MSc International Public Health (PG Cert, PG Dip)
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
About this course
Study for an International Public Health Masters at LJMU. This course offers a broad-based understanding of health and its social and environmental determinants.
- Study at LJMU's world renowned Public Health Institute
- Develop a broad-based understanding of health and its social and environmental determinants
- Follow a curriculum informed by key international strategies, the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Determinants of Health
- Benefit from support and guidance for placement learning opportunities
An improvement in population health is increasingly recognised internationally as a key element of economic and social development and nowhere more urgently than in low and middle income countries. The focus of this programme is to develop the public health approach relevant to these countries, often referred to as low resource settings.
Many of our students come from countries with the so-called double burden of disease. Whilst still fighting infectious diseases, they are also now increasingly faced with a growth in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes.
This is not a clinical course; it is a course which aims to enhance your capacity to identify and measure the risk factors linked to these diseases and explore alternative strategic responses to them. This means improving public health knowledge and research-based skills
The Public Health Institute provides an excellent applied setting in which to do this.
The programme will enhance your capacity to improve the health of the populations you serve and reduce health inequality. It will also develop your critical, analytical, research, collaborative working and evaluation skills - all key requirements in the dynamic public health sector.
Shraddha's story
Shraddha Manandhar from Nepal moved to Liverpool to study for her Masters in International Public Health.
"Having gained my undergraduate degree in Kathmandu, I didn't really know what to expect when I came to Liverpool. When I got here though everything was really clear, we were told very early on what was expected of us as postgraduate students.
Having a personal tutor is a key benefit, because you always know you have someone to turn to should you need help. I have had support with academic writing, critical thinking and even searching for appropriate literature.
LJMU is a very, very good institution which gives its students lots of opportunities. During my studies I have been lucky enough to get funding to spend two weeks working on a project at an overseas university.
There is no doubt that my Masters degree from LJMU will give me better opportunities in the workplace and I have already recommended the University to all my friends."
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Public Health Essentials: From Theory to Practice
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces MSc students to the core principles and practices of public health, linking foundational concepts and theories with contemporary issues and practical skills, ensuring MSc students are equipped for real-world public health challenges. It covers key concepts such as social determinants of health, epidemiology, health systems, policy, and interventions, using contemporary research and case studies. A central theme is addressing health inequalities - critically analysing causes, consequences and solutions aimed at improving health and reducing inequalities. The course is designed for both home and international students, incorporating global perspectives on public health challenges and solutions.
Improving and Protecting Health
20 credits
20 credits
This module encourages you to develop knowledge and competence in the area of health improvement and health protection. It aims to provide knowledge on a range of risk factors at individual, community and national level and develop theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to effectively plan, implement and evaluate projects, regulatory measures and programmes to protect and improve the health and well-being of populations.
Understanding Research
20 credits
20 credits
Introduction to qualitative, quantitative and systematic review research approaches, including:
- The contribution of different methods to different aspects of public health practice
- Quantitative methods: epidemiological methods, surveys, trials, sampling, data collection and analysis
- Qualitative methods: interviews, focus groups, sampling, data collection and analysis
- Systematic reviews: systematic review approaches for qualitative and quantitative reviews, searching, screening, quality assessment and synthesis
- Developing research ideas and aims
- Writing a research proposal
- Ethics in public health research
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
The dissertation module offers you an opportunity to explore in-depth an area of personal or professional interest that relates to your programme of study. In doing this, you will expand your research skills and apply what you have learned in the earlier modules to your research project. It enables you to:
- develop your skills necessary to plan and execute a research project that is relevant to your area of study
- effectively communicate research outcomes to an appropriate audience
You can choose your own topic and methodology but the topic must be relevant to public health and aligned to your route specialism. Your research project will be presented as a 7000 word journal article and includes an oral assessment (30 minute viva voce).
Informing Public Health
20 credits
20 credits
Epidemiology and Public Health Intelligence are core public health disciplines that share some key approaches and methods. Epidemiology and public health monitoring provide essential data which are used to determine appropriate public health strategies. This module will explore these key areas, the relationships between them, and the integration of data from these with a range of other sources of information (such as qualitative research). It will explore how data and information from research studies and public health monitoring can be used to inform health protection and health improvement in a global context.
