Course Details
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Brief Description
The closing date for applications is July 1st for EU applicants and May 1st for Non EU applicants.
The Master of Science in Public Health Programme will facilitate students to acquire a marketable and transferable skillset and competencies, to enhance their career in public health or other health-related disciplines both locally and internationally. These skills are applicable to a variety of careers in healthcare, government, private, and non-profit organisations. The MSc in Public Health curriculum uses a competency-based learning format, featuring case methods approaches and real-life scenarios. It is also practical, including both a practicum and a research project. Each of the five core modules run for five weeks and include mandatory on-campus teaching sessions that will take place over three days during each week of each module. The programme focuses on providing an affordable and high-quality educational experience.
Important note for applicants who require a visa to study in Ireland
- Applicants from visa-required countries are responsible for securing their own student visa in order to travel to Ireland.
- All students must reach Ireland on, or before, Sunday 31 August 2025 to attend orientation on Monday 1 September.
- Students who are unable to reach Ireland by Sunday 31 August 2025 will be deferred until the next academic year (2026-27).
Cost of Living
Please be aware that the cost of living in Ireland may be higher than anticipated. The link below contains important information, including estimation of costs. Specifically, your attention is drawn to the “What is the cost of living” question, in the “Fees” section: https://www.ul.ie/gps/international-student/frequently-asked-questions
The focus of the MSc in Public Health programme is to move from the traditional public health teachings into a competency-based and applied public health way of learning. The programme is exceptional in the strength of its modules in global health and sustainable development, the social determinants of health and health systems, public health research and data analysis, and design, monitoring, and evaluation of public health interventions. From this MSc, any graduate irrespective of their professional background will be able to investigate, design, evaluate, and address public health challenges. The MSc in Public health also provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary study and work. Students will also reflect critically on their own and others' learning styles and practice.
The programme is made up of five core modules that consist of on campus lectures, skills building and group-collaboration, a practicum, and a research project. Students can register on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time programme runs for one academic year, with the part-time running for 2 academic years. The first five core modules are taken at the same time for both full-time and part-time students.
Learning Outcomes:
1.1. Knowledge - Breadth and Kind:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the complexity of public health and health systems in different contexts.
- Investigate problems that hinder health nationally and globally, and identify the challenges facing the achievement of the sustainable Developmental Goals
Knowhow and Skill - Range and Selectivity:
- Utilize various approaches, tools, and metrics to design, deliver, monitor, and evaluate public health interventions.
Competence - Context and Role:
- Develop quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis skills to critically appraise and design different methodological approaches to address public health issues.
1.2. Competence - Learning to Learn:
- Develop analytical and professional skills in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating health services, policies, programmes, projects and initiatives.
- Apply design thinking approach to identify, test, and implement creative public health solutions to improve global health issues.
- Critically evaluate contemporary issues in healthcare leadership, and examine trends and developments in strategic management related to public health organizations.
1.3. Competence - Insight:
- Engage in meaningful reflection to identify, interpret, improve and evaluate personal, cultural, and professional competencies to guide their career.
Each module will run in five-week blocks. During the first three weeks, students will work individually on case studies and attend in person lectures on campus over 3 days every week. Students will be required to complete an on-campus assessment based on lectures and case studies referred to during each module. This assessment will take place on the Friday of week 3 during modules 1-5. On the fourth week of modules 1-5, students will engage with each other and tutors and will participate in group assignments on campus over 3 days. Week five will be dedicated to individual projects where students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in applying the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the module whilst attending on campus and in person lectures over 3 days of that week.
The practicum module is an 8-week competency-based, planned, supervised, and evaluated practical experience. This module introduces the students to the real-world practice of public health, as a way to translate the competencies acquired during the MSc in Public Health into action to gain professional experience.
