Entry requirements

Degree:

2:2

Further entry requirements may apply

Key facts

Study mode:

Full-time

Start dates:

February, September (One year full-time)

Fees:

2026/27 tuition fees for UK students: £13,500

2026/27 tuition fees for EU and international students: £25,700

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

Lives are being cut short unnecessarily and this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to play a pivotal role in improving health at community level. Preparing you to pursue a career in public health or progress in your current role.

Instead of a traditional thesis students carry out an extended practical project through placement with a public health institution or organisation.

DMU is the only UK University to have been chosen by the United Nations (UN) as an Academic Impact hub for one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. This partnership provides our MPH students with exceptional opportunities with world-famous global organisations like the UN and World Health Organisation (WHO).

“As former director of Public Health for Leicester city I am excited to use my experience to educate future Public Health leaders. This vibrant and diverse community presents unique opportunities to seek sustainable and creative solutions to public health challenges. If you feel inspired to make an impact by saving and improving lives, come and join us!” Professor Ivan Browne.

Check out our activities and get involved by following us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Key features

  • Excel in the public health workforce: This course equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in public health. Focusing on community-based services, the use of digital technologies and preventing ill health.
  • Local & Global connections plus international exposure: Benefit from DMU’s close links with international organisations like the UN and WHO. Gain practical experience in local public health systems and learn in a vibrant global context. The diversity of Leicester offers a unique opportunity to address community health challenges and develop preventative interventions & innovative solutions to transform health.
  • Sustainable Development Goals informed teaching: . The Sustainable Development Goals act as a lens through which you will learn key public health concepts. Equipping you to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable health service.
  • Expert teaching: Learn from academics, and leading experts who bring real-world insight to your learning.
  • Immersive and innovative learning experience: Engage in sessions tackling real-world public health scenarios for practical, hands-on experience. Engage in our innovative teaching methods such as climate change simulation events.
  • In-demand skills: We focus on leadership, collaboration and management skills so our students can shine in the workplace. We also focus on the skills to problem solve current issues such as carrying out the new prevention agenda, emergency preparedness and serving those communities battling health inequality.

Please note that the DFPH exam is not part of the programme. However, the course provides excellent preparation for those who wish to take the exam after graduation.

Teaching and assessment

Course modules

Across six blocks of teaching, you will study; Public Health Research Methods, Health Protection & Promotion, Health Information, Medical Sociology, Social Policy, Health Economics and Equity and Healthcare. During the final block you will carry out a work-based project/ practicum within a public health organisation or setting.

Block 1: Public Health Research Methods

Introduction to public health; Epidemiology; Medical statistics; Qualitative methods

This module develops your practical expertise in epidemiology, statistical calculations, research methods and public health planning, equipping you to understand, analyse and interpret population health data. Using case studies and scenarios, you will gain the skills to understand research which guides how we improve health and respond to need. From appreciating the value of lived experience in shaping services to getting to grips with the epidemiology of infectious disease.

This block is Linked with the Sustainable Development Goals: 3- Good health and wellbeing; 5-Gender equality; 14- Life below water and 7 Affordable clean energy

Block 2: Health Protection and Health Promotion

This block challenges you to consider how to apply your knowledge to protect and promote health. The health protection theme will cover the tools used in communicable disease control with a particular focus on emergency preparedness which is in line with the WHO’s renewed focus on this skill set after the global coronavirus pandemic. There is a focus on Leicester and its unique experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the health promotion sessions, students learn how to integrate “Making Every Contact Count” into their work. You will acquire the skills to become a powerful communicator using tools such as podcasts and communication statements.

DFPH related sub-sections: Health protection; Health promotion

Linked Sustainable Development Goal: Climate action; Zero hunger

Block 3: Health Information

Turn health information into public health action. In this block, you will work with real-world health data to develop skills in data interpretation, critical appraisal, health needs assessment and evidence-informed decision-making. You’ll explore how health information can identify inequalities, inform service planning and support better population health, developing the analytical and professional skills needed for a career in public health.

DFPH related sub-sections: Field epidemiology; Further statistics; Health information

Linked Sustainable Development Goal: Clean water and sanitation; Sustainable cities; Industries, innovation and infrastructure

Block 4: Medical Sociology, Social Policy, Health Economics, and Equity

In this block we explore health through the lens of specific cultures and groups to see how this affects public health work. You will learn about the health challenges of indigenous communities, how to negotiate and manage scarcity and demand, resource allocation and the aetiology of illness.

DFPH related sub-sections: Medical sociology; Health economics; Culture, ethnicity and health; Indigenous health

Linked Sustainable Development Goal: Quality education; Decent work and economic growth; No poverty; Life on land

Block 5: Healthcare Public Health

Understand how health systems, policy and leadership shape population health. You’ll develop practical skills in systems thinking, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and change management, applying them to real-world public health challenges. Through a policy briefing and mock leadership interview, you’ll build the confidence to communicate evidence, influence decision-makers and translate public health priorities into action, preparing you for professional practice.