Global Health
20 credits
20 credits
This module examines public health risks at the global level and in the context of globalisation. It explores the key processes of globalisation, such as economic, political, cultural and technological, and how they impact the health of populations and their environments. Key public health risks are identified and their strategic response at the global level evaluated including: Tobacco, Alcohol, diet, climate change, migration, conflicts, and displacements.
International Health and Development
20 credits
20 credits
This module explores the idea of international health and human development. Through it, you will examine both the determinants of health and aspects of health system development. It evaluates a number of international strategies aimed at health for all, including those in vulnerable and fragile settings. It explores the various means of achieving Universal Health Coverage and appraises local-level health improvement strategies.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Full-time students attend university for teaching on two full days (Tuesday and Wednesday). Part-time students normally attend one day a week: Tuesday in the first year of study and Wednesday in the second year.
Teaching methods
You will learn via lectures, tutorials and workshop related activity. The programme requires a significant amount of independent learning through the library, off campus and the virtual learning environment.
On joining the course you will be appointed a personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support. You will also have at least one supervisor for the duration of your dissertation module.
Applied learning
This programme enables you to gain work related experience in an applied health setting including the Public Health Institute, Local NGOs/charity sector and local authority. Research can also be undertaken in collaboration with these sectors through negotiated agreement.
Many students conduct their research project in applied health settings such as the NHS and charity sectors. As such, your studies enable you to build real experience in the working environment and create professional relationships outside of the university setting.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Written exams, essays, reports, posters, oral presentations and the dissertation module form the assessment focus for this Masters in International Public Health.
Where you will study
The Public Health Institute is located in the City Campus where you'll find the City Campus Library, IT Zones, high quality teaching facilities and lecture theatres plus a range of cafes and social spaces.
Course tutors
Ivan Gee is a Principal Lecturer in Public Health responsible for our MSc Public Health, MSc International Public Health and MSc Public Health Addictions programmes. His teaching on these programmes focuses on Health Protection, Epidemiology and Research and he also contributes to undergraduate teaching, research projects, and PhD supervision. Ivan's research interests have focussed on environmental impacts on health. He has had a particular expertise in tobacco and vaping related research. He has conducted work that supported the development of the Smokefree 07 legislation in England and informed national advertising campaigns. Ivan is also interested in the impact of other environmental exposures on health, particularly air pollution and the increasing public health problems associated with alcohol.
Teaching, research supervision and scholarly activity are the most rewarding aspects of my position. Whilst I enjoy developing and refining academic programmes and managing an enthusiastic programme team; teaching students and watching them develop and graduate is the most satisfying area of my role.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
As a graduate of this course you will probably go on to take up a role improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. The majority of our international students return to their home country to work in government or NGO health sectors. You may, however, choose to advance your research career or undertake further study to PhD level.
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £8,740
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Fee:
- £17,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
A good honours degree (minimum 2.2 or equivalent) in a health or social science-related discipline
Alternative qualifications considered
Non-standard entry:For applicants not in possession of a good honours degree, the programme leader will take into account relevant professional qualifications (e.g. Nursing Registration, Qualification in Social Work, Environmental Health qualification) and experience. The programme team will consider the relevancy of experience on a case-by-case basis.
Any participant who does not have a first degree must satisfy the programme team of their ability to study at Master's level through presentation of a strong portfolio to demonstrate appropriate equivalent skills in the work place. For these applicants, individual assessments of their suitability for post graduate level study will be arranged and conducted by the programme team. The team may require evidence to be submitted as part of the assessment process e.g. a portfolio of written and other work; papers presented at conferences, publications; reports and research proposals.
Further information
-
RPL
RPL and R(P)EL:The programme welcomes students with both prior certificated learning and or application for experiential learning credits. Prior learning will be mapped against the programme and/or module outcomes on a case by case basis.
International requirements
IELTS
IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Other international requirements
Standard entry Applicants are normally required to possess a good honours degree (minimum grade 2.2) in any related health or social science discipline. Work experience will also be considered where relevant.
International students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part-time
Further information
-
RPL
RPL and R(P)EL:The programme welcomes students with both prior certificated learning and or application for experiential learning credits. Prior learning will be mapped against the programme and/or module outcomes on a case by case basis.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.