MSc Global Public Health
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Public health plays a vital role in improving lives and tackling global challenges. If you're passionate about improving health outcomes worldwide, our MSc in Global Public Health will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change.
This programme brings together experts from public health, international development, and environmental sciences, offering an interdisciplinary learning experience. You’ll engage with global case studies, apply cutting-edge research, and gain the analytical skills needed to address complex health challenges. With a focus on applied learning, our unique Extended Project replaces the traditional dissertation, preparing you for a rewarding career in global health policy and practice.
You’ll explore key themes such as health equity, sustainability, and the intersection of climate change and public health. A diverse range of optional modules enables you to tailor your studies and develop expertise aligned with your career goals. By combining core public health principles with practical, problem-solving approaches, you'll gain the skills and confidence to navigate the global health landscape.
UEA is home to world-leading research centres such as the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and the Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development. These provide a rich academic environment and opportunities to engage with groundbreaking global health research. Our vibrant award-winning campus offers modern facilities, study spaces, and a dynamic student community to support your learning.
Graduates of this MSc are equipped for careers in public health agencies, international non-governmental organisations, global health research institutes, and government advisory roles. With strong interdisciplinary training, you'll be ready to lead health initiatives, influence policy, and drive sustainable health improvements on a global scale.
Study and Modules
Structure
The MSc in Global Public Health at UEA is designed to provide a broad yet flexible foundation in global health, with a focus on sustainability, evidence-based practice, and real-world application.
Semester 1: Building Foundations in Global Health
In your first semester, you’ll develop a strong theoretical and analytical foundation. You’ll study core topics such as health systems, epidemiology, sustainability, and health inequalities, alongside a deep dive into evidence-based public health practice. Additionally, you can select from a range of optional modules, allowing you to explore areas such as climate change and development, health economics, or intercultural communication.
Semester 2: Specialisation and Applied Learning
The second semester shifts focus to applied research and problem-solving. You’ll study quantitative research methods for global health monitoring and evaluation, providing you with the skills to assess interventions and policies. You’ll also select additional optional modules, tailoring your learning to topics such as globalisation, gender and health, or leadership in international settings.
Extended Project: A Practical Alternative to a Dissertation
Instead of a traditional dissertation, this programme features an Extended Project, where you’ll critically evaluate a real-world global health intervention or policy. The final submission includes a briefing paper, a poster presentation, and an oral reflection—formats commonly used by public health professionals. This approach ensures that you graduate with tangible, work-ready outputs, preparing you for policy, research, and implementation roles.
This structure ensures that you’ll emerge with a well-rounded, practice-oriented understanding of global health, equipped with the skills to tackle today’s pressing public health challenges.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
At UEA, we take an applied and interdisciplinary approach to teaching global public health. You’ll be taught by leading academics from public health, international development, environmental sciences, and health policy, many of whom actively contribute to international research projects and policy initiatives.
Learning Through Real-World Application
This MSc places a strong emphasis on interactive, applied learning. You’ll engage in:
- Case-based discussions, exploring current global health challenges.
- Data analysis workshops, where you’ll interpret real epidemiological and public health data.
- Guest lectures from industry experts, including professionals from international health organisations.
You’ll also develop essential skills in policy writing, intervention evaluation, and research synthesis, ensuring you graduate with both academic knowledge and practical expertise.
Supportive Learning Environment
Our teaching is structured to support diverse learning styles, with a combination of small-group seminars, interactive lectures, and independent research opportunities. You’ll benefit from:
- Access to UEA’s world-class research centres
- One-to-one academic support from experienced faculty members
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with students across various faculties
Through this approach, you’ll graduate ready to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, equipped with the analytical and practical skills to lead change in global public health.
Assessment
Assessments on this MSc in Global Public Health are designed to reflect the skills required in global health practice, policy, and research. You’ll engage with a diverse range of assessment methods that encourage critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and effective communication of complex health issues.
Throughout the programme, you’ll complete case studies, policy briefs, data analysis tasks, and research appraisals, developing the ability to evaluate health interventions and propose innovative solutions. Assessments also include oral presentations, professional-style reports, and interactive discussions, ensuring you gain experience in real-world formats used by public health professionals.
A key feature of this MSc is the Extended Project, which replaces a traditional dissertation. This practical assessment challenges you to critically assess a real-world public health intervention or policy, enhancing your ability to apply academic knowledge to professional contexts.
You’ll receive structured feedback and academic support throughout your studies, helping you develop the skills needed to influence global health policies, lead health initiatives, and contribute to impactful research.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Health related subjects
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Health related subjects
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £10,675
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International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the expertise to shape public health policies, lead global health interventions, and contribute to cutting-edge research. Whether you aspire to work with international NGOs, health agencies, or government bodies, this MSc provides the critical knowledge and skills required to advance your career. Graduates may also be well-positioned for doctoral research opportunities in global health and related fields.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Global Health Policy Analyst
- Global Public Health Researcher
- Health Programme Manager (e.g. in NGOs & International Organisations)
- Health Programme Coordinator
- Climate and Health Specialist
- Health Anthropologist
- Humanitarian Affairs Officer
- Engagement Officer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.