MSc in International Public Health
Programme Information
Required Credits/Units: 180
Educational Aims of the Programme
The overall aim of the programme is to produce postgraduates who are able to play a significant role in the development of public health practice and policy in their current or future place of work . This will be achieved through a stimulating and challenging learning environment which aims to develop key knowledge and skills required to work in an international public health context. The specific aims of the programme are:
1. To enhance knowledge, skills and raise awareness of the public health approach from an international perspective.
2. To provide participants with the knowledge and skills that will strengthen their capacity and capability to engage in partnership work with and for communities to improve health and reduce inequalities in health.
3. To facilitate a learning experience which will enhance their capacity and capability to develop new public health skills and knowledge as well as draw upon their previous experience.
4. To enable students to develop a critical appreciation and understanding of public health systems and the values and evidence which underpin their development.
5. To enhance career development opportunities for students aspiring to work in an international public health context.
6. To provide training in research methods and approaches applicable to their own research and scholarly development.
Learning Outcomes
1. Apply key philosophical and theoretical ideas which underpin the approach and practice of public health from a global perspective.
2. Assess the evidence base and the effectiveness of interventions, programmes and services to improve population health and wellbeing from a global perspective particularly in low resource settings.
3. Shape and influence policies to improve health and reduce inequalities at the local level, particularly in low resource settings.
4. Apply critical thinking, ethical and analytical skills.
5. Develop potential solutions to complex international public health issues both systematically and creatively.
6. Communicate ideas, research findings and potential interventions to a specialist and non-specialist international audience.
7. Assess potential population based health risks and advise others of those risks.
8. Critically analyse the relationship between the social determinants of health and inequalities in health from a global perspective.
9. Appreciate the role of international organisations in public health governance and strategic thinking.
10. Develop a research question and design a research project which aims to investigate a public health issue.
11. Utilise qualitative, quantitative and systematic review research methods in the international public health field.
12. Use technology appropriately to manage work and communicate effectively.
13. Write effectively and proficiently and present reports in formal settings.
INDICATIVE START DATES FOR THE YEAR 2026:
Unicaf offers a flexible rolling admissions model with multiple start dates for each throughout the year
2/3, 6/4, 4/5, 1/6, 6/7, 3/8, 7/9, 5/10, 2/11, and 7/12
Start dates for university programmes may be subject to change. Students are advised to regularly check their student profile for the most up-to-date and accurate information on programme commencement dates.
Notice:
This programme pathway will be offered from March 2026 onwards, following the recently scheduled programme review, which forms part of the University’s established approach to quality assurance and enhancement. This process ensures that programmes remain current, academically robust, and aligned with the highest standards of relevance and quality.
Programme Outline
Foundation Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Induction Module
LJMU-IND-M-100
|
0.00 |
Postgraduate Certificate Level
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Public Health Essentials: From Theory to Practice
LJMU-7600-PUBUNI
|
20.00 |
|
Understanding Research
LJMU-7601-PUBUNI
|
20.00 |
|
International Health and Development
LJMU-7602-PUBUNI
|
20.00 |
Postgraduate Diploma Level
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Improving and Protecting Health
LJMU-7603-PUBUNI
|
20.00 |
|
Informing Public Health
LJMU-7604-PUBUNI
|
20.00 |
|
Global Health
LJMU-7605-PUBUNI
|
20.00 |
Postgraduate Award Level
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Dissertation
LJMU-7606-PUBUNI
|
60.00 |
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for admission are:
- An accredited UK Honours degree with minimum 2.2 classification or international equivalent. Some professional qualifications may also be acceptable. Extensive professional experience may also be considered in exceptional cases.
- Official transcripts from all universities, colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
- English Proficiency: IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of at least 6.0 (and no individual component lower than 5.5) or equivalent English language qualifications. Students who do not hold the above English language qualifications are required to take the online Academic English Placement Test. This is an IELTS-type test (Reading & Writing) where an overall score of 6.0 (with no individual component lower than 5.5) is required.
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words) explaining how the programme of study will benefit the student’s career progression.
- Up to date CV
- Two references (academic or professional) listed on CV stating referee’s full name, contact details, and relationship to the applicant.
Applications from non-standard applicants are welcome and will be considered individually.
* Entry requirements may vary depending on the programme of study.