Public Health

For the MSc: You complete either 14 modules, or 11 modules plus a project report.

The general stream:

• 5 compulsory modules.
• 1 further PHM1 module.

• Either 8 further modules (at least 4 from PHM2)
• Or 5 further modules (at least 1 from PHM2) plus a project report.

A specialist stream:

• 5 compulsory modules.
• 1 further PHM1 module.

• 1 compulsory PHM2 module
• Either 7 further modules (at least 3 from PHM2).
• Or 4 further modules (at least 3 from PHM2) plus a project report.

For the Postgraduate Diploma: You complete 10 modules.

• 4 compulsory modules.
• 2 further PHM1 modules.
• 4 elective modules (at least 2 from PHM2)

For the Postgraduate Certificate: You complete 6 modules.

• 4 compulsory modules
• 2 further PHM1 modules.

Individual modules: Study our courses individually to update your knowledge or to sample the programme.

View modules from selection groups

• Download the Programme Specification
• View the Programme Regulations

To gain an MSc with a particular stream, you must complete the relevant compulsory modules for that stream. These are marked C in the table below. Modules marked R are recommended for that stream. A module marked O is optional.

This programme has one intake date per year: October.

These individual module dates do not include Clinical Trials (CTM) modules.

Please note, anyone registering after September cannot request an extension to assignment deadlines or extenuating circumstances.

The programme is offered online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to certain deadlines), using the study materials provided and with support available from academic staff.

Study materials

Your study materials are primarily provided online via the VLE. They may include subject guides, textbooks, additional computer software (e.g. Stata), past examination papers, and handbooks.

All of your study materials are made available in October.

Online support

When you register, we will give you access to your University of London Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to course materials, resources, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others. Tutors are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year through the VLE.
• The LSHTM library resources
• The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings, etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library.

• Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.

Teaching staff facilitate and moderate online discussions, respond to academic enquiries, and provide personalised feedback and advice on assignments.

Student Support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.

You will have access to support through:

• The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Time commitment

You should expect to study for 15-25 hours per week throughout the study year if you wish to complete your qualification in the minimum time allowed (one year for the Postgraduate Certificate, two years for the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc). Most students take between three and five years to complete the MSc.

Assessment

This varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. More details can be found on course pages.

Exams are held in June each year. You can sit exams at an approved centre anywhere in the world (mainly Ministries of Education or the British Council). Each centre charges a fee for hosting exams.

More about exams.

What qualifications do you need?

For entry to the programme, you will need:

• a minimum of one year's relevant work experience; and
• a first- or second-class honours degree or the equivalent, in a subject appropriate to the course, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London.

Find equivalent qualifications where you live.

If you do not meet the above standard requirements, we can still consider your application on the basis of your qualifications and experience. In these instances, once you apply online, we will contact you with a request for two references to support your application before referring on for academic consideration.

English Language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
• TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
• Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.

Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.

If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, we may also consider your application.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.

View the Programme Specification to see the computer requirements for this programme.

The programme fees below refer to the 2023–2024 session only and are effective from 1 December 2022. These may be increased by up to 5% per year.

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

*The indicative totals include the application fee, all module and continuation fees payable to the University of London for the duration of your study, as well as online tutor support. This fee does not include applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, local exam centre fees and fees payable to University of London Recognised Teaching Centres.

More about programme fees.

Additional Costs

You will also need to budget for exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams.

How to pay your fees

Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).

Further information about fee payment options can be found in the “How to pay your fees” link above.

The programme will be relevant for those wishing to increase their potential for career development in public health at a community, hospital or district level, in research, in ministries of health or other health or development related organisations.

"The MSc in Public Health got me into the habit of approaching any problem from a wider angle. I now always look for all possible influence factors. Public health requires critical thinking to identify the core problems and creativity across all disciplines to solve them. And that is useful everywhere."

Dr Sven Jungmann, Germany

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has an international presence, and is renowned for its research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. It was crowned University of the Year in 2016 by Times Higher Education for its extraordinary response to the Ebola crisis.

The Faculty of Public Health and Policy has around 150 staff, carrying out research in environmental factors, health policy, health promotion, and health services. In addition to the main activities in research and teaching, faculty members provide advice, consultancy and information on a wide range of public health and health care policy issues.

Academic leaders

Dr Ros Plowman is Programme Director of the MSc Public Health by distance learning. Ros originally trained as a nurse and subsequently worked in a variety of clinical settings. Her PhD thesis focused on the economic burden of infections occurring in surgical patients. Ros’s research interests include the economics of infection and the costs and benefits of selected infection control activities.

Dr Marcus Keogh-Brown is Associate Professor in Economic Modelling in the Department of Global Health and Development and Deputy Course Director of the MSc Public Health. His current research interests involve the use and development of macroeconomic models in a health context. He is also Deputy Module Organiser and Tutor for the MSc in Global Health Policy by distance learning, and organiser for the School’s basic maths support sessions.

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study.

Can I get sponsored?

If you are employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fee if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.

Our courses are ideal for employers because they get to retain you as an employee and benefit from your learning from the moment you begin.

Free online courses

The School offers several free online courses on a wide range of health topics. These provide a great insight into the independent learning experience.

See a full list.

Open days

The School holds regular open days in London. You can come and meet staff and students and receive a tour of the School.

Find the next open day.