Global Public Health & Social Justice MSc Online
Launch a rewarding career in public health and gain the skills to create positive social change.
Start Dates: January, May, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £11,520
About the programme
Designed to educate emerging health professionals on a wide range of topics, the online Global Public Health & Social Justice MSc from Brunel University of London will enhance your career prospects in the public health sector. Offered fully online, this master’s programme provides healthcare professionals with the practical skills to successfully navigate the challenges of the global health environment.
You’ll gain the ideal credentials for a leading edge in major health organisations. With Brunel, you’ll build an in-depth understanding of health policies, sociological implications, and global health concerns.
Offered in a flexible online format, this MSc allows you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. Engaging and interactive learning experiences enable you to develop in-depth knowledge of public health principles while fostering collaboration with a diverse cohort of peers from around the globe. As you enhance your research and communication skills, you’ll be well-prepared to become a leader in the dynamic field of public health.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MSc Global Public Health & Social Justice is delivered through Brunel’s virtual learning environment, giving you access to course materials, recorded lectures, and interactive resources at any time. You will engage with content through video lectures, discussion forums, and collaborative activities with your global cohort. All learning is asynchronous by default, allowing you to study when it suits you, with scheduled touchpoints for tutor interaction and peer discussion.
Weekly study commitment
Full-time students should expect to dedicate approximately 35-40 hours per week to their studies. Part-time students typically commit around 15-20 hours. Your time is split between directed learning activities, independent study and reading, and assessment preparation. The programme runs across three intakes per year – January, May, and September – with a structured module timetable.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through a balance of coursework and examinations. Depending on the module, you may complete written reports, epidemiological analyses, policy evaluations, social justice case studies, and in-class tests. The programme emphasises critical engagement with the political and ethical dimensions of health inequality. The programme culminates in a dissertation research project.
Support and feedback
You will have access to dedicated academic tutors and a student support team throughout your programme. Tutors provide structured feedback on assessments, and you can reach out to your support team for guidance on academic, technical, or administrative matters. Brunel’s online students also have access to the university’s library, careers service, and wellbeing resources.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To join this programme, you’ll need:
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or; an equivalent internationally-recognised, relevant qualification in a subject such as public health, allied health, health-related studies, social sciences, or biosciences.
Language requirements
Non-native speakers of English need either of the following:
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
Modules
Our refined modules ensure an optimal learning experience, equipping you with practical skills for success in public health through eight core modules and a final research project.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for the MSc Global Public Health & Social Justice are £11,520 for the full programme.This covers all teaching, learning materials, assessments, and access to Brunel’s online resources — there are no hidden costs.
Payment options
Brunel offers a six-month payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost by paying your first instalment at registration and the remaining balance across five equal monthly payments.
Discounts and scholarships
You may be eligible for one or more of the following:
- Early Payment Discount (2%) — applied automatically when you pay in full before your registration date
- Alumni Discount (15%) — for Brunel graduates returning for postgraduate study
- Family Discount (10%) — when a direct family member is also studying at Brunel
- Academic Excellence Award (15%) — for applicants holding a first-class undergraduate degree
Discounts can be combined where eligible. Visit the full fees and funding section for detailed eligibility criteria.
Student loans
UK residents may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan through Student Finance England. The loan is not means-tested and is paid directly to you to use towards tuition fees and living costs. Visit gov.uk/masters-loan for full details and to check your eligibility.
Career outcomes
Advancing health equity
Health inequalities remain one of the most pressing challenges globally. Professionals who can analyse the social determinants of health, advocate for policy change, and design equity-focused interventions are in demand across government, international organisations, and the third sector. This programme positions you to lead that work.
Roles our graduates pursue
- Public health policy analyst – evaluating and shaping health policy through a social justice lens
- Health equity coordinator – leading initiatives to reduce health disparities across populations
- Global health advocate – working with international organisations on health rights and access
- Researcher in health and social justice – contributing to the evidence base on health inequalities and systemic drivers
Where our graduates work
Brunel public health graduates work with organisations including NHS England, Nuffield Health, and Public Health England. This programme’s social justice focus also prepares you for roles in international development organisations, human rights NGOs, and research institutions working on health equity.
Research-ready
The dissertation module equips you with the research skills to contribute to the evidence base in health equity and social justice. Graduates are well-positioned for PhD programmes or research roles focused on the social determinants of health.
Our aim is to support the development of students to become leaders in public health. We do this by unlocking their intellectual abilities and transferable skills as well as providing employment opportunities through access to a pool of potential employers.
Why choose this programme
Social justice at its core
This is one of the few online public health programmes that places social justice at the centre of the curriculum. A dedicated Social Justice and Health module, alongside Health Policy, Politics and Social Justice, equips you to critically analyse how systemic inequality drives health disparities, and what can be done about it.
Global perspective
The programme examines health inequalities across international contexts, not just within the UK. You will study alongside a global cohort, gaining exposure to diverse health systems and the social, political, and economic forces that shape health outcomes in different regions.
A London university with global standing
Brunel University London is ranked in the top 25% of UK universities. A public health qualification from a respected London institution is valued by international health organisations, NGOs, and government agencies worldwide.
Research-led teaching
Your learning is informed by Brunel’s active research in health inequalities, social determinants of health, and global public health. This ensures your knowledge is current and evidence-based.
Built for working professionals
Three start dates per year (January, May, September), fully online delivery, and flexible study options mean you can advance your public health career without stepping away from your current role.
Career-driven outcomes
Your MSc is designed with industry skills and knowledge in mind, providing you with the skills you need to secure your chosen career path. Each module is carefully constructed to elevate your knowledge in key areas of global public health and social justice relevant to industry standards.
In-demand skills to lead in public health and social justice
Public health policy analysis
Learn to evaluate and influence health policies.
Epidemiological research
Master epidemiological methods to assess health trends.
Health and social justice
Learn to advocate for policies that promote health equity.
Data analysis and statistics
Acquire skills in data analysis tailored to global public health.
Critical thinking
Understand how to think critically to reach informed decisions.
Communication
Gain in-demand and transferable communication skills.
Shape the future of public health
Change-making focus: Make a lasting positive impact on population health, health equity, and community well-being.
Industry-relevant curriculum: Address society’s toughest health challenges through cutting-edge case studies and hands-on projects.
Interactive global classroom: Collaborate with peers worldwide in our innovative virtual learning environment.
Take the next step
Fill out the form and one of our advisors will be in touch with more information and our brochure.
Hear what our students have to say about this programme
Supporting you towards success
Throughout your academic journey, we offer personalised guidance, skill workshops, alumni network access, and continuous support.
Many of our graduates take on key roles in public health, such as:
- Public health policy analyst
- Health equity coordinator
- Global health advocate
- Researcher in health and social justice
