A Master of Public Health (MPH) in the UK is a multidisciplinary course offering broad academic knowledge required for advanced professional roles in public health.
Public health focuses on the health and well-being of communities and the prevention of public health crises, and an MPH gives you access to this evolving field of healthcare—offering career pathways in multiple disciplines. If you are a student with a relevant academic background and an interest in community-based work in health and social care, pursuing a master’s course in public health in the UK might be a great next step for your education and future career.
This guide covers the top 10 universities for MPH in the UK with their ranking, entry requirements, and course fees for Indian students. We also discuss your career opportunities with an MPH in the UK, the costs you may have to bear while studying, and scholarships you can pursue to help fund your education. Let’s get started.
What is public health?
Public health is a branch of healthcare focused on preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health by protecting and improving the health of communities at local, regional, national, and global levels. This can include controlling infections, setting up programmes to diagnose diseases as early as possible, ensuring people have access to nutritious food and safe housing, and responding to natural disasters and major health crises like disease outbreaks.
The public health field spans healthcare, social work, and governance; and this diversity in disciplines is reflected in the public health workforce as well. Professional roles in public health range from consultants and environmental health officers to doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, researchers, social care workers, and more, working in these diverse disciplines to improve public health.
While there are many options to study public health worldwide, the UK remains one of the best destinations for Indian students looking to study an MPH. Let’s take a look at why you may want to consider the UK to advance your learning in public health with an MPH.
Why study an MPH in the UK
Internationally-recognised universities, a student-friendly culture, and promising work opportunities make the UK a great destination for students all around the world. Here’s why the UK remains a top destination for Indian students looking to pursue an MPH in the UK:
- In-depth curriculum
MPH programmes in the UK cover a wide range of subjects necessary for public health professionals like you to excel in your field. Essential public health topics covered in these programmes include disease prevention, environmental health, health policy, biostatistics, epidemiology, and more.
- Financial relief through scholarships
The UK government, many universities, and private benefactors offer scholarships to international students, some of which we cover in this guide. These financial aid options can help fund your MPH programme and life in the UK as an Indian student.
- A balance of research and hands-on experience
UK universities are known for their quality of teaching and research, with many universities offering internships and field placements to apply your learning in practice. These placements allow you to get targeted training across different fields such as health economics, health education, and epidemiology, helping you build a solid foundation backed by both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Diverse cultural landscape
The UK is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and UK universities have sizable international student communities. As a student in the UK, you have the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet people from all over the world.
- Multiple career paths
MPH holders in the UK can access many post-study work (PSW) opportunities across several disciplines. In the National Health Service (NHS) itself, you can be eligible for roles like health visitor, public health nutritionist, epidemiologist, and public health nurse with your MPH qualification. In addition to NHS-based careers, you can also pursue opportunities in the private sector, non-profit organisations, or social enterprises operating in the UK.
If the high standards of education, student-friendly culture, and work opportunities in the UK sparked your interest in studying an MPH in a UK university, you might want to find out what you’ll learn in an MPH, its course structure, and how long it’ll take to complete your course. Let’s look at that next.
Studying an MPH in the UK: Areas of study, course structure, and duration
You can pursue an MPH in the UK full-time or part-time, as most universities offer both academic schedules as options. The MPH course syllabus generally includes four core modules along with an optional module covering specialised subject areas. Let’s go over the areas of study, course structure, and duration of an MPH in the UK so you’ll know what to expect in your chosen programme.
MPH in the UK: Areas of study
An MPH programme aims to prepare you for several diverse roles in public health, from consultation and policy-making to research and analysis. To this end, MPH programmes cover a range of topics that help you develop transferable skills and gain knowledge essential for roles in health services, government, and the medical technologies industry. Here are the main areas of study covered in an MPH programme:
- Disease prevention: Develop strategies like vaccination programmes to reduce the spread of diseases in communities.
- Health promotion: Educates communities to make healthier choices with initiatives targeting smoking, mental health awareness, and other health issues.
- Epidemiology: Studies the patterns and causes of disease in communities to better respond to outbreaks and public health crises.
- Biostatistics: Applies statistical methods to public health research to analyse health data and inform public health policy.
- Health services management: Teaches how to effectively manage health services and facilities, crucial for job roles in the NHS.
