MSc — 2025 entry Public Health (Online)
Our online MSc Public Health covers core public health competencies as well as contemporary, relevant topics like food security, mental health, the use of AI in public health and managing pandemics. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to fill key roles in public health, using your acquired skills and learning to confidently address some of the world’s biggest public health challenges.
About this
course
The online MSc Public Health programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to confidently address some of the most pressing global challenges in public health. The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of key public health principles and contemporary issues, preparing you for a future role in practice, policy or leadership.
Statistics
Top 100
In the Times Higher Education's (THE) 2024 Impact Rankings, which assesses universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
19th in the UK
The University of Surrey is ranked 19th in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Silver rating
For student outcomes and student experience in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework.
What you will study
The online MSc Public Health course is taught by a multidisciplinary team of academics, with lecturers lending their expertise from the schools of Biosciences, Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Psychology at the University of Surrey. It provides you with the opportunity to gain transferable skills as you engage with current research, real-world examples, case studies and activities.
The online course is delivered through a combination of asynchronous teaching and learning activities and regular live sessions. In your final year, you will work on an original research project that gives you the opportunity to explore a public health topic of your choice.
Our curriculum is aligned with the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) core competencies and we will be seeking accreditation in the first year of the programme.
The MSc Public Health consists of 180 credits and is divided into 10 modules and one project dissertation, delivered through a carousel approach across six terms. All modules are worth 15 credits, except the final project, which is worth 30 credits.
Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include technology platform licensing, or support services.
Once you have been accepted on the course, pay your tuition fees online.
February 2026 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- £5,200 per year
In today's dynamic global health landscape, we understand the need for a flexible learning option that fits into your schedule. Our online MSc Public Health course offers an intuitive platform, comprehensive support and a high-quality education, preparing you for a key role in the field, without having to place your life on hold.
- Attend regular teaching sessions, held on Zoom, that allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and academics
- Complete interactive assignments, using a customisable platform that follows best practices for online learning
- Access full-spectrum career services, including interview prep, one-on-one coaching, self-assessments and salary resources
- Connect with a student success advisor, who will serve as your dedicated partner throughout the programme.
Learn from a team of leading academics
In the online master's degree in public health, you’ll be led by an interdisciplinary team of academics who are experienced and actively engaged in research in their fields. Our academics are committed to sharing their expertise and equipping you with contemporary, real-world knowledge and skills for future roles in practice, policy or leadership.
The online Public Health MSc is designed to equip you with key skills and competencies that you can apply across a number of public health settings. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of topics including current challenges and opportunities in public health, epidemiology, health economics and mental health.
The multidisciplinary aspect of the programme means that you’re able to gain a broad perspective on public health and explore multiple facets and disciplines that have an impact in the field.
Our online master's course in public health can help you pursue career opportunities in the following areas:
- Public health practice
- Private health
- Research
- Local authority
- Global health organisations
- Health promotion
- Monitoring
- Surveillance
- Education
- Local or national government
- NGOs.
The Public Health online masters degree at the University of Surrey is ideal for anyone who is self-motivated and has a passion for public health. Those with a foundational knowledge of health or science, coupled with solid academic skills including critical thinking and academic writing are in a position to excel. Students who are curious and demonstrate a willingness to engage with and learn unfamiliar topics will also enjoy the course, as personal and professional growth through intellectual exploration and application is encouraged throughout.
To meet the entry requirements for the online MSc Public Health, applicants must have a minimum of a Lower Second Class Honours (2:2) UK undergraduate degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
International students in the United Kingdom
We accept a wide range of international qualifications to enter our postgraduate programmes at the University of Surrey. Search for entry requirements for your country to find the grade and qualifications we will consider.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language level. We accept results from the IELTS Academic, or equivalent, with a minimum score of 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each component.
Application requirements
For further information, please see our admissions criteria and application requirements.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2024/25 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.