Population Health

The Population Health MSc will provide the core skills needed to work in public health, as well as offering a wide range of optional modules which can be targeted towards a range of careers in or parallel to this area including: health policy, programme management, health inequalities, and urban and environmental planning.

Students will learn how to define and measure health, understand the role of socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of health, appreciate how health systems and public policy impact on health, and learn how to evaluate interventions to improve population health.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), full-time nine months, flexible study 2-5 years, is offered. Students take four core modules (60 credits) and four optional modules (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), full-time nine months, flexible study two years, is offered. Students take three core modules (45 credits) and one optional module (15 credits).

Core modules

• Core Concepts in Population Health (to be confirmed)
• Epidemiology or Epidemiology and Infectious Disease
• Health Systems in a Global Context
• Basic Statistics for Medical Science

Optional modules

• Advanced Statistical Modelling
• Climate Change and Health
• Economic Evaluation of Health Care
• Evaluating Interventions
• Health Inequalities Over the Life Course
• Health-related Behaviours and Cognitions
• Immunisation and Communicable Diseases
• Physical and Mental Health, Stress and Aging
• Qualitative Research Methods in Health Research
• Quality Improvement in Health Care
• Reproductive Health
• Research Methods in Social Epidemiology
• Sexual Health Programming in Low and Middle Income Countries
• Urban Health
• Using Informatics in Healthcare

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 7,500 words. An oral presentation and a lay summary of 500 words are also required. The dissertation can include primary research, secondary data analysis, a literature review or a project proposal in a field related to population health.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Assessment is through a variety of methods, including essays, unseen examinations, project proposals and oral presentations. Students will also write a research dissertation of 7,500 words, along with an oral presentation and a lay summary of 500 words.

An upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; or a professional qualification in a health-related area such as medicine or nursing of an equivalent standard. Relevant research, work or volunteer experience will be viewed favourably. Students without the minimum academic standards may be considered if they have extensive relevant work or research experience.

Wellcome Trust Scholarship

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

The MSc in Population Health at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and address complex health challenges facing populations worldwide. The course synthesizes principles from public health, epidemiology, social sciences, and health policy, providing a broad perspective on the determinants of health and disease at the population level. Students gain an in-depth understanding of how various factors—such as socioeconomic status, environment, genetics, and lifestyle—interact to influence health outcomes across different communities and groups.

The programme emphasizes applied learning, enabling students to critically evaluate current research, policy initiatives, and intervention strategies aimed at improving health and reducing inequalities. It covers core areas including epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, health policy, and social determinants of health. Practical components often include statistical analysis workshops, case studies, and opportunities for internships or research projects that allow students to develop hands-on experience in real-world settings.

UCL's reputation as a leading institution in health sciences ensures access to cutting-edge research, expert faculty, and extensive academic resources. The course is suitable for graduates from various backgrounds, such as medicine, social sciences, public health, and policy, who aspire to careers in health research, policymaking, or public health practice. Graduates of the MSc in Population Health often pursue roles in government agencies, international health organizations, non-governmental organizations, or academic research institutions.

The duration of the programme is typically one year for full-time students, with part-time options also available. The curriculum is structured to foster analytical thinking, cultural competence, and the ability to implement evidence-based solutions to pressing health issues. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, contribute to academic discussions, and develop a nuanced understanding of the ethical considerations related to population health initiatives. With its global outlook and strong emphasis on social justice and health equity, UCL's Population Health programme prepares graduates to be influential leaders in improving health outcomes worldwide.