DFPH related sub-sections: Health systems and system working; Public health organisations; Further healthcare public health concepts; Leadership in public health

Linked Sustainable Development Goal: Responsible consumption and production; Peace, justice and strong institutions; Reduced inequalities; Partnerships for the goals

Block 6: Work Based Project/Practicum

The university and the partners in practice/local government work closely together to engage with and improve the health of the local population. Capitalising on this strong relationship, in block 6, we offer you placements within public health teams, charities and community organisations. These practicums offer you valuable experiences to work in a diverse range of settings, including for example, data analysis, research, CPR training and support and AED mapping. We think that this will enrich you with the understanding of real-world public health more than a traditional thesis and provide you with excellent material to talk about in any future job interview. You will be assessed on how you apply your public health knowledge and skills to areas such as service improvement, training and community engagement. This gives you an amazing opportunity to network and kickstart your successful career. Through the Practicum Showcase, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work, connect with public health professionals and expand your professional network.

Contact hours

The Full-time programme includes three days of teaching delivered by academic staff and experts with a variety of Public Health specialisms, Teaching is delivered in the format of simulation events, workshops, seminars, lectures and self-directed study.

How you will be assessed

Students are expertly supported so they may graduate as independent learners with the confidence in their own abilities to be impactful public health professionals. In line with a commitment to DMU’s Universal Design for Learning, we include a diverse range of assessments. This includes presentations, mini essays, podcasts, examinations, and poster design. Students receive frequent feedback on the wide range of skills and knowledge that they are acquiring, with in-built reflection. All of our assessments are performed by individual students and no groupwork will go towards your final grade.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Why choose DMU?

Your future career

With a focus on the knowledge and skills needed to sit the Faculty of Public Health’s Diplomate Examination after graduating, this course equips students to pursue careers as Public Health Consultants, Health Protection Consultants, Epidemiology Consultants or Directors of Public Health, representing DMU’s philosophy at the highest levels.

Our strong connections with the WHO provide an excellent foundation for careers within the UN, WHO, or leading Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The course emphasizes practical learning and employability. Practicums are designed to give students real-world experience and compelling examples of work to showcase at interviews, setting them up for success in the public health workforce.

Careers and employability

An award-winning Careers Team, the #1 UK university for careers support (TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2024), we provide you with all the support you need.

Our careers commitment doesn’t end at graduation. With DMU for Life, you’ll have access to lifelong career support throughout your entire career.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get tailored advice and guidance from our expert careers advisors whenever you need it.

Professional development programme

Boost your employability with workshops, bootcamps, training sessions, and employer-led events.

Inside Edge Mentoring

Connect with professionals from dynamic industries to expand your career insight, network and knowledge of the world of work.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews and more – anytime, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship support

Bring your business ideas to life with events, networking opportunities, expert speakers, workshops and links to funding opportunities.

Job search assistance

Get support finding part-time work, placements, internships and graduate jobs.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through academic business consultancy projects or work placements (course-dependent).

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from real-world experience and academics, guest lecturers and business leaders who share their industry expertise.

Discover postgraduate careers

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

2026/27 tuition fees for UK students: £13,500

EU and international students

2026/27 tuition fees for EU and international students: £25,700

Funding

Postgraduate Master's Loan (Student Loans Company)

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if:

  • you normally live in Scotland
  • you normally live in Wales
  • you normally live in Northern Ireland

Find out more about a Master's loan

Additional postgraduate loans and grants

Sir Thomas White Loans Charity

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for 9 years from the Sir Thomas White Loans Charity for postgraduate study. Applicants must be resident in Leicestershire or Rutland for more than three years and be aged over 18 years old and under 45 years old.

Telephone number for Sir Thomas White Loans Charity: +44 (0)116 204 6620

Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for five to 10 years for business, vocational or education purposes from the Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester. You must be aged over 18 and under 45 and reside in Leicestershire or Rutland.

Telephone number for Sir Harry Riddleston Charity of Leicester: +44 (0)1858 463322

Educational grants, trusts and charities

Some educational trusts and charities provide small grants to help towards books, fees or equipment. There are several searchable online Grants databases such as Turn2us.

Funds for women graduates

Funds for Women Graduates offer grants towards living expenses for the final year of a PhD or DPhil for UK, EU or international students.

Going to university represents a real investment in your future and there is plenty of financial support available to students for both tuition fees and living expenses.

Find out more about funding

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition, students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy vary by location.

Scholarships

20% Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

This scholarship provides DMU graduates with an exclusive tuition fee discount of 20 per cent. The discount is available on selected full-time, part-time and distance learning postgraduate taught courses running across multiple start dates.

Read more about the Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship
20% Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

Entry requirements

Degree:

2:2

Typical entry requirements: 2:2

Applications are welcomed from mature candidates or those with relevant work experience and evidence of prior learning who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. Each application will be judged on its merits.

Any applicant interested in certain practicum placements, may need to complete a declaration form and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) disclosure application form (if you are an overseas student, you may also need to submit a criminal records certificate from your home country).

Work experience:

Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience includes: 

Two or more years from any public health related experience e.g. local authority, or regional or national bodies including NHSE/OHID/UKHSA or equivalent documented evidence from any other nation outside the UK. Or, three or more years from any health related experience from the UK or any other nation e.g. clinical practice, allied health professionals, environmental health, community development experience, related third sector, NGO or political experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Key facts

Course title

Master of Public Health

Award

MPH

Programme code

B91071

Study mode

Full-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

February, September

Duration

One year full-time

How to apply

How to apply for a masters degree

Save these details for your application
Programme title:
Master of Public Health MPH
Programme code:
B91071

You can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of the day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

  • Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
  • Copies of your academic transcripts
  • Copies of your degree or diploma certificates
  • Your personal statement
DMU Application Portal