Master of Public Health (MPH) Online
Enhance your career by mastering a multidisciplinary approach to tackling today’s health and social challenges.
Start Dates: January, May, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £11,520
About the programme
Kickstart your successful career in various public health settings, including governmental health agencies, non-profits, and healthcare organisations, with this online Master of Public Health (MPH) at Brunel University of London. This degree offers a critical approach that emphasises public health leadership, the importance of health promotion, and the application of evidence-based practices to improve community health outcomes.
You’ll explore the complex factors impacting population health, gain competencies in epidemiological research, and conduct empirical studies addressing pressing public health challenges.
Offered in a flexible online format, this MPH 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.
Accreditation
This programme’s curriculum is validated by Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The Master of Public Health 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, intervention evaluations, public health leadership case studies, and in-class tests. The programme takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on epidemiology, health economics, behaviour change, and leadership. 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 Public Health & Behaviour Change 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
The standard public health qualification
The MPH is recognised globally as the standard postgraduate qualification for public health professionals. It is valued by the NHS, the World Health Organization, government health departments, and international development agencies. Whether you are building a career in public health or stepping into a leadership role, the MPH is the credential employers expect.
Roles our graduates pursue
- Chief medical officer – leading health strategy and policy at organisational or regional level
- Epidemiologist – analysing health data to inform evidence-based interventions and policy
- Public health manager – overseeing health programmes, service delivery, and team management
- Health informatics specialist – using data systems to improve public health monitoring, reporting, and outcomes
Where our graduates work
Brunel MPH graduates work with organisations including NHS England, Nuffield Health, and Public Health England. The breadth of the MPH also prepares you for roles with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, local government public health teams, and health-focused NGOs.
The APHEA advantage
APHEA validation gives your MPH international recognition. It signals to employers and academic institutions that your training meets a rigorous, independently verified standard, giving you a competitive edge whether you pursue a career in practice, policy, or research.
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
APHEA-validated curriculum
The Master of Public Health is validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA), confirming it meets international standards for public health education. APHEA validation is a mark of quality recognised by employers, governments, and health institutions across Europe and beyond.
The generalist public health qualification
The MPH is the most widely recognised postgraduate qualification in public health. It provides broad, multidisciplinary training across epidemiology, health economics, behaviour change, leadership, and research methods, preparing you for senior roles across the full spectrum of public health practice.
Public health leadership
A dedicated Public Health Leadership module sets this programme apart from the specialist MSc pathways. You will develop the strategic and management skills needed to lead public health teams, programmes, and organisations.
A London university with global standing
Brunel University London is ranked in the top 25% of UK universities. An MPH from a respected London institution carries weight with NHS trusts, government agencies, and international health organisations worldwide.
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 MPH 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 public health relevant to industry standards.
In-demand skills to lead in public health
Public health leadership
Develop skills to lead public health initiatives in diverse settings.
Epidemiology
Master epidemiological methods to analyse health trends and assess interventions.
Economic evaluation
Assess the cost-effectiveness of health interventions to guide policy.
Data analysis
Learn public health data analysis to interpret complex datasets and inform decisions.
Research methodologies
Master mixed-method research for evidence-based public health.
Communication and advocacy
Communicate research findings and health recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
Shape the future of public health
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.
Change-making focus: Develop the skills not only to succeed in public health, but to transform it.
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 toward 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:
- Chief medical officer
- Epidemiologist
- Public health manager
- Health informatics specialist
