# Study Public Health in the UK — the MPH, entry requirements and careers

> Public Health is mainly a one-year Master's (MPH), popular with international students in global health.

Public Health in the UK is most commonly studied as a one-year Master of Public Health (MPH), and is a popular choice for international students — including doctors and other health professionals — aiming at careers in global health, epidemiology, health policy and health protection. Entry usually requires a relevant first degree, and some programmes value professional experience. International tuition typically runs from around £18,000 to £32,000 a year. Confirm entry requirements and fees with each university.

## Quick facts
- **Main qualification:** Master of Public Health (MPH), ~1 year
- **Entry:** Relevant first degree; experience valued (varies)
- **Intl. tuition:** ≈ £18,000–£32,000 / year

## Key takeaways
- Public Health is studied mainly at postgraduate level as a one-year MPH.
- It is popular with international doctors and health professionals broadening into population health.
- Entry usually requires a relevant first degree; some programmes value work experience.
- International tuition is typically around £18,000–£32,000 a year for the MPH.

## What a UK Public Health degree covers
Public Health focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations rather than treating individuals. A UK Master of Public Health (MPH) typically covers epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and systems, health promotion, global health and the social determinants of health, usually with a research dissertation. While some undergraduate Public Health and Global Health degrees exist, the MPH is the dominant route and a particular draw for international students — including clinicians broadening into population health, policy and research. Several UK schools of public health and tropical medicine are world-leading.

## Entry, careers and choosing the right programme
Entry to an MPH usually requires a relevant first degree (in medicine, nursing, life sciences, social sciences or a related field), and some programmes value relevant professional or research experience. Graduates work in public health agencies, the NHS, international organisations such as the WHO, NGOs, health consultancies, research and academia. Programmes vary in their emphasis — quantitative epidemiology versus policy and global health — so aligning the course with your career direction is key. Study UK Now matches your background and goals to the right MPH programmes.

## Frequently asked questions
### Can international students study a Master of Public Health (MPH) in the UK?
Yes — the MPH is one of the most popular UK postgraduate degrees for international students, including doctors and other health professionals. Entry usually requires a relevant first degree, and some programmes value professional experience. With the Graduate Route visa available after graduation, it is an attractive option — confirm current visa rules on GOV.UK and entry requirements with each university.

### Do I need a medical degree to study Public Health in the UK?
No — while many MPH students are doctors, most programmes also accept graduates from nursing, life sciences, social sciences and related fields, and some welcome applicants from any discipline with relevant experience. Requirements vary, so check each programme. Study UK Now will confirm eligibility for your shortlist.

## Sources
- [UCAS — postgraduate study](https://www.ucas.com/postgraduate) — UCAS

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Verified: 2026-06-16