Public Health & Behaviour Change MSc Online
Boost your public health career by mastering behavioural science intervention design.
Start Dates: January, May, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £11,520
About the programme
This online MSc in Public Health and Behaviour Change will help you gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in various healthcare settings, such as public health agencies, community organisations, and research institutions.
You’ll focus on the application of behavioural science to promote health and well-being, while also developing essential academic and research skills. Exploring the links between societal factors and health behaviours, you’ll gain competencies in designing and evaluating interventions, and conduct empirical research addressing pressing public health challenges.
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 and behaviour change, 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 evolving field of public health and behaviour change.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MSc Public Health & Behaviour Change 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 design proposals, research evaluations, and in-class tests. The programme places strong emphasis on applying theory to practice, particularly in the Behaviour Change and Intervention Design module, where you develop real-world health promotion strategies. 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
A growing field
Behaviour change is at the heart of modern public health strategy. From tackling obesity and smoking to promoting mental health and vaccination uptake, organisations need professionals who understand the science behind why people make health decisions, and how to design effective interventions. This specialism is increasingly central to health policy at local, national, and international levels.
Roles our graduates pursue
- Behaviour change consultant – designing evidence-based interventions for health organisations and government agencies
- Public health educator – developing and delivering health promotion programmes for communities
- Community health worker – supporting population health outcomes through frontline engagement
- Epidemiologist – analysing health data to identify patterns, risks, and intervention opportunities
Where our graduates work
Brunel public health graduates work with organisations including NHS England, Nuffield Health, and Public Health England. The programme’s applied focus prepares you for roles in NHS trusts, local authorities, international health agencies, NGOs, and the private health sector.
Research-ready
The dissertation module equips you with the research skills to contribute to the evidence base in behaviour change and public health. Graduates who wish to pursue further academic research are well-positioned for PhD programmes or research roles in universities and health research institutions.
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
Specialist behaviour change focus
This is one of the few online MSc programmes that combines public health with a dedicated focus on behaviour change. Three modules – Behavioural Medicine, Theories of Behaviour Change, and Behaviour Change and Intervention Design – give you specialist expertise that is increasingly sought by employers in health promotion and public health policy.
Research-led teaching
Brunel’s public health faculty are actively publishing researchers. Your learning is informed by the latest evidence in epidemiology, health inequalities, and behavioural science, ensuring your knowledge is current and grounded in rigorous academic research.
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 carries weight with NHS trusts, government agencies, and international health organisations.
Global cohort
You will study alongside professionals from around the world, gaining exposure to diverse health systems, cultural perspectives, and approaches to behaviour change. This global classroom enriches your understanding of public health beyond a single national context.
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 public health and behaviour change relevant to industry standards.
In-demand skills to lead in public health and behaviour change
Behaviour change strategies
Design interventions that promote healthy behaviour change in populations.
Public health research
Conduct research that informs public health practice and policy decisions.
Epidemiology
Learn to assess population health and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Data analysis
Acquire skills in data analysis techniques specific to public health.
Research methodologies
Master research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method.
Communication
Gain transferable skills in communication and critical thinking.
Shape the future of public health
Change-making focus: Develop the skills to transform 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, including 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:
- Behaviour change consultant
- Public health educator
- Community health worker
- Epidemiologist
