University of Southampton

Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health

You're ideal for this programme if you're already working in public health or a related health sector role and want to formalise and deepen your expertise without leaving your job. You might be early in your public health career seeking a recognised qualification, or an experienced practitioner wanting to develop specific skills. You need flexibility: you balance full-time work with study commitments, so you value modular structure and teaching scheduled around your availability. You hold at least a 2:1 degree (or 2:2 with relevant professional experience) in any discipline, and can demonstrate how your background relates to public health. You're motivated by practical, applied learning that directly improves your work impact.

Upon completion, you'll be qualified to start or continue a public health career as a practitioner who can make a difference on local, national, or global scales. You'll hold a recognised qualification, have gained master's-level knowledge in core public health concepts, and developed practical competencies in research, critical thinking, and public health problem-solving. You'll possess transferable skills in teamwork, communication, and self-management. The qualification positions you to work within the public health workforce, policy development, health promotion, disease prevention, and population health improvement roles.

Graduates typically pursue careers within the public health workforce, including roles in local and national public health agencies, health promotion organisations, disease prevention programmes, and population health improvement initiatives. The qualification supports career progression whether you're beginning your public health career or advancing from an existing role.

Study at Southampton because you get sector-leading expert teaching from both practising public health professionals and senior university researchers. The programme offers genuine flexibility: study full-time over one year, part-time over two years, or take single modules for CPD, with teaching scheduled around your existing work commitments. You'll receive master's-level content in a shorter timeframe than a full degree. The university is proactive about tailoring learning to your needs—the course lead actively invites discussion to customise your programme. International accreditation from IUHPE ensures your qualification is recognised globally. Finally, you'll study in a leading research institution with active focus on real-world public health challenges, meaning your learning translates directly into improved professional practice.

Taught delivery combining lectures, projects, and assessed work. Teaching takes place on designated days of the week or in one-week blocks. Two 10-week teaching blocks: October to December and January to May. Locations: Highfield and University Hospital Southampton. Timetables vary by module to enable flexibility around work commitments. Language of instruction: English.

You study two core modules: Foundations in Public Health (covering public health policy, practice, historical context, and current global challenges) and Professional Development. You then choose from a range of optional modules to meet your specific learning needs. Optional modules include Advanced Epidemiology (advanced quantitative methods) and Behavioural Operations (addressing behavioural issues in operational contexts). Teaching is structured in two 10-week blocks: October to December and January to May. Timetables vary by module, with sessions scheduled on designated days of the week or in one-week blocks to fit around your work commitments.