Population Health

Population Health MSc at University College London offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing health challenges at the community, national, and global levels. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the social, economic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health and disease, and how these factors influence population health outcomes. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students will examine the complex interactions between individual health and wider societal factors, equipping them to develop effective strategies for disease prevention, health promotion, and policy development.

The MSc in Population Health covers a broad spectrum of topics, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health inequalities, health policy, environmental health, and research methods. Students will engage with cutting-edge concepts and evidence-based approaches used to improve health systems and promote equity in health care access and quality. The program encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and applied research techniques, preparing graduates for careers in public health practice, health policy analysis, academic research, or doctoral study.

Designed for a diverse student body, including recent graduates, health professionals, and policymakers, the program provides a stimulating learning environment that fosters collaboration and intercultural exchange. Its interdisciplinary nature means students will benefit from expertise across various fields, including medicine, social sciences, economics, and environmental sciences. The program's structure includes core modules, optional courses, research projects, and dissertation work, allowing students to tailor their learning to their interests and career aspirations.

UCL’s central London location offers unparalleled opportunities for engagement with public health institutions, NGOs, policy makers, and community organizations, enhancing experiential learning outside the classroom. The program emphasizes research excellence, critical appraisal, and practical application, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at improving population health worldwide. Upon completion, students will possess a robust understanding of the determinants of health and diseases, alongside practical skills in data analysis, research design, and policy development — all crucial for making impactful contributions to public health initiatives and advancing health equity globally.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Compulsory modules in years one and two provide breadth and depth in understanding how public health and disease are measured and analysed, incorporating research methods, social theory, demographics, health behaviours and a module on the life course. You will receive quantitative data-analysis training in all years, bringing data and theory together in an applied hands-on learning environment.

From year two there will be the opportunity to specialise by taking optional modules to suit your interests (e.g. in health psychology and health economics).

In year three you will complete a dissertation.

A levels

Grades

AAB-ABB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language at grade C, plus Mathematics or Statistics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34-36

Subjects

A score of 16-17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

The Population Health program at University College London offers a variety of funding options to support students throughout their studies. Prospective students can explore scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid opportunities provided directly by the university as well as external funding sources. UCL's scholarships for international and domestic students include merit-based awards, which recognize academic excellence, and need-based options to assist those with financial challenges. Additionally, students may be eligible for specific fellowships or research assistantships if they are involved in research components of the program. The university also provides guidance on applying for government loans and grants available in the UK, such as the Student Finance England (SFE) loans, which cover tuition fees and living expenses for eligible students. International students are encouraged to seek funding from their home country's governmental or private scholarship programs, some of which may be compatible with UCL studies. The program's tuition fees vary depending on the student’s residency status; domestic students benefit from subsidized rates, whereas international students pay higher tuition fees. Students are advised to check the latest fee structure and available funding options during the application process on the UCL website or contact the university’s financial aid office for personalized guidance. UCL also offers work-study opportunities and part-time positions that can help students offset costs. It is recommended that students apply early for any financial assistance to enhance their chances of securing funding. The university's comprehensive support services help students navigate the complex landscape of academic funding to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their educational goals in Population Health.

Population Health at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing health challenges within populations. The program focuses on the social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. Students are equipped with analytical skills, health data management, and policy analysis techniques essential for shaping effective health interventions and strategies.

The curriculum includes core modules in epidemiology, quantitative and qualitative research methods, health inequalities, and health policy. It also provides opportunities to explore areas such as public health, health promotion, disease prevention, and health services management. The program is designed to foster critical thinking and practical skills through case studies, research projects, and collaborations with health organizations.

Students benefit from UCL’s esteemed faculty, which includes leading researchers and practitioners in public health and epidemiology. The program emphasizes applied learning, preparing graduates for careers in government agencies, international health organizations, research institutions, and the NHS. Additionally, the program may include fieldwork or placements, providing real-world experience in population health initiatives.

Graduates of Population Health at UCL are well-positioned to contribute to addressing complex health issues, reducing health disparities, and informing policy decisions. The program supports continuous professional development and is suitable for those seeking to advance their careers in public health, policy analysis, epidemiology, or health management. Overall, it combines rigorous academic training with practical skills, aiming to improve global and local health outcomes through evidence-based strategies and innovative solutions.