Dr Ranjit Khutan, programme director and Dr Vickie Bates, director of studies explain what the course at the University of Liverpool Online has to offer…
What does the Master of Public Health (MPH) involve?
The MPH online programme is an internationally-respected degree designed for people who want to make an impact on health at local, national, or global levels. It's rooted in the World Health Organization's Health for All principles, and it gives students a strong foundation in the science and practice of public health, from understanding the wider determinants of health to evaluating policies, health systems, and interventions.
The curriculum is research-connected and covers core areas such as:
- epidemiology
- evaluation
- global public health
- health systems leadership
- health inequalities
- qualitative methods.
Optional modules allow students to specialise in areas like:
- crisis management
- global mental health
- health economics
- health protection.
How does studying online work?
The programme is online and part time, which means students can study flexibly alongside work and personal commitments. Modules are delivered through an interactive virtual classroom, and students learn in small cohorts with peers from all over the world.
Teaching is delivered through an engaging online platform that combines:
- case studies
- interactive tasks
- readings
- practical activities
- readings
- short lecture-casts.
Active participation, collaboration, and discussion is encouraged
Core content is delivered entirely through asynchronous learning, allowing students to study when it suits them. There are opportunities for synchronous sessions, live feedback, and peer interaction. These are not compulsory, and are always recorded for those unable to attend. Modules are designed around active learning, collaboration, and problem solving, reflecting real public health practice.
There are no exams and students instead complete a mix of assignments and reflective work. Assessments are designed to be authentic, mirroring the kinds of outputs public health professionals produce in practice, such as rapid reviews, briefings, and applied research summaries. Regular formative feedback helps students stay on track and continually develop their skills.
The dissertation enables students to focus on a topic that is of personal or professional interest and they are closely supported on a one-to-one basis by a research supervisor. The programme support team at Kaplan Open Learning will also support the student through the ethics process and a lead dissertation adviser is on hand to ensure key deadlines are met and the student progresses to completion.
What types of students would suit this course?
This programme is ideal for anyone working in, or aspiring to work in, public health, whether that's in:
- community organisations
- government
- health services
- international agencies
- NGOs.
It attracts a very diverse group of students, including:
- allied health professionals
- doctors
- environmental health officers
- nurses
- pharmacists
- policy officers
- project managers
- people from the natural or social sciences who want to move into public health.
Because the programme is flexible and fully online, it is well suited to professionals balancing busy careers and family responsibilities, and to those looking to advance or change their career without stepping away from work. Students come from a range of countries and sectors, and many bring real-world public health experience into the classroom, enriching the learning for everyone.
Where can this course lead?
Graduates of the MPH are well equipped for a range of public health roles. The programme develops skills that are essential for senior roles such as:
- critical appraisal
- evaluation
- leadership
- policy analysis
- research methods.
Typical career paths include:
- epidemiology or research roles
- health promotion specialist
- NGO or charity leadership roles
- management positions in health systems or community health organisations
- public health practitioner
- programme and policy officer positions.
Because the curriculum is internationally focused and aligned with global public health priorities, many graduates go on to work in international development, global health agencies, or health-related work in low- and middle-income countries. The programme provides a strong foundation for progression to senior leadership, consultancy, and doctoral-level study.
Tell us what makes this course unique
- A truly global and research-connected curriculum - Liverpool has a long history in public health research, and the online MPH is deeply connected to this. Students learn from academic staff and practitioners who are active in research, global health, systems leadership, and public health evaluation.
- A highly interactive, small-cohort learning model - This isn't a 'watch videos and work alone' programme. Students study in small virtual classrooms, with constant interaction, feedback, and collaborative learning. That sense of community is a defining feature.
- Flexibility without compromising academic depth - All teaching is designed specifically for online delivery, so the experience is structured, supportive, and engaging. The part-time format allows students to study alongside demanding professional roles while still gaining a rigorous Masters-level education.
- The dissertation preparation pathway - This structured pathway runs alongside the taught modules and gives students early and ongoing support for their dissertation. By the time students begin their research project, they already have a supervisor, a proposal, and a clear plan.
What advice do you have for anyone considering studying the MPH?
I'd encourage prospective students to think about what they want to achieve, whether that’s moving into a new area of public health, stepping into a leadership role, or building research skills. The programme offers a lot of flexibility through optional modules and the dissertation, so you can tailor it to your goals.
Finally, don't worry if you haven't studied for a while. There's excellent academic support, clear guidance in every module, and a strong community of peers from around the world. If you're motivated to make a difference in public health, this programme gives you everything you need to get started.
Find out more
- Take a look at the Master of Public Health at the University of Liverpool.
- See what's on offer in the healthcare sector.