Queen's University Belfast

MPh 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.

Two specialist pathways are currently offered:
i) MPH (core pathway): available to students who complete the required public health modules.
ii) MPH (Global Health): available to students who complete the required global health modules.

All core modules on the course are compulsory and students must pass all your chosen modules to complete the award.

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.

In addition, the global health specialism offers a clear understanding of international health challenges and their influence on public health policy and practice. Students will gain insight into global health systems, politics, and strategies for achieving equity and universal health coverage. The course also explores the relationship between strengthening health systems and key Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable cities.

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.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Applicant Management System against the programme application page.

Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.

Public Health Highlights

Global Opportunities

The Centre for Public Health leads high-quality research programmes, fostering collaboration among clinical experts, epidemiologists, statisticians, biochemists, geneticists, and others. Researchers within the Centre work closely with international partners through formal links with global institutions—including the World Health Organisation—as well as informal collaborations with individual specialists across various

Student Experience

One of our strengths in the MPH programmes is the joint teaching by Public Health Practitioners/Clinicians/Researchers.

You will be exposed to a wide range of public health leaders and practitioners who are working in the field of Public Health, making real changes to benefit the health of populations.