Ranking
80th
overall in QS World Rankings
Course overview
Unlock your potential in public and environmental health. Our accredited MSc equips you with vital skills to address real-world challenges.
You will explore health impacts and earn a Master’s Degree in Public and Environmental Health Sciences. On our course, you will gain the expertise needed to work in diverse global organisations, including governmental agencies, non-profits, and international health bodies. Join us and make a difference!
Academics foster critical thinking about environmental health issues. Assessments encourage individual perspectives, and lecturers equip us with problem-solving tools and reliable information sources.
Course Structure
The course will run over 12 months in full-time mode and is only open to international students.
While the exact course content may vary, here is what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full-time Masters course.
In Semester 1, you will study the following modules:
- Environmental Protection and Climate Change (20 credits)
- Health Protection Module (20 credits)
- Food Control and Hygiene Management (20 credits)
Course highlights
Unlock your potential for global impact with our MSc in Public and Environmental Health Sciences. This program equips you to excel in government, health services, NGOs, and international organisations.
- Explore environmental health impacts on physical and social well-being
- Gain skills to work in government, health services, and private consultancies
- Learn from experienced practitioners and recognised specialists
- Conduct research with leading scientists in Environmental Health and Risk Management
- CIEH Accredited
Our course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health for international students
Learn from leading experts, engage in cutting-edge research, and develop the skills to address critical health challenges. Make a tangible difference in communities worldwide and become a leader in the field. Join us and transform your passion into a powerful career dedicated to improving public health and the environment.
Ready to make a difference? Enrol today!
Course delivery
The course is taught using formal lectures, workshops, group work, case studies, practical simulations, industrial/commercial visits and student centered learning.
You must expect to attend 4-5 days per week in the autumn and spring terms, on campus. There is little teaching in the summer term with time set aside for completing assignments, examination preparation, and undertaking the Dissertation.
Assessment methods:
- Formal written examinations: There will be written examinations at multiple points within the academic year
- Group work presentations: There will be opportunities to work within groups to present work undertaken throughout the academic year
- Research dissertation: You will undertake a research dissertation in your final semester
Module information
There are multiple modules you will undertake throughout the course (including your final research dissertation), accounting for 200 overall credits. 60 credits will go towards your final dissertation.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 | |
| LM Environmental Protection and Climate Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Food Control and Hygiene Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Health Protection Module | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Public Health Integration | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Occupational Health and Safety | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students also take 20 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Chemical and Biological Incident Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Green Infrastructure and Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent
in a science-based subject
Entry to the MSc requires a science-based honours degree that is at least equivalent to a 2:1 honours degree from a UK university. This MSc course is for international students only.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Upon completion of our Public and Environmental Health Sciences MSc, you will be equipped to work in a diverse range of organisations across the globe.
Our alumni hold influential positions in government health departments, environmental protection agencies, NGOs, multinational companies, and prestigious educational institutions, contributing to policy-making, environmental advocacy, corporate sustainability, and academic research.
- Professional Accreditation
The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, which oversees UK professional practice and qualifications
- CIEH Associate Membership
Students can apply for CIEH Associate membership, gaining various benefits
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.