- Health policy: Focuses on developing and implementing policies such as national and local funding to improve health outcomes.
MPH in the UK: Duration and course structure
An MPH in the UK provides flexible study options for both students and working professionals with both full-time and part-time study options. If you are studying full-time, the course duration is generally one year, and if you follow the course part-time, it may span up to six years according to the schedule that best fits your academic goals and career commitments.
MPH programmes in the UK contain core modules covering essential topics in public health such as public health principles, epidemiology, and statistical methods. Alongside these core modules, students can choose from optional modules to specialise in a preferred subject area such as health economics and mental health. Let’s go over what the course structure of an MPH in the UK generally looks like:
| Core Modules | Optional Modules |
|---|---|
| Principles of public health | Epidemiology |
| Introduction to statistical methods | Health economics |
| Introduction to epidemiology | Health education |
| Principles of social research | Mental health |
| Occupational health safety |
Now that we’ve gone over the course structure for an MPH and what it commonly covers, let’s take a look at the top 10 universities offering sought-after master’s programmes in public health in the UK for international students.
MPH in the UK: Top 10 universities
The UK is home to many top-ranking universities offering MPH programmes, each delivering specialised knowledge and opportunities for students to build and strengthen critical skills needed in the field of public health. While there are many universities to choose from, here are the top 10 universities in the UK offering Master's in Public Health programmes according to the Guardian University Guide 2025’s rankings for Health Professions.
| Ranking | University | Suggested Course | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swansea University | Public Health and Health Promotion, MSc / PGDip | 23 lakhs |
| 2 | City, University of London | Master of Public Health (MPH) | 17 lakhs |
| 3 | Liverpool John Moores University | Public Health, MSc | 19 lakhs |
| 4 | Aston University | Public Health (MPH) | 25 lakhs |
| 5 | University of South Wales | Public Health, MSc | 17 lakhs |
| 6 | Exeter University | Master of Public Health (MPH) | 31 lakhs |
| 7 | University of Northampton | Public Health, MSc | 18 lakhs |
| 8 | Cardiff Metropolitan University | Applied Public Health, MSc/PgD/PgC | 19 lakhs |
| 9 | University of Strathclyde | Health Analysis, Policy, and Management, MSc | 34 lakhs |
| 10 | Glasgow Caledonian University | Master of Public Health (MPH) | 18 lakhs |
Read on to learn more about what each university and programme has to offer along with their entry requirements.
1. Swansea University
Ranked first in the Guardian University Guide 2025’s rankings for Health Professions, Swansea University is a research-led university known for its excellent teaching, research expertise, and multicultural community. The Public Health and Health Promotion programme offered by the university covers ethics, health promotion, development, and evaluation of public health programmes, and the theory and practice of leadership and management.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours, upper division or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
2. City, University of London
City, University of London is known for its inclusive and diverse community and for facilitating career development opportunities with strong industry partnerships. The Master of Public Health programme offered by the university explores how health, social factors, economy, environment, and politics connect, to encourage creative and applied learning.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification and relevant employment experience in the health sector (optional)
3. Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University is a public research institution known for its student-friendliness, with a Students’ Union hosting over 100 clubs and societies covering a range of academic and cultural interests, affordable student accommodation options, and career support with the university’s International Study Centre. The Public Health MSc offered by the university is based on the Public Health Skills and Career Framework (2010) and provides a shared learning environment where those already working in the public health sector can bring prior knowledge and experience to share with their peers.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
4. Aston University
Aston University is known for its teaching and research excellence in science, technology, and enterprise-related subjects. The Public Health (MPH) programme offered by the university explores local, national, and global public health concerns, health policies, and their impact on society and public health.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent
5. University of South Wales
The University of South Wales is known for its practical, hands-on approach to teaching, helping students develop skills and real-world experience that employers look for. The Public Health MSc programme offered by the university covers sustainable public health, research methods and evidence-based public health, protection of health in diverse environments, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, a minimum of one year of relevant work experience, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
6. Exeter University
Exeter University is known for combining excellence in teaching and research with an outstanding student experience. The Master of Public Health programme offered by the university meets the training requirements of the UK Faculty of Public Health, Certification in Public Health (CPH), and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), improving future employability.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification or relevant public health work experience and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
7. University of Northampton
The University of Northampton is known for its focus on empowering students to create positive social impact with its Public Health MSc preparing students for careers in health and social care, local authority, and voluntary work.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
8. Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University is known for its professionally recognised degrees and impactful research and innovation. The Applied Public Health programme offered by the university focuses on health equity and social justice at local and global levels.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours, upper division or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
9. University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde is a public research university known for delivering flexible, innovative learning and fostering international research partnerships. The Health Analysis, Policy, and Management MSc offered by the university strengthens students’ practical and analytical skills to develop public health strategies and enhance performance in healthcare.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
10. Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University is known for its research aimed at helping people live healthy lives, creating sustainable environments, and building inclusive societies. The Master of Public Health programme offered by the university covers a wide range of public health topics such as advanced research methods, principles of public health practice, epidemiology, and health economics.
