When studying abroad, the United Kingdom is the dream destination for many international students. As home to the most prestigious and oldest surviving universities, the country ensures that students receive only the best education and training. Plus, it is famous for countless breakthroughs in science and medicine. With such a training ground, a degree in public health in the UK can guarantee success anywhere.
That’s why let’s look at the country’s best schools for this specific degree if you’re interested in pursuing an education here!
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in the UK
1. University College London
University College London, founded in 1826, is a public higher institution considered the second largest and best school for public health in the UK. It has undergone several transitions, mergers, and name changes throughout its long history, finally adopting its current name in 1976. The university’s Faculty of Population Health Science offers a full-time, one-year master’s program in public health and an MPhil/Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Public Health.
However, students can also take a part-time study period, which allows them to complete their master’s in two years. Students can also choose a flexible study mode, allowing them to finish their master’s degree in up to five years. As the program is taught in English, applicants might need to take preparatory courses to ensure their written and oral proficiency level.
Besides that, applicants must have at least an upper-second-class degree or its international equivalent in any relevant subject, such as social and clinical science. Mathematical and statistical skills are also a requirement to apply to the program.
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was established in 1209, making it one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. Its long history started after a group of scholars from the University of Oxford disputed with the townspeople. From such beginnings, it became one of the most prestigious in the world and was later recognized as a leading institute for public health in the United Kingdom. It ranked second among many universities in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
Cambridge has six schools, over 100 departments, research centers, and institutes, including the Department of Public Health and Primary Care. Through its Ph.D. program, students can study various skills and knowledge in multiple specializations, such as behavior and health, genetic epidemiology, and health services research. Besides those, students also have the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research in this field.
As for the study mode, doctoral candidates can study full-time or part-time. If taken full-time, the study duration can take three to four years. Part-time students can complete their studies within five to seven years. To apply to this program, an aspiring candidate must have prior training in biostatistics, epidemiology, or related fields.
3. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-renowned postgraduate institution, recognized as a leader in public and global health. It consistently ranks among the top public health universities globally, including being 1st in the UK for Public Health by ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024. LSHTM is dedicated to addressing pressing health challenges worldwide through cutting-edge research, specialized education, and the translation of knowledge into impactful policy and practice. Its location in London, combined with extensive global partnerships, offers a unique and dynamic environment for international students.
The Faculty of Public Health and Policy offers a Master of Science in Public Health. The program is both practical and research-driven, preparing students to take on public health challenges. Additionally, students can complete the program in one year in full-time study mode. For those looking for split-study options, the university allows completion after two or more years. Meanwhile, students who want to pursue the Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) program can gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to become leaders in public health policy and practice while understanding and adapting scientific knowledge for public health purposes. The selection team looks at applicants’ educational or professional training, as the university only accepts up to 200 students in the program.
International students at LSHTM benefit from highly relevant and specialized programs that equip them with critical skills for impactful careers in public health. Marvi, a physician from Pakistan who completed an MSc in Tropical Medicine and International Health, highlights that her program “aimed to train physicians in the field of tropical medicine, with a concentration on communicable diseases that are prevalent in these regions, while also equipping students with key skills that allow them to view health challenges through an intersectional lens.” She found the program “even more relevant and vital to me to pursue” as a public health specialist, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the school’s direct relevance to global health crises.
4. Imperial College London
The Imperial College London, formally called the Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine, was built in 1907 with Prince Albert’s vision of creating a cultural center. More than 114 years later, it has built an innovation campus in White City and a research facility in Silwood Park. Additionally, it has teaching hospitals across London.
ICL is another excellent public health institution in the UK. It has four faculties, including the Faculty of Medicine, where the School of Public Health is located. This university offers master’s and Ph.D. programs in public health. The Master of Public Health is a one-year full-time program where students learn biostatistics, epidemiology, and research methods in the health industry.
