The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: MPH Indicative duration: 2 years
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

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Evolve as a leading healthcare professional – and learn how to enhance the world around you – with our Master of Public Health (MPH). Throughout the course, you’ll gain a critical understanding of the key fundamentals underpinning global public health. You’ll also explore a variety of subjects and global perspectives, while building on the skills required to confidently discuss current diseases and trends in public health.  

The MPH covers a diverse range of topics, including:  

  • the demands facing public health on a global scale  
  • techniques for assessing population health needs   
  • contemporary strategies that support health promotion  
  • principles of epidemiology from public health perspectives  
  • theory and practice of personal development skills relevant to healthcare  

Following this, you’ll also get the chance to put key learnings into practice when you undertake an independent research project in your dissertation.  

 

Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Membership 

As a leading voice in public health, RSPH provides exclusive access to educational resources and networking opportunities with like-minded people; and offers you industry-wide recognition as a committed public health professional.  

After completing your first module, you’ll receive a 12-month student membership. And upon completion of your postgraduate degree with the University of Essex Online, you’ll be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fellowship of RSPH. If applying before your Student Member status expires, you can upgrade without being charged the upgrade fee.  

Why we’re great

  • Develop the crucial analytical skills needed for a successful future career or step towards progression in public health, epidemiology, and health research areas.  
  • Gain a reputable qualification from the University of Essex, one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025).  
  • Elevate your postgraduate experience and interact with the University of Essex Online’s truly global student base from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. 
  • Study 100% online, part-time, to fit around existing commitments.  
  • Gain a highly regarded 1-year RSPH membership which will give you exclusive access to educational resources, plus the chance to have your work observed by industry-leading health professionals. 

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Optional modules: choose one.

Throughout this insightful module, you’ll discover how health promotion activities can drive positive health-related behaviours. Engage with case studies from peer-reviewed literature to further examine how health promotion can be applied using real-world scenarios. 

Carve out your understanding of public health and study contemporary global health challenges affecting the population. As the module progresses, you’ll develop the ability to prioritise different public health approaches, integrated through assessments and engaging online discussions.  

Examine the approaches for population health needs assessment and learn how public health responses are developed, with this defining module. You’ll discover key theoretical perspectives in the field and demonstrate the ability to identify the correct tools used in a structured health needs assessment.   

In this comprehensive module, you’ll discover the main principles of epidemiology, while embarking on interesting statistical concepts and the analysis of key trends. Apply a theoretical and practical approach to learning and become better-informed about the broader public health environment.  

Looking to progress into management? Develop an advanced skillset that’s valuable across a range of roles with this exciting module. All key theories and methods are shaped across six overarching themes: communication, leadership & management, reflective practice, problem-solving, personal development and action learning.  

This in-depth module introduces you to both the theoretical and practical issues in the research process, with a strong emphasis on health and social care. By the end, you’ll have developed a critical awareness of the ethical issues that can arise and be able to successfully demonstrate both quantitative and qualitative analysis upon completion.  

This defining module allows you to demonstrate the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your studies. With the guidance of an allocated superviser, you’ll investigate a specific area of your professional practice, using appropriate, valid and reliable research methods and approaches. On completion, you’ll have developed key organisational, communication and research skills that will benefit your career. 

In this exciting module, you’ll explore social marketing strategies used across the international health environment, from the implementation stage to evaluation. Discover how creative campaigns can be used to reduce health inequality, impact behaviour and drive social change.  

Explore the policies affecting decision-making to maximise resources across the population. Throughout this engrossing module, you’ll enhance your critical analysis skills and begin to recognise health financing models, as well as economic evaluations. Upon completion, you’ll have a strong understanding of the core economic concepts relating to health.   

Communicable disease control varies significantly across the globe. In this insightful module, you’ll gain an insight into epidemiology, infectious diseases and communicable disease control in practice. Advance your studies further by managing real outbreaks of infection in community or hospital environments and discover how to successfully mitigate future risks.  

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our MPH has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Combined with your prior professional experience, as an MPH graduate you’ll be well prepared to enter an array of roles surrounding public health. Exciting career opportunities include Public Health Assistant, Officer or Manager; Health Communication Officer; Health Visitor; and Public Health Consultant.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our Master of Public Health (MPH), you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our Master of Public Health (MPH), as a minimum you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:  

£12,471 UK / £13,049 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 
  • 20% impact scholarship available for our October 2024 intake.
  • Global access online scholarships available to support high-potential students applying for the October 2024 intake.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our Master of Public Health (MPH) are experts in the field of health.

What our students say

testimonials

Obinna Orjingene -Master of Public Health (MPH)

I’ve used the modules I’m studying in my real-life work experiences, which is amazing!

I was working in the emergency room and intensive care unit, providing critical care for paediatric emergencies and looking after children who'd fled armed conflict and were living in slum dwellings with their parents or guardians. It was here I decided a Master of Public Health was the way to go to progress my career.  I’m currently working as a child survival and development consultant. I chose to study public health because the course is beneficial to my current career aspirations. With this course, I’ll gain a broader perception of health. It will allow me to address the primary...

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