The Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Derby is a fully online level 7 postgraduate qualification designed to develop skilled, confident, and future-focused public health professionals. This flexible programme combines academic excellence with practical application, equipping you to address today’s most urgent and complex population health challenges.
Highlights
- Fully online and designed for flexible study alongside work and personal commitments
- Mapped to UKPHR and PHE competency frameworks, supporting professional recognition
- Interdisciplinary curriculum covering epidemiology, health economics, AI in health, global health, and more
- Optional specialist modules to tailor your learning to your interests or career goals
- Research-led teaching delivered by experienced public health academics and practitioners from a diverse range of backgrounds
- Real-world application, developing the skills to design, implement and evaluate effective public health interventions
The Master of Public Health can also be studied through our campus taught programme, full-time or part-time.
Global perspectives on public health
The MPH is designed to foster knowledge exchange between fellow students on the course, allowing you to benefit from public health best practice from around the world. The course explores the underlying causes of health inequalities and examines the mechanisms and intervention strategies used globally to improve population health outcomes.
Several modules incorporate a strong international focus, giving you insight into global public health issues. International students will be able to apply their learning to topics relevant to their home country, while also gaining an understanding of UK-specific approaches and systems.
As an online student, you will join a vibrant global learning community, collaborating with academics and peers from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds. This diverse network enriches your learning experience, broadens your perspective, and helps you build meaningful international connections that support your professional development.
Comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum
You will engage with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum that explores the core principles and contemporary practices that shape modern public health. Core modules build essential knowledge in:
- Principles of public health
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Health promotion and community wellbeing
- Health economics
- Research methods and data analysis
These foundational areas strengthen your analytical, policy, and leadership capabilities, preparing you to interpret evidence, influence decision-making, and design effective public health interventions.
You will also have the opportunity to tailor your studies through specialist optional modules in emerging and advanced topics, including:
- Global health challenges
- Artificial intelligence in health
- Behavioural approaches to health improvement
- Communicable diseases
Together, these modules emphasise evidence-based practice, critical evaluation of health systems, and the development of innovative, data-driven solutions to improve population health locally, nationally, and globally.
Grounded in the latest research and aligned with the UK Public Health Skills Framework, the MPH aims to produce practitioners capable of leading, evaluating, and transforming public health initiatives across diverse settings.
Professional alignment
The online Master of Public Health has been mapped to:
- Public Health England (PHE) Skills and Knowledge Framework
- United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR) Practitioner Competencies
- The nine key competency areas of the Functions of the Local Public Health System
This alignment ensures the programme supports recognised professional standards and provides a strong foundation for those working toward public health registration or professional recognition.
Expert teaching team with real-world experience
You will be taught by a friendly and approachable team of practitioners and academics, including public health specialists, environmental health professionals, health promotion and physical well-being experts, and epidemiologists. Their diverse expertise ensures you gain a broad, practice-informed understanding of public health issues and current challenges.
Learning is anchored in real-world case studies, enabling you to apply theory directly to professional contexts. Public health specialists may also offer mentorship and support throughout the programme, and there may be opportunities to engage in research projects with the public health team.
You will study four core 20 credit modules, plus two 20 credit optional modules (which are chosen in the first and third trimesters of year 2), and the 60 credit Research Skills & Independent Scholarship which allows you to apply your expertise to an area of public health that inspires you.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Teaching and Learning
You will experience high-quality teaching designed to prepare you for a meaningful and impactful career in public health. We connect theory directly to real-world challenges and embed practitioner-focused, evidence-based learning throughout the programme. Our approach helps you build confidence through applied research, analytical skill development, and engaging, technology-enhanced online learning environments.
Teaching is delivered across public health disciplines and is further enriched by contributions from expert guest speakers who bring contemporary practice, emerging trends, and global perspectives into your learning experience.
You will be supported by a collaborative, multidisciplinary teaching team who are committed to inclusive and student-centred practice. Together, we ensure you feel encouraged, challenged, and fully prepared for the diverse realities of today’s public health workforce.
Pace of study
The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
Assessment method
You will be assessed through a diverse range of tasks designed to help you develop strong analytical, professional, and applied public health skills. Throughout the programme, you will complete tasks such as academic poster presentations, case study analyses, critical essays, funding bid presentations, global health intervention strategy reports, critical appraisals of health economic plans, policy briefs incorporating community engagement, and epidemiological data analyses.
These assessments are designed to mirror the types of outputs expected within public health practice, preparing you for the realities of working in policy, research, leadership, or frontline health improvement roles.
The programme concludes with an independent scholarship project, which may take the form of a primary data study, a secondary data analysis, or a systematic literature review. This allows you to apply your skills to a topic of interest and demonstrate your readiness for advanced public health practice or further academic study.
Student support and guidance
There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Adviser, through to our:
An online Master of Public Health (MPH) can open the door to diverse and rewarding career opportunities across the health sector and beyond. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, transition into a new area of practice, or prepare for doctoral study, this programme provides a strong platform for professional and academic growth.
Graduates will be well-prepared for leadership, policy, and specialist roles in settings such as:
- Local authorities and regional public health teams
- NHS health improvement and population health services
- National public health bodies, including the UK Health Security Agency
- International NGOs, charities, and development organisations
- Private consultancy and public affairs firms
- Academic, research, and policy institutes
- Advocacy, policy, and regulatory agencies
The MPH also benefits professionals in allied sectors - such as healthcare, social care, education, housing, or the voluntary sector - who want to strengthen their public health expertise or progress into more strategic and leadership-focused positions.
Depending on your experience and background, completing the MPH can also support professional recognition pathways, such as registration with the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) or engagement with the Faculty of Public Health (FPH).
Our academic team will work with you throughout the programme to explore your goals, offer personalised career guidance, and connect you with relevant development opportunities.
You will require:
Either
A minimum of a lower second-class Honours degree (2:2) or above in a public health related science from a UK university, the CNAA or an overseas equivalent with National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications and Skills (ENIC-NARIC) approval.
Or
Qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above. You will need to demonstrate:
- your potential to achieve the aims and outcomes of the programme,
- your experiences are equivalent to having achieved the minimum 2:2 Honours Degree described above
Those applying via this route will be assessed, and where necessary interviewed (via Microsoft Teams), by the Programme Leader. The Programme Leader will have regard to:
- Level of current qualifications
- Experience working in a public health setting, the roles undertaken and the level of decision-making undertaken
- Ability to write in a clear, coherent and critical manner
- Motivation for undertaking the programme
- Support from the employer to undertake the programme
The final decision regarding admission will be with the MPH Programme Leader.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course, you will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, or above, in all areas, subject to academic discretion.
Note: International qualifications will be assessed for equivalency according to UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) guidelines and the university's international admissions policy.
‡2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£1,080 |
7 (six 20-credit modules and one 60 credit module) |
£9,720 |
About your fees
This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.
Flexible payment plans available
Choose from two payment plan options:
Masters funding options
Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to help with living costs and tuition fees whilst studying your masters programme.
If you are considering applying for a student loan, please also see our additional guidance on Loans for Online Students.
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