Public Health (online) MPH/PgDip/PgCert: Online distance learning
Public health is the science and art of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. A Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Glasgow allows you to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference. Online learning at the University of Glasgow allows you to experience the outstanding education we are known for without the need for relocation.
- Online distance learning
- Academic contact: mvls-publichealth@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: January, April or September
- MPH: 30 months part‑time
- PgDip: 24 months part‑time
- PgCert: 12 months part‑time
Why this programme
Studying Public Health online at Glasgow- The MPH is taught using a variety of interactive approaches by academics and practitioners with expertise in epidemiology, statistics, global health, and public health research.
- The programme is multidisciplinary - our staff and students come from a range of backgrounds including medicine, nursing, mathematics, computer science, psychology, sociology, and social policy.
- Public health plays a central role in guiding health care practice, influencing health policy, protecting the public, and improving population health.
- Recognised in most countries as an essential qualification for a career in public health.
- Over 95% of the research submitted by the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences was deemed ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’ by the Research Excellence Framework in 2021.
- We are ranked 44th in the world for Life Sciences & Medicine by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Programme structure
Public Health students at the University of Glasgow benefit from learning within a research-intense environment, with staff working in various areas linked to Public Health. Students will engage with learning activities specifically developed for online learning. You will connect with other students in discussion activities, and undertake a variety of assessments including essays, reports, practical skills coursework and presentations.
Taken on a part-time basis, the duration of this programme is 2.5 to 6 years, depending on the credential obtained.
Masters in Public Health (MPH)
MPH students take three core courses, three optional courses, and a supervised 60 credit, self-directed research project.
Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate
Learners may decide to undertake a shorter qualification in Public Health.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health requires students to take the three core courses for the degree, plus an additional three optional courses. Students must take 120 credits in total.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health requires students to take two core courses (Introduction to epidemiology and statistics and Principles of public health), plus one additional 20 credit course from optional. Students must take 60 credits in total.
Core courses
- Introduction to epidemiology and statistics
- PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
- RESEARCH METHODS IN HEALTH & WELLBEING
Optional courses
Students undertaking the MPH will take three optional courses.
- ADVANCED EPIDEMIOLOGY
- CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND BIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF MENTAL HEALTH
- FURTHER EPIDEMIOLOGY AND STATISTICS
- GLOBALISATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
- HEALTH ECONOMICS FOR HTA ONLINE
- HEALTH PROMOTION: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
- IMPROVING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT
- LEADING CARE - PUTTING LEADERSHIP INTO THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE CONTEXT
- LEADING IMPROVEMENT IN CARE PROVISION
- QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
- TRANSFORMING CARE SERVICES
To discover more about the programme watch our webinar with the programme director or visit our articles section for more information.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
An MPH degree can help you make a difference in a variety of public health settings. Our graduates have gone on to work for the NHS, local authorities, government bodies, third sector organisations, academia, and international organisations. Career paths include:
- public health researcher
- health promotion specialist
- epidemiologist
- health information manager
- data scientist
- health policy analyst
- community health worker
- disease prevention specialist
- health educator.
Some graduates have also gone on to further study and continued through the PhD route.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2024-25
MPH
UK / EU / International:
- £15,000 (total cost)
You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.
PgDip
UK / EU / International:
- £10,000 (total cost)
You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits
PgCert
UK / EU / International:
- £5,000 (total cost)
You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.
Fees are the same for Jan 2024 start
Fees for NHS-funded students (after NHS-discount): Jan 2024 entry: £1,174 per 20 credits, Sep 2024 entry: £1,237 per 20 credits
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
UK Study Online Scholarship
The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Please see UK Study Online for more details.
Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
If you’re an English student looking to study a taught Masters programme in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan. Students from England are able to apply for a non-means tested Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £11,570 to help with course fees and living costs. You have to repay your Postgraduate Master’s Loan at the same time as any other student loans you have. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.
If you’re studying by distance learning, you can also apply.
Alumni Discount
In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2024/25. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, International Summer School programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.
Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.
* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes
Postgraduate Master's Finance
If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:
- a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
- a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.
For more information visit Student Finance Wales
Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.
For more information visit Student Finance Wales
Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)
If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.
Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.
For more information visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate .
* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have a 2:1 in a relevant degree or a 2:2 in a relevant degree with some evidence of relevant professional work experience in public health or health care. Relevant degree is any degree with a science/health component.
Applications with a borderline 2:2/third class grade are sent to the convenor for further review.
For applicants with non-relevant degrees, evidence of relevant public health experience at a professional level is required.
Prospective applicants may ask about suitability prior to application by emailing mvls-publichealth@glasgow.ac.uk.
When submitting your application, please include your Curriculum Vitae and a supporting statement. This is in addition to the documents listed in 'how to apply'.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- Oxford ELLT 7
- R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
- W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
Computer requirements for studying online
Broadband internet connection
- 3 mbps or higher
Internet Browsers
Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:
Desktop:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Internet Explorer
Mobile:
- MobileSafari
- Google Chrome
For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date.
Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser
Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:
- Internet Explorer 10 and below
- Safari 7 and below
Computer specifications
- Processor: 2GHz
- Operating system (minimum):
- Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
- Windows 7
- Mac OS X v10.4.11+
- Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
- Hard disk: 300GB
- Sound card and microphone
- Speakers or headphones
- Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher
Mobile device specifications
- iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
- Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome
Other software
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
- Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
- Anti-virus software
Advised hardware / software
- Microsoft Office 2010
- Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
- Webcam
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- An English language certificate/evidence of your English language ability may be required
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport (non-EU students only)
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.
Please ensure all documents are correctly named and are uploaded before you submit your application to prevent any delays with your file.
All documentation must be attached to your online application, but please remember your student recruitment coordinator is here to support you by reviewing it before you upload it, so feel free to send them over to your student recruitment coordinator before you submit your application.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Online taught masters degrees begin in January, April and September.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript. It is important to upload official copies of your transcripts and certificates for your full academic history, from Undergraduate onwards. For example, if you have a bachelors and a masters degree, you must send documents from both degrees.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
- Applications will be accepted up until the programme start date.
More information about this programme
Watch our webinars:
For information on our on-campus Public Health programme, please see: MPH (Master of Public Health)