Entry requirements: A relevant degree with second-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
Now that we’ve explored the specific entry requirements for the top 10 UK universities for an MPH in the UK, let’s take a look at the general entry requirements that any university you choose can have next.
MPH in the UK: Entry requirements for Indian students
Entry requirements for most postgraduate programmes in UK universities include academic (usually undergraduate) degrees, test results showcasing English language proficiency, and work experiences in some cases. While individual UK universities may have specific entry requirements for their Master’s in Public Health programmes, there are a few general requirements nearly every university requires you to fulfil:
| Requirement | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Academic degree | Undergraduate degree in any related subject stream. Universities may require a minimum of 2:2 classification or international equivalent (Second Class Lower Division honours) |
| English proficiency test | IELTS 6.0–7.0 (with no individual component less than 5.5) or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, GCSE, IB, or Ordinary Level English) |
| Work experience | Two or more years of experience in a relevant job role. Depending on the university, this may be a mandatory or a preferred requirement |
If these requirements align with your academic and professional background, you can start looking for universities to pursue your master’s degree in public health—you can book a free consultation with SI-UK today to explore the best university choices for you in the UK.
Once you find a university and an MPH programme aligned with your goals and interests, you’ll need to get ready for the application process. Let’s take a look at the admissions process for MPH in the UK and how to apply to your preferred programme next.
Admission process for an MPH in the UK
The admission process can be unique to each university offering an MPH in the UK—the course listing on your preferred university’s website and the ‘How to Apply’ section would give you detailed information about the university’s admission process and the documentation you need to put together to apply for your preferred course.
Generally, UK universities require you to send in your MPH application directly to their admission committee. Most universities have an application portal through which you can submit an online application, along with your supporting documents.
Documents needed to apply for an MPH in the UK
Here are the documents required for nearly all universities when you’re applying for an MPH in the UK:
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Details of previous studies: A summary of your academic history and subjects covered in your previous study transcripts and scores in your bachelor’s degree: Your bachelor’s degree transcripts and grades
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Proof of English language proficiency: Records of your English proficiency test scores
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Copy of your passport: A clear scan of your valid passport for identity verification
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Statement of purpose: A personal essay that highlights your academic background, experience in related fields, and your motivations for choosing the field of public health and the particular programme
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Letter of recommendation with one or more references: A letter of endorsement from a professional/ mentor/ supervisor, recommending you for the MPH programme
Application deadlines for MPH in the UK – 2025
UK universities encourage students to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of admission. While most MPH applications can be sent directly to the university, there are a few programmes that require you to apply through UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)—the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.
Programme deadlines for direct applications depend on the university, so it’s important to keep in mind that some universities can have very early deadlines. For example, if you’re applying for the September 2025 intake, some deadlines may be set around December 2024—it’s best to check the course listing on your preferred university’s website as you explore your course options. This way, you can get ready to apply as soon as you’ve decided on the programme you are applying for.
If you are applying through UCAS, here are the deadlines you need to consider:
- The application deadline for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science is 15th October 2024
- The application deadline for all other 2025 courses is 29th January, 2025
Now that we’ve gone over the admission process, documents needed for your application, and deadlines to apply for an MPH in the UK, let’s take a look at another important factor that you should consider as an international student—the cost of studying an MPH in the UK.
Cost of studying an MPH in the UK for Indian students
The main expenses you need to keep in mind when studying in the UK are tuition fees, pre-arrival fees such as the visa application and university application fees, and the cost of living in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect when pursuing an MPH in the UK:
Tuition fees for an MPH in the UK
For an international student, an MPH in the UK typically costs between INR 17 and 35 lakhs. This can change depending on the university, programme, and course duration. Some universities offer part-time study options for the MPH which cost less per year, but last longer.
