Public Health - MSc

Entry requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8,) with at least a 2.1 (second class honours, grade 1).

• Applicants that hold a 2:2 (second class honours, grade 2) or less may be considered if they demonstrate significant public health work experience.

• The university may shortlist and interview applicants.

Checklist of documents:

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of current professional registration with relevant regulatory professional body.
• A personal statement detailing why you wish to undertake the programme and the area of research you are interested in pursuing.
• CV
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health will equip you with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies essential for addressing complex health challenges at local, national, and global levels.

Covering core areas such as health systems, health policy, global health and sustainable development, public health research and data analysis, and monitoring and evaluation of interventions, the programme prepares you to design, implement, and evaluate strategies that improve population health and reduce health inequalities.

You will benefit from expert teaching, case-based learning, and real-world applied experience through a practicum and a research project, ensuring you graduate with both theoretical understanding and hands-on expertise.

It is suited to graduates who want to deepen their expertise in public health and pursue careers in government agencies, healthcare organisations, NGOs, and international health bodies.

It is also suited to professionals seeking to integrate evidence-based approaches, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable health strategies into their work.

This MSc provides a strong foundation for roles in health policy, epidemiology, programme evaluation, and global health leadership, and opens pathways to doctoral research and advanced professional practice.

During this programme, you will:

• Investigate, design, and evaluate public health interventions to address health challenges across diverse contexts.
• Critically appraise and apply different methodological approaches for public health research and data analysis.
• Develop skills to design, deliver, monitor, and evaluate health programmes and policies using evidence-based frameworks.
• Gain expertise in global health and sustainable development, addressing social and commercial determinants of health.
• Build analytical, leadership, and communication skills to manage complex health systems and guide strategic decisions.
• Engage in reflective practice to strengthen personal, cultural, and professional competencies for impactful careers.

Information for international students

• Postgraduate Entry Requirements for International Students
• English Language Requirements

Email ULGlobal@ul.ie for further information.

Fees and funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships.