Develop the expertise and hands-on experience to tackle today’s most pressing public health challenges, shaping healthier communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Delivered in-person at our city-centre campus in Birmingham, our Master of Public Health (MPH) programme introduces you to a wide range of approaches used to tackle today’s most pressing public health challenges.
The programme is ideal for both experienced public health professionals and those aspiring to enter the field. It is equally suited to practising clinicians and health service managers seeking to progress into senior roles.
Through the programme, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of local, national, and global public health issues, including health policy, epidemiology, and the social determinants of health.
You’ll be taught and supported by a team of public health experts with both local and global experience, ensuring your learning is relevant and impactful. Teaching is closely aligned with the cutting-edge research taking place at Aston University’s Centre for Health and Society, giving you the opportunity to learn from academics shaping the future of public health practice.
“Aston University’s reputation speaks for itself. Being centered around research, Aston University emerges as a very futuristic university, where every voice is heard and where everyone’s opinions are respected and accepted, which fast-tracked my decision of picking Aston University for my master’s.”
Dr Jomon Varughese
MPH Public Health
Why Public Health at Aston University?
Safe in our hands
Sociology at Aston University was ranked 14th in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Complete University Guide, 2024)
World class research
Social Sciences at Aston University was ranked 26th in the world for ‘citations’ (THE World University Ranking, 2022)
We know our stuff
Aston University was ranked 10th overall in the UK for health professions (Guardian, 2024)
Excellent prospects
Aston University was named runner-up in the University of the Year for Graduate Employment Award (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
Addressing society’s biggest health issues
Dr Alexis Paton introduces the Master of Public Health programme at Aston University and explores some of its benefits.
Course description
MPH Public Health
Our MPH Public Health aims to equip you with the specialist knowledge and practical skills to address complex public health challenges at local, national, and global levels.
What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment. As a student on this programme, you will hear first-hand about the latest health research taking place across the University and in the wider region.
What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.
What skills we teach
Our MPH Public Health programme will equip you with the essential skills needed to lead healthcare teams and address global health challenges. You'll gain skills in epidemiology, health promotion, critical appraisal and the evaluation of public health initiatives.
Career prospects
As a graduate of Aston University’s MPH Public Health programme, you’ll be equipped for a wide range of rewarding career paths. Public health offers diverse and exciting opportunities - our graduates go on to roles within local councils and government, the NHS and other healthcare services, as well as third sector organisations and international NGOs across the globe.
How you will learn
Our MPH Public Health at Aston University has been developed in line with the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation’s European Core Competencies for Masters in Public Health Education, ensuring your learning meets the highest international standards.
The programme is designed to give you a dynamic learning experience, equipping you with the skills for a successful career in understanding and addressing local, national and international public health challenges. Through practical teaching methods, including interactive lectures, group seminars, and workshops led by experienced academic staff, you will engage in lively discussions and explore diverse viewpoints. This is further supported by our innovative virtual learning environment, giving you access to a wide range of digital resources and supporting materials to enhance your studies.
You'll complete a significant piece of independent research in the form of a dissertation - an opportunity to investigate a public health issue that inspires you and showcase your expertise. You’ll also be able to tailor your studies through a range of optional modules, enabling you to focus on the areas of public health most relevant to your career ambitions.
From the very start of your course, you’ll be supported by a dedicated personal tutor who provides one-to-one academic guidance and study advice. In addition, you’ll have access to Aston University’s extensive library resources, including over 25,000 books and electronic journals, ensuring you have the tools you need to succeed.
Experiential learning: insights from SheffWHO 2024
Our MPH students share their first-hand experiences of SheffWHO 2024 - a simulation of the World Health Assembly.
Our comprehensive and interdisciplinary syllabus spans low, middle and high-income countries, and reflects local, national and international public health agendas. Through a carefully designed combination of core and optional modules, you’ll collaborate with academics, researchers, and practitioners to explore a wide range of in-depth public health issues.
In the taught stage, you'll develop the practical skills to critically assess and address public health challenges. Emphasis is placed on the hands-on application of specialist knowledge, exploring the connection between place, theory, emerging technologies, and policy. You will gain the ability to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, and work collaboratively as part of a team to develop public health initiatives.
The dissertation stage gives you the opportunity to complete an independent research project on a public health topic of your choice. This allows you to apply theory and methods in a meaningful way, demonstrate your ability to conduct high-quality research, and showcase your consideration of ethics, evidence, and practice in tackling real-world public health issues.
Making the right choice
Dr Shamama Alam felt she made the "proper choice” in choosing Aston University to complete her Master of Public Health degree.
In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
The Social Determinants of Health: This module examines the social determinants of health and illness and their relationship with the health of a population, explaining how health and society are connected.
15
Epidemiology: This module introduces you to the basic concepts and methods of epidemiology to help you understand, interpret, and apply basic epidemiological methods.
15
Health Promotion: This module examines the role that health promotion plays in population level and individual level health and healthcare. It develops your critical understanding and application of health promotion theory and practice.
15
Public Health Ethics: An introduction to healthcare ethics approaches used in public health and integrate key concepts, theories, methods and topics on the major issues in health ethics.
15
Global Health: This module covers key concepts, theories, methods and topics on the major issues in global health.
15
Digital Health: Introduces you to the major issues in digital health including data and data visualisation, artificial intelligence and health technologies, the digitalisation of hospitals, patient data and remote health monitoring, and automation and digitalisation in therapy development.
15
Advanced Research Methods: Develop an understanding of research methodologies.
