MSc Public Health

Public health refers to all organised measures, public and private, to prevent disease, promote and improve health, prolong life and tackle the root causes of ill-health across the diverse populations and environments of the world. Its activities aim to reduce health inequalities by seeking to provide conditions for health improvement and development. The MSc Public Health programme at UWE Bristol is structured around an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws upon social, human, behavioural, environmental and natural science disciplines.

This course is suited to individuals already working or considering working in the areas of public health, health promotion, community development, primary care or health protection. It is also very relevant to those working in public, voluntary, independent and NGO sector organisations, spanning healthcare, social care, local government, education, planning and regeneration, international development, human rights, social justice, and the range of health-related voluntary and community agencies and providers.

Professional Focus

A professionally orientated award, this course has been accredited and the curriculum validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). It is mapped against European, US and UK Faculty of Public Health professional competencies. The programme team has strong links with Public Health departments within the south-west region of England and with Public Health England, who regularly provide sponsorship and placement opportunities for students.

Read about how MSc Public Health student, Elizabeth, worked part-time on a cervical cancer health promotion programme during her course and how this helped to give her a focus for her dissertation.

Fit for Purpose

The course is stimulating, challenging and rewarding in terms of meeting individuals' personal and career aspirations. It provides professionals, researchers and graduates with an advanced contemporary education in public health theory, practice and research. Our primary goal is for graduates to emerge as advanced critical thinkers and analysts, ready and able to challenge and push boundaries in a wide range of contexts.

The course team comprises experienced academics with extensive professional experience, respected research portfolios and strong regional and national reputations. All are research-active, with research grants and publication profiles of national and international significance.

Key fact:  A professionally orientated award, accredited and the curriculum validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). We have strong links with Public Health directors in the region, who regularly sponsor their employees to undertake this programme.