Fundamental knowledge
Develop core public health competencies.
University of Surrey MSc Public Health | OnlineUniversity of Surrey MSc Public Health | OnlineUniversity of Surrey MSc Public Health | Online
Learn how to leverage the latest interdisciplinary expertise, research and best practice to solve pressing global public health challenges in your community and beyond.Learn how to leverage the latest interdisciplinary expertise, research and best practice to solve pressing global public health challenges in your community and beyond.Learn how to leverage the latest interdisciplinary expertise, research and best practice to solve pressing global public health challenges in your community and beyond.
Make a positive impact in the field of public health
Develop core public health competencies as you explore current topics like health surveillance, managing pandemics, vaccinology and inequalities in health.
The online MSc Public Health is led by a multidisciplinary academic team of active researchers who are ready to engage with you on real-world case studies and help you develop the skills to drive meaningful change, improve community health outcomes and contribute to evidence-based public health policy.
The programme is centred on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparing you to address pressing global health challenges, while offering you the flexibility to both continue in your current role and balance your personal and professional life.
Contemporary topics
Explore current trends and emerging issues in public health.
Aligned with UN goals
Learn to address inequalities within the UN’s SDG framework.
24 months to complete
Earn an online masters degree in public health in 24 months, part time.
Online MSc Public Health admissions
The University of Surrey seeks applicants who are passionate about public health and committed to making a real impact in their communities.
Admissions highlights
- Three start dates per year: February, June, September.
- No application fee.
- No standardised test scores required.
Next application deadline
The final deadline for the February 2026 cohort is 17 December 2025.
A comprehensive masters in public health curriculum
The online MSc Public Health programme will help you develop the skills, in-depth knowledge and understanding you need to fulfil key public health roles across a range of public health settings in the UK as well as internationally.
Our research-led curriculum is aligned with the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) core competencies and we will be seeking accreditation in the first year of the programme.
10 modules
180 credits
One
dissertation
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University’s quality assurance processes. These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.
Module descriptions
The MSc Public Health consists of 10 modules and a dissertation. The programme bears 15 credits per module and 30 credits for the research project. You will engage with the following modules:
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Explore the application of qualitative and quantitative methods; learn to conduct literature reviews and critical appraisals; examine the philosophy and ethics of research; discover how to utilise statistical methods for public health.
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Analyse immunology in infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs); examine the epidemiology of pandemics; evaluate vaccines, design and evaluation of immunisation programmes; discuss vaccine hesitancy; consider ethics.
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Learn about underlying economic concepts, such as scarcity, markets and types of evaluation; examine costing methods in economic evaluation; analyse health outcomes in economic evaluation; apply analytical methods and collection and synthesis of data (key metrics, use of clinical trials and decision models); explore and learn to identify special considerations in public health; perform critical appraisals; evaluate the use of economic evaluations in decision-making; learn about national and local agencies (e.g. NICE in the UK).
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Analyse global food, water and soil security; evaluate food safety, sustainability and nutrition; examine ‘farm-to-fork’ issues as they affect public health; understand food as a system; learn to interpret UK and EU legislation; consider and discuss global applications; assess household and national food security and the effect on public health.
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Explore theories of behaviour change and the role of behaviour change in addressing public health issues; gain an understanding of intervention development and barriers to change; learn how to implement strategies for behaviour change.
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Examine inequalities in health; analyse population health needs using multiple data sources; design comprehensive population health improvement strategies; apply systems thinking to complex health challenges; develop sustainable health improvement initiatives; address mental health; improve stakeholder engagement; understand governance and policy, including nutrition policy.
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Explore inequalities in health and wider determinants; learn to conduct and analyse population health assessment and monitoring; design, implement and evaluate evidence-based health promotion interventions; examine the impact of social determinants on health outcomes.
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Learn about epidemiology and surveillance; explore and learn how to conduct risk analyses; investigate zoonoses, emerging infectious diseases and notifiable diseases; develop strategies for managing outbreaks; examine antimicrobial resistance; promote sustainability.
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Explore how to address the specific challenges of low- and middle-income countries in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals; investigate neglected tropical diseases; examine global nutrition and the multiple burdens of malnutrition; evaluate public health in hard-to-reach areas, conflict and emergencies.
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Analyse global and national strategies on digital health; examine the role of technology in public health; explore big data applications in public health; discover the use of AI and machine learning (including applications, ethics, governance and legislation); learn about digital communication strategies in health education promotion.
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Complete a research project over the duration of the second year, receiving support and guidance from dedicated academics.
Advance your career in public health
Discover how our online MSc Public Health programme prepares you to tackle complex public health issues, develop effective interventions and advance your career. Learn more today.
The online learning experience
A complex world calls for flexible learning designed for your needs. In the online MSc Public Health programme, you’ll find an intuitive platform, comprehensive support and top-notch education designed for real people with real lives.
- Attend weekly face-to-face classes, which allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and faculty.
- Complete interactive assignments, using a customisable platform that follows best practices for online learning.
- Access full-spectrum career services, including interview prep, one-on-one coaching, self-assessments and salary resources.
- Connect with a student success advisor, who will serve as your dedicated partner throughout the programme.
Learning from leading academics
As a student on the MSc Public Health programme, you’ll learn from a multidisciplinary team of University of Surrey academics who are experienced practitioners and top researchers in public health, psychology, biosciences, nutrition and other related fields.
Prepare for a key role in public health
Gain the expertise and skills to tackle global health challenges with Surrey’s online MSc Public Health. You’ll graduate prepared to lead initiatives, influence policy and improve community well-being across a number of settings.
You can go on to conduct further independent applied research or fill a key role in public health practice, policy or leadership, making a tangible impact on creating a healthier, more equitable society.
Lead change in public health
Help shape the future of public health with expert knowledge and impactful solutions. Learn more about our MSc Public Health online programme today.