Public Health (part-time) (Online Learning)
Provided by The University of Edinburgh Medical School
About the course
The University of Edinburgh offers a transformative Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, delivered entirely online and around your schedule. Our students come from around the world and from various educational and professional backgrounds such as medicine, laboratory science, journalism, computer science, and mathematics among many others. Whether you are looking to upskill or change your career direction entirely, the programme offers a flexible learning pathway, tailored to your career and academic goals.
You can complete a Postgraduate Certificate in just one year, opt for a Postgraduate Diploma after two years, or earn a Master of Public Health over three years.
We also offer a Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme. If you are interested in this option, please choose the 'PG Professional Development in Public Health (Online Learning) - 2 Years (Part-time Intermittent Study)' application route. On this professional development pathway, you can take up to 50 credits over two years. If you then decide you would like to continue on to the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MPH, you can discuss this with the programme team.
You will study a rigorous curriculum that covers essential public health topics - from epidemiology and statistics to health promotion and policy. Our interactive online platform fosters a rich learning environment where you can connect with peers and faculty experts, ensuring you not only gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge but also practical skills applicable to a wide range of public health challenges.
Why choose this programme?
- Globally recognised accreditation: Achieve a qualification accredited by the Agency for Public Education Accreditation (APHEA), ensuring your education meets rigorous global standards and enhances your professional credibility.
- Career versatility: Equip yourself with a broad set of skills in public health theory and practice, preparing you for diverse roles in government, non-profit organisations, academia or the private sector, and opening doors to leadership positions in global health.
- Flexible and supportive learning environment: Benefit from a curriculum tailored to fit around full-time employment or other responsibilities, coupled with a supportive community of international students and tutors that will enhance your learning and give you new perspectives.
Accreditation
The MPH online programme has successfully achieved 'Full Accreditation' with Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).
APHEA represent the five leading associations of public health in the European Region and is committed to assuring and improving the quality of educational activities throughout the European Region and the globe.
Why APHEA accreditation is important?
Accreditation is aimed at supporting the continued improvement of education and training for public health workforces throughout the world. It recognises a programme's quality beyond the borders of its home country, allowing for transferability of qualifications and potentially providing graduates with better opportunities for employment internationally.
Our online MPH programme is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of public health issues and practices over three years, with flexibility to exit after one or two years with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, respectively.
Year 1: Core public health foundations
- Introduction to Public Health
- Introduction to Health Promotion
- Introduction to Epidemiology and Statistics
- Epidemiology for Public Health Practice
- Public Policy for Health
These foundational courses will equip you with essential public health knowledge and analytical skills.
Year 2: Advanced studies and electives
- Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
- Research Design for Public and Global Health
- Systematic Reviews
You will also be able to tailor your learning to your career goals in Year 2 by selecting from a variety of elective courses on topics such as data analysis, global mental health, leadership in public health, and maternal and child health.
Year 3: Specialisation and project work
In Year 3, you can choose whether to:
- Undertake a nine-month research project, culminating in a dissertation, or
- Integrate your MPH learning and apply it to public health-related problems and challenges in the real world with a Student-Led Individually Created Course (SLICC).
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Enquire
| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |