

Public Health Leadership

This module is designed to ensure practitioners have the knowledge and skills to lead and manage public health issues, interventions and services in a local, national and global field. It will enable service review, improvement and project development and management. Leadership theories, change, and quality management will be explored and applied to the global public health arena to enable the development of skills and knowledge to ensure the effective application of leadership to professional, policy and legal frameworks.

Epidemiology

You'll be introduced to where epidemiology sits within the public health arena, with particular focus on the measurement of social determinants of health. It emphasises the importance of distribution of health issues and surveillance in order to study and extract statistical data which will influence your knowledge and skills. This will further enable you to understand cause, and develop and deliver key public health interventions and outcomes.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Kate Sikwese

Public Health

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.

Aji Buba

Public Health

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you study. Embrace the moment, go with it and make it memorable.

Jyothy Jinadevan

Public Health

I chose to pursue a postgraduate degree in Public Health because of my passion for improving population health outcomes.

Chisom Chidi-Okeke

Public Health

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.

Sonal Passia

Public Health

The course has enabled me to deepen my intellectual curiosity and personal development.

My alumni story: Salihat Badamasuiy

Q&A - MA Public Health

 

How you're taught

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.

Staff Profiles

Dr Damilola Omodara - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Damilola Omodara is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Course Leader for the MA Public Health course.

Leah Jayes - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Leah Jayes is a Senior Lecturer for the MA Public Health course at NTU.

Jo Brown - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Jo Brown is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the MA Public Health course at NTU.

Mathew Nyashanu - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Mathew is a senior lecturer in the School of Social Sciences.

Philip Jones - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Philip Jones is a Senior Lecturer for the MA Public Health course at NTU.

Dr Moses Mukuru - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Moses Mukuru is a Lecturer in Public Health MA Postgraduate Course at NTU and a range of modules. He is a module lead for policy and practice in multidisciplinary

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.

Previous graduates have gone onto roles including:

  • Public health practitioner with Nottingham City Council
  • Data Insights Officer with Healthwatch Nottingham
  • Commissioning Officer with an NHS Trust
  • PhD student
  • Programme leader for this course!

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.

Campus and facilities

The purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre is home to our world-class teaching, practice, research and scholarship in the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP).

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.

Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.

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.

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.

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 - £8,750
  • Part-time - £4,375

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 students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

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.
  • £17,850

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

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

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

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 of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, 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

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

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.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us 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.

How to apply

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

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.

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.

Open days

The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can contact us at Ask NTU or phone us at +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  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.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

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.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.