During the research project module, students will identify a gap in public health research, formulate their research questions, and design and conduct a research project. At the end of the module, students will be expected to submit their final report in journal article format. All modules are listed in the table below, including the semesters in which the modules run:
| Year 1 Full time - Autumn | Year 1 Full time - Spring | Year 1 Full time -Summer |
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| Year 1 Part time - Autumn | Year 1 Part time - Spring | Year 1 Part Time -Summer |
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| Year 2 Part time - Autumn | Year 2 Part time - Spring | Year 2 Part time - Summer |
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Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 |
| 5 in depth lessons | 5 in depth lessons | 5 in depth lessons | Complex Case Scenarios | Individual project |
| Case Study | Case Study | Case Study | Group Project | |
| x3 On Campus Tutorials | x3 On Campus Tutorials | x3 On Campus Tutorials | x3 On Campus Tutorials | x3 On Campus Tutorials |
| On Campus assessment | Presentations | |||
| Marks: 10% | Marks: 10% | Marks: 10% | Marks: 20% | Marks 50 % |
Who can apply?
- Graduates of any undergraduate degree can be accepted into the Public Health MSc.
- Applicants must hold a minimum 2.1 (second-class honours grade 1) result in their first honours bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8 or other internationally recognised equivalent). Awards of 2:2 or less may be considered if applicants demonstrate significant public health work experience.
The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary. Candidates who are deemed to appropriately meet the above requirements will be invited to take part in on online interview as part of the application process, after which successful candidates will be offered a place on the programme.
What to include with your application
- A personal statement detailing why you wish to undertake the programme and the area of research that you are interested in doing (maximum length two pages A4, 11-point font size, 1.5 line spacing)
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum vitae
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
- If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
Please ensure that you include all necessary materials with your initial application as this will help with the processing of each application.
EU Full-time: €7,800 Part-time: €5,200 per annum*
Non- EU Full-time: €15,000 Part-time: €9,400 per annum*
*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change
Dr Sheila Boland Scholarship in Public Health
Established in memory of Dr Sheila Boland, this scholarship offers funding to a new awardee each year for a UL student who is enrolled in the MSc in Public Health programme. The purpose of the Scholarship is to provide funding assistance for a student to undertake their 8-week practical placement at the University of Arizona. The Scholarship will be awarded to the top performing student amongst the cohort who indicate their interest in placement at the University of Arizona. Performance will be measured against end of first semester module results. A once-off award of €5,000 will be awarded to the successful student.
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)
This programme will set graduates up for a successful career in the field of public health, depending on their previous experience and individual competencies developed during the MSc. Example roles might include: Academic researcher, Data analyst, Epidemiologist, Health policy officer, Project manager, Health economist, Public health nurse, Public health dentist. Graduates would be likely to go on to work in settings such as health, research, business, government, and national or international non-governmental organisations.
This MSc programme is recommended to students who are looking to acquire marketable and transferable skills, those wishing to further their academic achievements, and those who would like to move in positions of leadership in healthcare. The programme will equip students with differentiated competencies including tangible skills that will not only be marketed to future employers, but also prepare our graduates for self-employment and consultancy roles.
Here is what some of our current students are saying about the Public Health MSc:
“I have been able to improve my communication and presentation skills through workshops and advice from experts. I have been able to explore tools, frameworks, and theories to target and tackle public health challenges.”
“This master's programme has been a lovely mix of self-directed learning and group projects with colleagues of different backgrounds from all over the world. I have wanted to pursue a master's in public health for several years and am delighted to have started this programme. The content is extremely interesting and challenging and already has ignited a passion and desire for a career in public health after the programme has ended.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the full-time and part-time?
Students of the full-time and part-time options will take the first five core modules together in year 1. Following this, part-time students will conduct their research project and practicum in year 2, whereas full-time students will continue with these in year 1.
Will I be able to work while I do this programme?
The MSc Public Health Programme requires full-time engagement for the entire academic year. Although students may need to work part-time to cover costs of living, applicants are strongly advised that course materials, exams, assignments, and on-campus activities must be prioritised in all cases. External work commitments are not permitted as justification for missed deadlines or non-attendance.