Pre-arrival fees for an MPH in the UK
These are the costs involved in the application and admission process. The expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:
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Student visa fee: £490 (Approx. INR 53,000)
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UCAS application fee: £28.50 (Approx. INR 3000) for 2025 entry
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Language proficiency tests: Approx. £115 (Approx. INR 12,500)
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Initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme: Depends on the programme (Some universities do not charge this fee)
Cost of living in the UK
In addition to your tuition fee for the course, you may need to consider the cost of living as well, which can change depending on where your chosen university is located. The cost of living in the UK is projected to be between £1,425 and £2,035 (INR 150,000–INR 230,000) per month in 2025, depending on your lifestyle and location. Based on this projection, here are some expenses you can expect in your monthly cost of living:
| Expenses | In London | Other cities in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Student accommodation (with bills) | £848 | £664 |
| Room in private accommodation (without bills) | £750 | £554 |
| Utility bills | £140 | £80 |
| Groceries | £155 | £116 |
| Dining out, cafés, bars | £150 | £80 |
| Public transport | £103 | £54 |
| Mobile phone bill (SIM-only plan) | £18 | £18 |
| Student gym membership | £20 | £15 |
If you are specifically looking for affordable options in the UK to pursue an MPH, understanding more about the cost of living in the UK for Indian students may help. As you explore your options for the cheapest MPH in the UK for international students, it’s best to keep track of the expenses that make up your cost of living, like accommodation, food and groceries, and travel.
Scholarships and bursaries offered by universities and external parties can help make studying in the UK more affordable, especially if the financial investment is a concern for you. This type of funding can help cover the full or partial cost of tuition fees and even the cost of living in some cases, so let’s take a look at a few popular scholarships that can support you in pursuing your postgraduate studies in public health in the UK.
Scholarships for Indian students in the UK for MPH
The UK government, universities, and private benefactors offer scholarships for international students to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK. Understanding what costs they cover and their eligibility criteria can help you make a decision on which scholarships may be the best fit for your needs and academic goals. Here are the most popular scholarships Indian students can pursue for their postgraduate studies, along with the type of funding, coverage, and eligibility criteria.
Commonwealth scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries, including India.
| Type of funding | Amount/coverage | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Most are fully funded |
|
|
Chevening scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to students studying for a master’s by Chevening, the UK government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme.
| Type of funding | Amount/coverage | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Fully funded |
|
|
GREAT Scholarship
The British Council awards the GREAT Scholarship to postgraduate students in 18 different countries, including India. It is also offered for specific programmes in select universities in the UK, and in the 2025-26 academic year, over 200 scholarships are offered by over 70 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
| Type of funding | Amount/coverage | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Tuition fees |
|
SPH master’s scholarships
Imperial College London’s School of Public Health awards the SPH master’s scholarships for their postgraduate taught programmes: Master of Public Health, MSc in Epidemiology, MSc in Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning, and Global Master of Public Health (online).
| Type of funding | Amount/coverage | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Partial tuition fee coverage | Tuition fees |
|
IMPACT Scholarship
University College London (UCL) awards the IMPACT Scholarship to prospective postgraduate students of UCL's online MPH programme. It aims to support students who have experienced inequality due to income, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, career responsibilities, adverse childhood experiences, social exclusion, or disability.
| Type of funding | Amount/coverage | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|
| £19,300 | Tuition fees |
|
Scholarships can significantly ease the process of studying an MPH in the UK and once the programme is successfully completed, MPH graduates have lucrative career opportunities in the UK. Let’s explore some of the opportunities you can pursue as an MPH graduate in the UK.
Job opportunities for MPH graduates in the UK
MPH graduates have the opportunity to pursue a diverse range of career pathways within the UK’s NHS, private sector organisations like consultancy firms, and charities or social enterprises, as the public health workforce in the UK comprises many different professional roles. Let’s have a look at the careers you can explore after completing your MPH in the UK.