Moreover, ICL offers a highly research-driven doctoral program in which students focus on public health areas, such as infectious disease epidemiology, clinical trials and evaluation, and neuroepidemiology and aging. Program completion takes three years, plus one year of research writing if taken full-time. However, the institution also offers part-time studies, where students can take up to six years to fulfill all graduation requirements.
5. King’s College London
King’s College London is one of the top universities in the United Kingdom for public health. This public institution was founded in 1829 through a Royal Charter. However, it has been operating as a medical school since 1561, making it one of England’s oldest institutes. It underwent several mergers before it became the school it is today.
Through these improvements, KCL has acquired five campuses across the country. It also comprises nine faculties, divided into departments, divisions, and research centers. The Master of Public Health program at the university takes one year to complete if taken full-time. And like other universities with this program, students can also take a part-time study mode, allowing them to complete their degrees in two years.
Instruction is delivered in the classroom, although students can enroll in a fully online program. While prior academic tracks must be related to public health, international students from non-related baccalaureate studies can apply to this program if they have significant work experience.
6. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a leading global institution with a strong reputation in public health, attracting students from around the world. It offers comprehensive programs designed to address complex health challenges, equipping students with the knowledge and skills for impactful careers. The university is consistently ranked highly, and its commitment to research-led teaching ensures students receive a cutting-edge education in public health.
International students at the University of Southampton benefit from highly relevant and specialized programs tailored to global health issues. Mohammad Haris Taheri from Afghanistan, a former dentist and public health researcher, chose to pursue his second master’s degree in Global Health at Southampton because of his “profound interest in community health advancement” and a “broader understanding of globally prominent public health challenges.” This highlights the university’s ability to cater to experienced professionals seeking to expand their impact in public health.
7. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow stands as a leading institution for public health in the UK, renowned for its impactful research and comprehensive programs designed to address global health inequalities. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, Glasgow offers a world-class academic environment that attracts and nurtures ambitious international students. The university’s strong links with the NHS and other national bodies ensure that its public health education is deeply connected to real-world practice.
International students pursuing public health at the University of Glasgow benefit from a curriculum that is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to global challenges. Faith Opiyo from Kenya, a Chevening Scholar pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, was drawn to Glasgow to “better understand the inequalities in the health sector that disproportionately affected women and girls.” Her decision highlights the university’s focus on critical public health issues and its ability to complement students’ prior expertise. Faith’s personal experience of implementing gender and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights programs for over a decade underscores the practical, impact-driven nature of students drawn to Glasgow’s public health programs.
8. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol, founded in 1876, is a prominent public research university in the United Kingdom and a member of the prestigious Russell Group. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, the university is globally recognized for its academic excellence, research-intensive approach, and forward-thinking spirit. Its programs in health sciences, including public health, are particularly strong, with teaching delivered by leading experts and a curriculum that balances theory with practical application. The University of Bristol’s diverse international student community and supportive learning environment make it an attractive choice for students from around the world.
For those pursuing a career in public health, the University of Bristol offers an enriching and research-driven education. Hira Zaheer Ahmed, a student from Pakistan who pursued a master’s in public health, highlighted that her experience at the university was “excellent academic training, a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere, and valuable exposure to public health issues.” This praise reflects the program’s ability to provide a comprehensive and supportive educational environment that prepares students for real-world challenges in the field.
Hira’s experience also underscores the quality of instruction and curriculum at the University of Bristol. She gave the university a “very high rating” academically, explaining that the “teaching was research-driven and delivered by experts and renowned professionals in the field.” This focus on a research-led curriculum, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensures that students are equipped with the critical skills and up-to-date knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic field of public health.
FAQs: Public Health Studies in the UK
Is Public Health in Demand in the United Kingdom?
With the increasing aging population and global pandemic, public health has become one of the most in-demand occupations in the United Kingdom. There are several job prospects for public health graduates in the private and public sectors. According to Payscale, the average salary for a graduate with a master’s in this field is over £35,000 per year.
We hope this article on the best universities for public health in the United Kingdom was helpful. Make sure also to explore our Study in the UK Page and check out the United Kingdom Programs for International Students to learn more!