30
Total
120
Dissertation stage modules
In the dissertation stage you will study the following core module:
Module Title
Credits
Dissertation (MPH): You will demonstrate your ability to design, conduct and report the results of a research project in public health. You will work independently, under the guidance of a supervisor.
60
Programme outcomes
On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:
Critically evaluate key issues in public health critically, applying specialised knowledge and research skills.
Reflect critically on the relationship between place, theoretical knowledge, emerging technologies and policy advocacy on professional practice.
Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information and problems that impact directly or indirectly on public health outcomes.
Work in multidisciplinary teams to develop public health initiatives and reflect critically on the key skills integral to leadership and management roles in the public health sector.
Use epidemiological data, critical appraisal and relevant evaluation skills to critically analyse public health initiatives.
Work autonomously to develop and analyse original qualitative and/or quantitative datasets in public health.
Understand the role and importance of context and place in public health, including inequality and inequity.
We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
Gain the advantage
The Aston Global Advantage (AGA) is fully embedded into all postgraduate Health & Life Sciences programmes (of 180 credits), meaning you develop professional skills, teamwork abilities and real‑world experience as an integral part of your course.
Because each programme tailors the AGA to its discipline, you learn through authentic activities relevant to your field. This integrated approach enhances your readiness for a rapidly changing global workplace by helping you apply knowledge in practice, build confidence, and develop the competencies employers value most.
All applicants for Master of Public Health must provide evidence of ability in mathematics, post-16 year education.
Evidence may include:
GCSE Maths – grade B/5 or higher
A module that includes mathematics within an undergraduate degree (e.g., quantitative methods, epidemiology or statistics)
Statistics or quantitative methods studied as part of a research methods course.
A preference will be given to applicants with relevant work experience. This can be paid, voluntary work, internships etc.
Significant relevant research or professional experience will be considered where applicants do not meet the required academic qualification threshold. Applications which do not meet the required academic entry criteria will be considered on an individual basis and may first be required to complete a PGCert or PGDip to enable progression to the MPH programme.
You will also need to provide:
A professional reference
If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.
Qualifications in your country
For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:
Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
Preference will be given to applicants with relevant work experience (e.g. paid work, voluntary work, and internships).
Significant relevant research or professional experience will be considered where applicants do not meet the required academic qualification threshold. Applications which do not meet the required academic entry criteria will be considered on an individual basis and may first be required to complete a PGCert or PGDip to enable progression to the programme.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
How to apply
How to apply for the part‑time route
To apply for the part‑time option, please submit your application via the full‑time route. In your personal statement, clearly state that you wish to be considered for the part‑time route for this programme.
If you are unable to include this in your personal statement at the time of applying, please email pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk with your 9‑digit application number to confirm that you would like to be considered for the part‑time route.
Where a part‑time request is clearly stated in your personal statement, no further action is required. We will update your application to the correct route on your behalf once your request has been received.
Please note that the part‑time route is only available to applicants who do not require a study visa.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods that reflect real-world public health practice. These include:
Written and oral examinations
Class tests and practical assessments
Individual and group coursework
Research projects and presentations
A dissertation of 10,000 words, giving you the opportunity to investigate a public health issue in depth and showcase your independent research skills.
Our assessment approach is designed not only to test your academic knowledge but also to develop the professional skills required in today’s public health sector - as such as critical analysis, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Importantly, the programme’s assessments are aligned with the competencies required for professional accreditation and membership with bodies such as the Faculty of Public Health (DFPH and MFPH), supporting your pathway to becoming a recognised public health professional.
Career prospects
As an MPH student at Aston University, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with local health projects and initiatives. These experiences not only enhance your learning but also provide valuable evidence for your CV and professional portfolio, helping you stand out in a competitive job market.
A career in public health is wide, exciting and varied. MPH graduates can seek employment in local council and government, with the healthcare services (e.g., NHS), and with third sector and NGOs across the world.
The transferable skills you’ll gain through the Aston MPH, such as data analysis, critical evaluation, project management, and effective communication, can open doors to a variety of public health roles, including:
Epidemiologist
Public health researcher
Health informatics specialist
Environmental health practitioner
Health improvement practitioner
Graduates of this programme are equipped with the knowledge and practical expertise to make a meaningful impact on health outcomes, both locally and globally.
Supported for success
After completing her Doctor of Pharmacy in India, Dr Vidhyashree Srinivasan decided to pursue the Master of Public Health programme at Aston University.
Our students achieve some amazing things during their time with us and after they graduate - whether it's securing prestigious roles in their fields, setting up their own businesses, or making real differences within their communities.
As one of the top-ranking universities for health professions in the UK (Guardian, 2024), Aston University is at the heart of innovative healthcare initiatives locally and nationally. Aston’s close connection with the healthcare community in Birmingham means that as an MPH student, you will be learning from public health practitioners and experts working directly in the field. Modules and dissertations will be research-led, based on cutting edge projects with real-world application. With opportunities to interact with local and national public health bodies, as an Aston University MPH graduate, you will enter (or return to) the workforce with a strong grounding in the current issues and key challenges in public health.
For our Aston Medical School students, the MPH is offered via the intercalated year, allowing you to hone key public health skills before graduation. These skills are vital for those with an interest in public health or who wish to pursue a career as a Public Health Consultant.
Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?
There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.
Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:
Is Birmingham a good place to study?
Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.
Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.
We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.
Full-time programmes
As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students within the College of Business and Social Sciences should anticipate around 8-16 hours of classes per week. This includes at least two hours a week per module, along with additional guided learning activities. The precise distribution of these hours will vary, depending on your course and module choices.
Part-time programmes
Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.
Timetable availability
Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.
As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.
Online/distance learning programmes
The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.
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