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.
Check Also: Fully-Funded Scholarships at University College London
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
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is a public university and a top school for public health in the UK established in 1899. Since its establishment, the university has been a consistently significant institution in the infectious diseases and public health fields. It also operates through its three faculties and several research centers. These offer numerous master’s and doctorate degrees. However, there are no undergraduate programs at the university.
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.
Check Also: Best Universities for Public Health in London
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.
See Also: Universities Offering Master’s in Public Health in the UK
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.
The UK is home to high-ranking universities offering some of the best degree programs in public health. From the University College London to the University of Cambridge, you can kickstart your career in this field, supported by the best facilities and experienced faculty.
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!
