Course overview
This course aligns with the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2018), Faculty of Public Health core competencies (2014), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2016), ensuring your skills meet current global standards.
Enhance your degree with a research internship or pursue a vocational internship to gain hands-on experience and boost your employability. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge. A research internship provides you with the opportunity to develop your analytical, team-working, research and academic skills by working alongside a research team in an academic setting. While we guarantee placement in a research setting, vocational internships are self-sourced - with full support and guidance provided.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Gain a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in public health. This module covers the full spectrum of data analysis - from basic exploratory techniques to advanced multivariable methods - blending theory and hands-on application to prepare you for real-world research and evidence-based practice.
Develop the knowledge and skills to design and manage primary and/or secondary research, audits, and evaluations for a project relevant to your practice, and to prepare you for your dissertation. You cover research governance and ethics, preparing you to apply for ethical approval or release.
Explore the role of epidemiology in the understanding of health and disease, policy development and service provision. Build your understanding of the core principles of epidemiology and commonly used public health research methods. This module emphasises the strengths and limitations of different study designs, focusing on key concepts including confounding, bias, and validity - critical for evaluating and conducting robust public health research. You review measures of disease occurrence, and sources of routinely collected data. Key concepts in epidemiological methodology are explored, and you develop skills in the evaluation of epidemiological research.
Examine the key public health principles and factors that contribute to an international public health discipline and develop a good understanding of the public health spectrum. And examine the key principles of global health, including health systems, international economies, and worldwide health inequalities. You explore essential public health topics such as health protection, disease surveillance and notification, collaborative working, and the management of major public health incidents at both national and global levels.
Leadership and Management in Public Health
Develop a comprehensive understanding of leadership and management in public health, with a focus on improving population and community health outcomes. This module explores key strategic drivers, collaborative working, ethical leadership, and critical professional reflection.
Ideal for current and aspiring public health leaders, as well as professionals in health and social care. Build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead effectively in complex public health environments.
Designed to enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the context of public health, this course is for students who have a role or partial role in public health or who want to move into the field.
Year 2 core modules
Consolidate and develop further skills and knowledge from previous modules. Apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study. You use a range of different methodologies for your study, such as quantitative, qualitative or systematic review.
Undertake a vocational internship with an external host organisation, research internship within the University or a study abroad opportunity. You are encouraged to identify your preferred internship option at the start of semester 2 in Year 1. You must apply for your preferred internship option, and you are not guaranteed a place on the internship you select. You are supported by our internship administrator to secure a suitable internship.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You are supported by using Blackboard, our virtual learning environment, and other software.
You participate in lectures, seminars, group activities and computer-based workshops such as blogs and webinars. Skills development is supported through computer-based simulations. Individual tutorial support is available to all students throughout the course.
How you are assessed
You are assessed through a range of methods to provide a variety of learning experiences and to challenge and extend your knowledge. These include written reports and essays, poster presentations, case studies, reflective essays, research proposals and a dissertation. You are given written feedback on all assignments to outline your progress and encourage further development.
Entry requirements
An honours degree (2.2 and above) or equivalent in a subject related to social sciences, health and health sciences, life sciences, or public health.
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to satisfy the English language requirements which are a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5,and a minimum 5.5 in each band, or equivalent as set out in the Teesside English Language Policy.
International applicants
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
What you need
To access the on-campus facilities you need a HTML5-capable web browser on a computer such as a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. HTML5-capable web browsers that can be used include the following:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
For some sessions you can also access sessions on the following browsers and devices:
- Chrome or Safari on an iPad (iOS 11 or later)
- Android (Android 8 or later)
- Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 10) tablet
Don't have your own device yet?
Don't worry - we have a bank of devices available for you to loan whenever you are on campus.
You can also access Adobe Creative Cloud - a suite of 20+ world-class, industry-standard creative apps including Photoshop and InDesign.
Employability
Work placement
You may identify your own host organisations anywhere within the UK. Travel, subsistence and any accommodation costs are at your own expense.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Public Health (Applied) are well-prepared for a wide range of roles within the modern public health workforce, including positions in public health research and professional development.
Enhance your employability through a research internship - guaranteed as part of the course - where you'll build valuable analytical, teamwork, and academic skills by working alongside experienced researchers.
A vocational internship offers the chance to gain real-world public health experience and strengthen your CV. While vocational placements are not guaranteed, we provide practical guidance and support to help you secure your own opportunity.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.