Public Health & Health Promotion MSc Online
Gain advanced skills and research expertise to enhance community health and take your career to the next level.
Start Dates: January, May, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £11,520
About the programme
Advance your career in healthcare with this online MSc in Public Health and Health Promotion at Brunel University of London. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to thrive in various healthcare organisations, including public health agencies, community organisations, and nonprofits.
This programme adopts a critical approach, focusing on the application of health promotion strategies to enhance community health outcomes while developing essential academic and research skills. You’ll explore the connections between societal factors and health, gain competencies in programme planning and evaluation, and conduct empirical research addressing pressing public health issues.
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 health promotion, 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.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MSc Public Health & Health Promotion 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 continuously refined modules, including eight core courses and a final research project, ensure you develop practical skills for success in the healthcare sector.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for the MSc Public Health & Health Promotion 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
Shaping population health
Health promotion professionals work at the intersection of policy, research, and community engagement. They design strategies that prevent illness, reduce health inequalities, and promote wellbeing at a population level. As governments and health systems increasingly prioritise prevention over treatment, demand for health promotion expertise continues to grow.
Roles our graduates pursue
- Chief medical officer – leading health strategy at organisational or regional level
- Epidemiologist – analysing health data to inform evidence-based policy and intervention
- Public health manager – overseeing health promotion programmes and service delivery
- Health informatics specialist – using data systems to improve public health outcomes and reporting
Where our graduates work
Brunel public health graduates work with organisations including NHS England, Nuffield Health, and Public Health England. The programme’s policy and economics focus prepares you for roles in NHS commissioning, local government, international health agencies, and public health consultancy.
Research-ready
The dissertation module equips you with the research skills to contribute to the evidence base in health promotion and public health policy. Graduates 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
Health promotion specialism
This programme combines public health fundamentals with a dedicated focus on health promotion – how to design and deliver strategies that shift population health outcomes. Modules in Health Promotion, Health Policy, and Economic Evaluation give you the tools to make the case for health interventions and lead their implementation.
Policy and economics lens
Unlike programmes that focus purely on epidemiology or clinical practice, this MSc examines the political, economic, and social forces that shape health outcomes. You will develop the ability to critically evaluate health policy and assess the cost-effectiveness of health interventions, skills valued in government, NHS commissioning, and international health organisations.
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 employers across the health sector.
Global cohort
You will study alongside professionals from around the world, gaining exposure to diverse health systems and approaches to health promotion across different cultural and economic contexts.
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 health promotion relevant to industry standards.
In-demand skills to push the healthcare sector forward
Health promotion strategies
Learn to design and implement interventions to improve population health.
Health policy analysis
Analyse and assess health policies and their impact on populations.
Epidemiological research
Develop skills in epidemiology to evaluate public health interventions and trends.
Data analysis
Gain data analysis skills to interpret complex datasets and inform decisions.
Research methodologies
Master research methodologies for evidence-based health promotion practices.
Communication
Master critical thinking and communication skills with an understanding of health equity.
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
Please enter your details in the form and our advisors will be in touch with more information and the course 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:
- Chief medical officer
- Epidemiologist
- Public health manager
- Health informatics specialist
