Master of Public Health with Extended Placement

Why choose Herts?

MPH Public Health with Extended Placement enables you to develop your knowledge and skills during your placement. Throughout the course you'll combine the work of public health theory, practice and research.
The University of Hertfordshire was ranked 2nd in the East of England for Social Policy (2023 Complete University Guide).
You'll be taught by Public Health experts within Life and Medical Science, Nursing and Social Work and The Business School at the University of Hertfordshire.
MPH Public Health without Extended Placement, Advanced Research and Online pathway options available for this course.

Good Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.2 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or relevant experience in the area of public health may be considered in place of a degree
GCSE (or equivalent) in English with minimum grade C or IELTS score of 7.0 (minimum of 6.5 in any band)
GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics with minimum grade C

For candidates who have no formal qualifications, candidates will be required to complete a number of selection activities which may include:

Completion of a self-assessment questionnaire based on the competency requirement of the Faculty of Public Health
Submission of a short written discussion about a public health peer-reviewed article (which will be supplied to the candidate)
Participation in an interview

Supporting documents required

Copies of the front and back of your undergraduate degree transcript and certificate
Your CV
English language GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent - you should have a score of 7.0 overall if presenting an IELTS test)
Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)
Substantial personal statement about why you want to study this programme, what you hope to gain from the course and where you see your future development taking your career
Copy of the photo page of your passport
One academic or professional reference.

Find out more about international entry requirements


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Life and Medical Sciences
Course length	Sandwich, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

About the course

The range of optional modules offered and the breadth of cases used across the programme will provide opportunities for specialism in the global and local context.

Why choose this course?

MPH Public Health with Extended Placement enables you to develop your knowledge and skills during your placement. Throughout the course you'll combine the work of public health theory, practice and research.
The University of Hertfordshire was ranked 2nd in the East of England for Social Policy (2023 Complete University Guide).
You'll be taught by Public Health experts within Life and Medical Science, Nursing and Social Work and The Business School at the University of Hertfordshire.
92% overall satisfaction for medicine and dentistry in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024).

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Work Based Learning in Health and Medical Practice	30 Credits	Optional
This module will enable health professionals to focus on how the workplace environment provides a learning opportunity. The provision of healthcare in contemporary practice demands that health care professionals engage in inter-professional and work-based learning. The module will also require to focus on an area within the workplace that needs to improve and then undertake an initiative (in the form of a situational analysis, or audit) to make evidence based improvements to the work place.
Project Report	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the skills acquired from studying the core modules; Public Health Research and Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice. Enhancing skills in conducting literature searches, and knowledge in research methodologies and how to extrapolate and use collated data, are achieved through the use of lectures and workshops on campus, the interactive facilities on the Canvas site and tutor feedback. independent research, feedback from the project supervisor, directed reading and case studies, and resources provided through the Canvas site for the module.
Environmental Health and Wellbeing	30 Credits	Optional
This module examines the environment as a determinant of health and wellbeing and assesses the impact of environmental planning and design on public health. A critical appraisal of the interaction of the environment with health systems, will be explored and identify the potential of how environmental interventions can improve public health. The students will have the opportunity to interpret and analyse various biological, chemical, physical, social and psychosocial stresses, and understand the concept of health impact assessment. The module will focus on several significant areas, including water & public health, air pollution, sustainability, and the impact of environmental policy on public health.
Promoting Health	30 Credits	Optional
The module captures the broader strategies which governments, health systems, practitioners and individuals can adopt to prevent ill health, promote health and wellbeing and manage ill health. Students will start with a review of the major communicable and non-communicable challenges and how these vary by geography and the importance of promoting health for sustainability of health systems as well as quality of life. Health promotion models and how these have been informed by different theoretical perspectives and disciplines will be covered including: theories of behaviour change (theory of planned behaviours, the health belief model, etc); methods of behaviour change at the at individual, community, societal level; role of law; underpinning ideologies/libertarian/utilitarian) of health systems; cultural aspects which influence national policies on promoting health; risk behaviours; evidence base for different interventions.
Leadership for Public Health Practice	30 Credits	Optional
This module will enable the student to understand the multi-faceted nature of leadership for public health. It will encourage the practitioner to recognise their approach to leadership, how leadership is undertaken within their work setting and the multiple factors that shape prevailing leadership styles and the impact of this on colleagues, team working and for clients. Within the course, particular attention will be given to the public health practitioner as a leader within contemporary organisations. This course will equip the practitioner to recognise and develop their leadership potential so that they can develop new sights, new ways of working and promote change and sustained public health development within their work setting
Physical Activity and Nutrition for Public Health	30 Credits	Optional
The module will explore the effects of regular physical activity on health, including cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal adaptations that result from regular physical activity; as well as mental health and wellbeing. Further to physical activity, the module will discuss the importance of nutrition in relation to public health. The module will also explore different interventions aiming to increase levels of physical activity, as recommended in current guidelines for different populations. The module will also cover theoretical models of behaviour change and its application in relation to exercise and physical. activity. The module will explore tools to evaluate the effect of physical activity on health, from epidemiological studies at population level, to fitness tests at individual level. Finally, the module will discuss socioeconomic issues hampering physical activity levels in some populations, and strategies to maximise behaviour change towards a physically active lifestyle. Learning outcomes will be achieved through online lectures and webinars, tutorials, directed and independent study, and the assessment.
Addressing Internet Addictive Behaviour - A Public Health Concern	30 Credits	Optional
This module is designed to provide opportunity to develop skills and competence when working in the area of addictive behaviour, promoting awareness for the reasons associated with internet addictive behaviour.
Extended Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement provides you with the opportunity to set your academic studies in a broader context. It also provides an opportunity to gain practical experience of the professional workplace and strengthen your employability skills. The Work Placement Assessment enables you to reflect on the skills and insights gained throughout your placement, both in relation to your personal development and specific aspects of the sector.

Key staff

Dr Marvelle Brown
Admissions Tutor
Find out more about Dr Marvelle Brown

Further course information

Course fact sheets
Master of Public Health with Extended Placement	Download

Programme specifications
Master of Public Health with Extended Placement	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Mandatory
Applications open to international and EU students	No

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £11655 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £12360 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
25/09/2025 30/09/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
25/09/2026 30/09/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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Master of Public Health with Extended Placement

Why choose Herts?

Supporting documents required

About the course

Why choose this course?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026