Why study Master of Public Health (MPH) at Exeter?
Designed for current and aspiring public health professionals who want to improve health outcomes and drive change across complex health systems.
Study flexibly while developing expertise in public health, systems thinking and organisational change. Through our collaboration with the 鉴黄师app Business School, you'll gain the strategic skills needed to turn evidence into action and increase your impact across organisations, communities and health systems.
Develop the knowledge, leadership and practical skills to prevent disease, improve health and wellbeing, reduce health inequalities and lead change across complex health and care systems.
Learn with academics, healthcare organisations and public health partners shaping research, policy and practice in the UK and globally. Gain insights that reflect today’s most pressing public health challenges.
Study a curriculum developed with reference to internationally recognised professional frameworks, including the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), Certified in Public Health (CPH) and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Prepare for public health careers in the UK and internationally.
Build the confidence to influence policy and practice, engage communities and lead multidisciplinary teams. Develop the skills to deliver sustainable improvements across health organisations and systems, preparing you for public health leadership roles.
Discover Master of Public Health (MPH) at the 鉴黄师app.
View the online study version of this programme
Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Submitted to UoA2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. REF 2021
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Co-delivered with the Triple Accredited 鉴黄师app Business School
ACCA, AMBA, EQUIS
Top 150 in the world for Public, Environmental and Occupational Health
U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2025-26
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. You will have, or be predicted, at least a 2:2 Honours degree in a relevant subject such as Life, Health or Medical Science degrees, or?intercalating medical students, with relevant public health work experience.
We will also welcome applications from people who can demonstrate evidence of significant Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) experience.
A personal statement, detailing your reasons for seeking to undertake this subject, will be required.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit ourentry requirements sectionfor equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please visit our?international equivalency pages?to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
International students are normally subject to visa regulations which prevent part-time study. It is recommended that international students apply for the level of the final award you intend to complete i.e. PGCert, PGDip or Masters, due to the associated cost and requirements for a Tier 4 student Visa.
Accreditation of prior learning for Masters courses in Healthcare and Medicine
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process whereby students, who have already gained relevant skills and knowledge prior to the start of their course, may be granted a partial credit exemption from their programme instead of unnecessarily repeating work. Find out more about APL
Full time, studied over 2 years. Scholarships available
Gain both a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University’s College of Medicine and Health, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the 鉴黄师app Business School
Dedicated induction sessions will ensure a smooth transition between study on the MPH and the MBA
Gain a deep knowledge and expertise in a specialist field while developing a comprehensive understanding of business, exceptional leadership skills and practical experience from the University’s triple accredited Business School
Students will learn how to use the expertise gained in business and management to solve crucial health and healthcare issues, and advise on policy issues
Overview
Students will commence the MPH in Year 1 of their studies and then progress to the MBA in Year 2. See our course listings for full details of both the MPH and the MBA:
Successful students will receive individual awards for each of the two programmes. You can choose to exit the course after completing the MPH in Year 1.
Entry requirements
You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for both the MPH and MBA at point of entry to the MPH. See the MPH and MBA course listings for details of the entry requirements for each programme of study.
Candidates will also be required to attend an interview as part of the admissions process to the MPH, and again prior to admission to the MBA.
How to apply
To apply to the 1+1 MPH to MBA you will need to submit a separate application to each programme, noting in each application that you would like to be considered for the 1+1 MPH to MBA.
You’ll need to submit an application to the MPH for the current year of entry, as this will be your first year of study, and a separate application to the MBA for entry next year, as this will be your second year of study.
You can add a second programme of choice on the .
Fees and funding
At the and the we want to ensure we attract the very brightest minds and talent?from all over the world, regardless of financial background. That’s why we have an MPH and MBA 1+1 Fee Discount. See our scholarship page for more information.
Important information for International students
As you will be studying two separate programmes please be aware that you will need to apply for two separate visas, one for the MPH year which you will take first and another for your MBA year which will be taken in Year 2. Guidance on visa applications can be found on our dedicated pages for international students.
Course content
Public health is everyone’s business, now more than ever. In a rapidly changing world, where new health challenges continue to emerge, public health professionals need the skills to navigate complexity, influence decision-making and deliver sustainable change. This programme is designed to help you develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to improve health outcomes, influence policy and practice, and drive change across complex health and care systems.
You’ll develop the ability to apply systems thinking, quality improvement and collaborative leadership approaches to address complex public health challenges. Throughout the programme, you’ll explore today’s biggest public health issues, including health inequalities, planetary health, mental health, behaviour change and evidence-informed policy.
This MSc in Public Health goes beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on how public health professionals can turn evidence into action. The Structuring and Solving Public Health Problems module, focuses on how to ‘think in public health’, providing a foundation for the rest of your study while developing the leadership, systems thinking and problem-solving skills needed to tackle complex health challenges. The module supports you to approach public health challenges from multiple perspectives and develop solutions that can be applied in real-world settings.
Programme structure
This MSc course can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two or three years, allowing you to balance postgraduate study with your professional and personal commitments. It is delivered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 7.
Designed with working professionals in mind, the programme enables you to apply your learning directly to your role while developing the skills needed toincrease your impact, influence decision-making and progress within public health and related fields.
Please note: This timetable is draft and subject to change.
Modules
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The MPH comprises 180 credits in total: taught compulsory modules worth 135 credits in total, one optional module (Masterclass) of 15 credits, and a Capstone Project worth 30 credits.
It is also possible to exit with a PGCert after completing 60 credits of taught modules or a PGDip after completing 120 credits of taught modules. The list of modules below shows which are compulsory.
The last contact day and assessment deadline for the programme will be earlier than the actual end date of your registration with the University, to allow a period of time at the end of your active studies for further support and mitigation, if needed.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
All students must take 150 credits of compulsory modules.
You may choose to follow the Master of Public Health (Public Mental Health) pathway. If selected, this may be included in parentheses after the award title.
No pathway: 150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules. You must choose either Compulsory Choice I or Compulsory Choice II.
Public Mental Health pathway: 180 credits of compulsory modules.
Master of Public Health (Public Mental Health):
To qualify for this pathway, you must select modules as detailed below. Your Master’s level project should also be on a theme consistent with the pathway chosen. This will be determined through discussion with your various tutors and supervisors before you start the project.
This specialism requires that you follow the programme’s compulsory modules. You must also select the following TWO optional modules (Compulsory Choice II):
HPDM174 Public Mental Health (15 credits)
HPDM173 Child and Adolescent Mental Health (15 credits)
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1 - No Pathway
Structuring and Solving Public Health Problems
15
Analytics and Evidence Based Public Health
30
Leadership Strategy and Change
30
Epidemiology
15
Behaviour Change
15
Integrative Policy and Practice Exercise
15
Capstone Project
30
Compulsory Choice 1
Planetary Health
15
Evidence to Decision: Health Technology Assessment, Health Policy and Resource Allocation
15
Optional modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory Choice 2 - Public Mental Health Pathway
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Structuring and Solving Public Health Problems
15
Analytics and Evidence Based Public Health
30
Epidemiology
15
Studying the Master of Public Health has made me realise there is so much more I can be doing in my role and I can definitely bring my learning back and use it positively. The leadership element of the course has been great, and as someone already in a leadership role, it has helped me stretch myself and think differently. I’ve loved learning with people from different backgrounds, countries and ages, and building relationships that will continue beyond the course.
Rebecca
Master of Public Health
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
MPH? £12,200 full-time, £6,100pa part-time 2 years, £4,100pa part-time 3 years
PGCert £4,100 part-time 2 years
PGDip £4,100 part-time 2 years
Standalone module fees: UK:?£1,200 per 15-credit module
International fees per year:
MPH? £28,900 full-time, £14,450pa part-time 2 years, £9,650pa part-time 3 years
PGCert £9,650 part-time 1 year
PGDip £9,650 part-time 2 years
Standalone module fees: International:?£2,650 per 15-credit module
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a?tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for?exemption. For further information about paying fees see our?Student Fees?pages.
Scholarships
The 鉴黄师app offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with ?7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
鉴黄师app Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the 鉴黄师app Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for 鉴黄师app alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Our purpose is to deliver education that helps tackle health challenges of national and global importance. This programme provides a practitioner-focused, multidisciplinary learning environment where you’ll learn alongside professionals from healthcare, public health and related sectors, sharing ideas, perspectives and real-world experience.
Delivered by academics actively shaping public health research and policy, alongside healthcare organisations and public health partners, the programme connects current evidence with the realities of public health practice.
This ensures your learning remains relevant to the complex and evolving challenges facing health and care systems, including health inequalities, planetary health, mental health, behaviour change and evidence-informed policy. You’ll also develop the leadership, systems thinking and community engagement skills needed to work collaboratively with communities, partners and professionals across the health system.
Teaching
You’ll work on realistic public health challenges and explore solutions from the perspectives of patients, communities, healthcare providers, commissioners, employers and organisations across related sectors. Through case-based learning, collaboration and reflection, you’ll develop the skills needed to influence policy, improve services and lead sustainable change.
Through our collaboration with the 鉴黄师app Business School, you’ll also develop skills in leadership, strategy and organisational change and working across complex organisations, helping you translate public health expertise into action and increase your influence across organisations and health systems.
Research
Underpinned by the themes of complexity, leadership and decision-making, this MPH combines research-led teaching with practical tools and approaches that you can apply in your professional role.
At the 鉴黄师app, our research is globally recognised, and our partnerships with healthcare providers, public sector organisations, industry and communities ensure that our work continues to inform innovation and improvements in health and wellbeing.
Learning
Teaching methods on the Masters course include:
case-based discussion
simulation and problem-based learning
seminars
group discussions
reflection sessions
interactive workshops
Project work
Public health leaders play a vital role in developing and implementing strategies and projects that improve health outcomes and support organisational priorities. The Capstone module allows you to explore a public health issue relevant to your professional interests and develop an evidence-informed project that supports decision-making for policy and practice audiences.
Support
You’ll be allocated an academic tutor who will support you throughout the programme, providing guidance on assessments, academic skills and your wider learning journey. They can also signpost you to specialist support services available across the University.
Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor and Professor of Health Economics
Professor Sarah Dean
Professor in Psychology Applied to Rehabilitation and Health
Professor G J Melendez-Torres
Programme Director
G J is the Programme Lead for the MPH and teaches on a number of modules.
He arrived at the 鉴黄师app in March 2019 to take up a personal chair in clinical and social epidemiology.? As part of this, he leads the Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), one of nine research units in the UK providing expert advice on the clinical and cost effectiveness of new drugs to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.? His interest in health technology assessment stems from an enjoyment of the kinds of knotty methodological problems, both?statistical and conceptual, that this area can present.
Dr Jenny Lloyd
Senior Lecturer
Jenny is an exercise and health psychologist, specialising in the development and evaluation of complex behavioural interventions to address obesity, wellbeing and the social and emotional development of children. She works with a range of charities and organisations (e.g. Action for Children, The Education Endowment Foundation, Obesity UK) to co-create interventions taking account of both psycho-social factors and systems theory.
She teaches across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, convening the undergraduateClinical Trialsand postgraduatePublic Health Behaviour ChangeModules. Jenny is interested in further exploring and developing new ways of conceptualising and responding to so called ‘wicked’ public health problems of the 21st century, namely obesity, loss of wellbeing and health inequality, by working with multi-disciplinary teams across health and social care, education and the humanities.
Dr. Gary Abel
Senior Lecturer
Gary is a statistician working within Primary Care at the 鉴黄师app Medical School and co-lead for the module called Analytics and Evidence based Public Health. He has a strong interest in routine data, both derived from primary care and other healthcare settings. This interest spans two approaches, which are: 1) using routine data to explore a variety of health research questions and 2) understanding the limitations of, and the interpretation of, routine data used to inform health service delivery.
Dr. Kristin Liabo
Senior Research Fellow
Kristin is part of the Patient and Public Involvement Team in the Third Gap team at the Medical School, and within PenCLAHRC. The team supports researchers to involve patients and members of the public in their research.
Kristin co-leads the module calledPlanetary Health. She has worked collaboratively with service users, patients and members of the public since she started out in research with Barnardo's, the children's charity.
Professor Richard Smith
Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor and Professor of Health Economics
Richard is inaugural Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for the 鉴黄师app Medical School, and Professor of Health Economics. He was previously at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where he served as Head of the Department of Global Health & Development from 2008-2011, and as Dean of the Faculty of Public Health & Policy from 2011-2018.
Richard has experience with a wide range of economic methods, including micro-, macro-, behavioural-, and political-economic techniques, applied to various areas, from health outcome assessment to antibiotic resistance. In the last decade he has especially pioneered the macro-economic modelling of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the economic analysis of the impact of trade and trade agreements on health and health care across a range of areas.
Professor Sarah Dean
Professor in Psychology Applied to Rehabilitation and Health
Sarah has extensive experience of working in interdisciplinary environments for both teaching and research at the Universities of Southampton, Otago (New Zealand) and including her current role within the South West Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration (PenARC) and at the 鉴黄师app Medical School.
She has a dual professional background as a Chartered Physiotherapist and a Chartered Psychologist with two higher degrees in Health Psychology. She worked clinically in both the NHS and private sector, specialising in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly exercise therapy for sports injuries and cardiac rehabilitation. She co-leads the module:Behaviour Change.
Facilities
This programme is based at the St Luke’s campus in Exeter, just a 15 minute walk from the city centre and just over a mile away from the Streatham Campus. The campus is close to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and RILD building, which is home to the NHS funded Exeter Health Library. Students have studied at St Luke’s campus for over 150 years and the campus enjoys a vibrant atmosphere set around the lawns of the quadrangle.
Facilities at St Luke’s campus include:
?(Heavitree Hospital site)
Careers
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for current and aspiring public health professionals who want to expand their influence, develop strategic skills and improve health outcomes within their organisations, communities and health systems. It offers a collaborative learning environment where professionals from healthcare, public health and related disciplines study together, sharing experience and developing the knowledge and skills needed to address complex public health challenges.
The programme suits graduates and working professionals who are planning or already undertaking a career within public health, health promotion, environmental health and protection, occupational health, workplace wellbeing or social enterprise, as well as those looking to progress into leadership, management and strategic public health roles.
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Through building the skills to improve population health and address complex public health challenges, you’ll gain the leadership, research and systems thinking skills needed to influence decision-making, shape policy and lead change across health systems and organisations.
The programme supports your progression as a public health leader by combining core public health knowledge with advanced approaches to strategy, systems thinking and organisational change. You’ll learn how to understand complex health systems, work collaboratively and lead improvements that make a lasting difference.
Our interdisciplinary module Planetary Health will help you understand the connections between environmental change and human health, alongside major issues affecting populations around the world. The Leadership, Strategy and Change module focuses on transforming public health knowledge into action through effective leadership.
You’ll also develop community engagement, collaboration and evidence-informed decision-making skills that are highly valued by employers across public health and related sectors, helping you work effectively with communities, partners and multidisciplinary teams.
Career paths (graduate destinations)
You’ll be equipped to apply your knowledge and leadership skills across a wide range of public health careers and professional settings.
Graduates may progress into roles in public health practice, health policy, healthcare organisations, local government, commissioning, health improvement, workplace wellbeing, charities and international organisations. For experienced professionals, the programme supports progression into leadership, management and strategic public health roles.
The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.
Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.
Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.
