Public Health

The MPH is an internationally recognised qualification opening up many employment opportunities throughout the world.

The course equips students with the knowledge and skills base to pursue a career in public health or other health-related leadership roles.



The curriculum for the MPH at Queen’s is aligned to the syllabus for the professional exams for the UK Faculty of Public Health.



The MPH is designed to introduce students to:



The 'science' of public health practice: a robust, systematic and evidence-based approach to define and understand population health issues and problems.



The 'art' of public health practice - interpersonal and organisational skills to work in partnership with others; influence decisions; support implementation of policy, programmes or interventions; and effect real change. It aims to identify optimal solutions for health gain within available resources.



Intercalated Medical and Dental Students

Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.

Core Modules

Public Health Concepts and Methods (10 credits)

Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research (10 credits)

Health and Social Care Systems (20 credits)

Determinants of Health and Health Improvement (20 credits)

Health Protection (20 credits)

Public Health in the Health Sector (20 credits)

Research Project (60 credits)



Optional Modules

Practical Statistics for Medical Research (10 credits)

Intensive Qualitative Methods (10 credits)

Advanced Health Economics, Management and Policy (10 credits)

Noncommunicable Diseases (10 credits)

Systems Thinking and Complex Systems in Public Health (10 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a health-related subject is required. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS BSc or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.



Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:

i) QUB:

Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:

a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent*.

b) QUB 4th year students - must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent* and also pass all 4th year modules at first attempt.

c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.



ii) External:

An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:

a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.

b) they have achieved at least an overall Lower Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University.

c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School as appropriate.



iii) International:

a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.

b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.

c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School as appropriate.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

1 year full-time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

MPH graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Recent graduates roles in local and international health for organisations such as Public Health Agency, Department of Health, and NHS. Others are continuing their postgraduate education by pursuing PhD degrees.