Popular job roles and salary potential with an MPH in the UK
With an MPH you are qualified to pursue public health work opportunities in several disciplines, from public health consultants, doctors, and nurses to statisticians, researchers, social care workers, and community pharmacists. Here are a few job roles you can apply for as an MPH graduate:
- Public health service officer
The job role of public health officers includes collaborating with government bodies, NGOs, and healthcare institutions to design and execute public health programmes.
Average annual salary: £52,541
- Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists analyse data, conduct research, and identify risk factors to inform disease control and prevention strategies.
Average annual salary: £29,580
- Environmental health specialist
Environmental health specialists oversee air and water quality, manage waste disposal systems, and ensure food safety regulations are met to manage potential environmental health risks.
Average annual salary: £39,432
- Global health specialist
Global health specialists collaborate with international organisations and NGOs to address global health issues, infectious diseases, and humanitarian crises.
Average annual salary: £28,493
- Healthcare consultant
Healthcare consultants help connect clinical practice with public health principles. They analyse healthcare delivery and create strategies to improve patient care and efficiency.
Average annual salary: £59,139
- Health policy research analyst
Research analysts collect, analyse, and interpret data to help develop public health policy and interventions.
Average annual salary: £48,620
Salary data accessed from Salary Expert in November 2024.
If you find these professional roles appealing as future career pathways, you are on the right track to qualify for these roles with an MPH in the UK. So next, let’s take a look at the final step you need to get through to start your studies in the UK as an international student—the visa application.
UK Student Visa to follow an MPH in the UK as an Indian Student
Indian students entering the UK for MPH need to apply for a UK student visa, and post-completion, you can apply for a two-year post-study work visa to begin your career in the UK. While applying for your visa can seem like a complex process, it is quite straightforward if you know the visa application process and the documents you need to apply for a student visa. Here’s the process you need to follow to apply for a student visa as an Indian student pursuing an MPH in the UK:
Visa application process to follow as an Indian postgraduate student
- Step 1: Fill in your student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
- Step 2: Submit your documents, either:
- Online when filling out your application
- At a visa application centre
- Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre
- Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
- Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so
If you need support with your visa application, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service.
Documents needed for visa as an Indian postgraduate student
Here are the documents you need to get a visa for the UK as an Indian postgraduate student:
- A current passport
- The CAS from your university
- Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
- A letter confirming an educational loan
- Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
- A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
- A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
- Your TB test results
- Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
If you need more information on how to put these documents together and the visa application process, you can go through our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply.
Conclusion
Pursuing an MPH in the UK gives you the opportunity to strengthen your foundation in public health, along with the chance to experience a new culture and explore diverse career options after graduation., Selecting a university aligned with your academic and professional goals as well as your financial investment is the next step to ensure you make the most of the opportunities that an MPH in the UK opens up for you.
If you need help choosing a university that best fits your goals, understanding the entry requirements, or exploring scholarship opportunities, experts at SI-UK are ready to help. You can reserve a free consultation online or at one of our local offices and take the first step to becoming a public health professional in the UK today!
FAQs
How much does an MPH cost in the UK?
The average annual fee for an MPH in the UK typically costs between INR 17 and 35 lakhs. However, you may also want to consider pre-arrival fees such as the visa application and university application fees and the cost of living in the UK to get a clear view of what your overall study costs will look like.
How many years is an MPH in the UK?
For full-time students, the course duration for an MPH in the UK is generally one year. For part-time students, the MPH programme may span up to six years once you put together a schedule that works with your academic goals and career commitments.
How much does an MPH make in the UK?
The average annual salary of an MPH graduate in the UK is £37,000. As an MPH in the UK, you have a wide range of career paths and opportunities, from public health specialists and practitioners to research analysts, social care providers, and community pharmacists.
Is public health in demand in the UK?
Yes, public health roles are in high demand in the UK across multiple sectors. The three primary employing sectors for public health professionals in the UK are:
- Public sector: The NHS, local government, the civil service, and higher education
- Private sector: Private and independent companies, organisations, and consultancy firms
- Third sector: Charities or social enterprises
Who is eligible for a Master’s in Public Health in the UK?
If you are an international student looking to study an MPH in the UK, here are the entry requirements you need to meet:
- Academic degree: Undergraduate degree in any related subject stream with minimum second-class honours, upper division or an equivalent recognised qualification
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–7.0 (with no individual component less than 5.5) or equivalent
- Work experience: Minimum one year of work experience in a related role. This may be a mandatory or preferred requirement depending on the university.
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