Health Promotion & Public Health

The PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Health Promotion and Public Health attracts students from a wide range of disciplines and from different nationalities. We pride ourselves on our student centered and inclusive approach encouraging peer learning and active engagement at all levels of the course. Whether you are contemplating a career within the expanding field of health promotion and public health or want to take your career to the next level, the PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Health Promotion and Public Health will enhance your prospects. On completion of the MSc there will be the potential for you to be able to apply to become a registered public health and/or health promotion practitioner.



Extensive links between employers and academic staff attempt to ensure that the course content is relevant to contemporary public health practice.



The option to study full-time or part-time gives you the flexibility to fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Modules can be taken as ‘stand-alone’ modules with both in person teaching and online learning. We aim to create a supportive learning environment to enable you to develop your knowledge, skills and practice.



The MSc is typically completed in one academic year (September to September).



PGCert

You must complete the module Principles, Skills and Information Systems for Health Promotion and Public Health (30 credits) and one other module (30 credits). The other module you select will determine if the PGCert can be completed in one semester (September to December) or across two semesters (September to June). Attendance will vary depending on modules studied.



PGDip

You must complete all four modules (30 credits each) which are taught across two semesters (September to June). Attendance will vary depending on modules studied.



MSc

The MSc Project (60 credits) provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of public health in-depth. There are no taught classes for the MSc. You will complete the MSc Project module in one semester. You will be allocated an academic supervisor who will support and guide you through your dissertation.



Revalidation

The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.



In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.



This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

Year one

• Project Planning and Public Health Practice

• Principles, Skills and Information Systems for Health Promotion and Public Health

• Epidemiology and Policy for Public Health

• MSc Project

• Advanced Methods in Research and Development in Health and Social Care.

PGCert/PGDip

Normally, a degree in a health related topic from an institution approved by the University. This can include a broad range of topics including public health, environmental health, sports or health sciences as well as bio-medical sciences and nursing. Applicants without a health related degree but with a minimum of 6 months experience in public health, health promotion or wider health roles will also be considered.



MSc

Candidates will normally progress from the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion and Public Health. Candidates who hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion, Public Health, Population Health or a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing from Ulster or equivalent from another University, with a mark profile equivalent to that required of Postgraduate Diplomas in Health Promotion and Public Health of Ulster, as evidenced by a transcript, may be admitted directly to the MSc phase of the course.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Start Date: September 2025

Health promotion and public health are no longer viewed as the responsibility of only those working in health. This course will prepare you for a public health career in a broad range of policy, practice or academic settings. Students have obtained employment in statutory, voluntary, charity, private and community organisations as well as in government and academic institutions.



Specific roles have included:

• Community Health Development Practitioner

• Health Promotion Practitioner

• Scientific Advisor for Dietary Health

• Smoking Cessation Officer

• Home Safety Officer

• Lecturer

• Senior Health Protection Nurse

• Health and Wellbeing Officer

• Health Advisor

• Community Outreach Coordinator



Some students have also progressed to doctoral study.