Overview

The Public Health (Online) programme at Queen Margaret University is designed to equip students with the critical expertise required to address complex health challenges in both public and private sectors. This Master's degree focuses on health systems and community-based approaches to prepare graduates for professional roles in the UK and internationally. By studying in a flexible online environment, students can balance their academic ambitions with existing professional and personal commitments.

Queen Margaret University is a distinguished institution, recently named the Herald Scottish Higher Education Institute of the Year 2025. The university is ranked among the top five in the UK for social inclusion and holds a top 10 position in the UK for Nursing according to the Guardian University Guide 2025. Students benefit from the expertise of the Institute for Global Health and Development, receiving instruction from a diverse team of experienced staff within the School of Health Sciences.

The programme offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world at any time. With six start dates per year and the ability to pay via per-module instalments, the university provides an accessible pathway to postgraduate education. This online delivery model ensures that professionals can immediately apply their learning to their current workplace, enhancing their career prospects without needing to attend a physical campus.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Key Issues in Global and Public Health
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Research Methods
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Health Systems and Policy
• Project Design and Management
• Gender and Sexual & Reproductive Health
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Community Health

Careers 

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional public health roles across the public and private sectors. The curriculum's focus on critical analytical skills and health system operations makes individuals highly competitive for positions in health administration, policy development, and community health management. The programme supports those looking to advance within the field of global health or transition into specialised health promotion and disease prevention roles.