Globally governments are prioritising strategies and policies for improving public health. The MSc Public Health and Health Promotion course recognises the importance of the wider social context in which health is created; explores innovative approaches to address the widening inequalities gap, the health needs of an ageing population, and the increased prevalence of long-term chronic conditions.
This course encompasses both prevention and promotion, and recognises the importance of social determinants of health. It will support you to develop the skills required to address existing and emerging public health challenges locally, nationally and internationally. It will also provide you with a professional qualification that will develop your understanding of this complex field. You will strengthen, enhance and improve your career prospects, and be empowered to make a valuable contribution to improving health and wellbeing.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in September 2024 or January 2025, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Stage 1
You will be introduced to the underpinning principles and concepts of public health and health promotion in different settings, and examine the impact of health inequalities on population health, engage with the principles, methods and application of epidemiology and explore global health challenges.
Stage 2
You will apply the principles from Stage 1 and examine approaches to address population health (including working with communities) and critically explore theories of behaviour change. You will apply leadership, partnership working and change management theory to the public health context and your own practice and develop a critical understanding of project management in health and social care.
Stage 3
You will undertake a self-directed, supervised, research project relevant to public health and health promotion.
Our goal is to help you develop into a critical and reflective public health professional with strong problem solving skills and able to implement creative solutions.
There is a strong emphasis on student participation in all modules and a self-directed approach to learning is essential to achieve the aims of the course.
CPD Framework
If you can’t commit to the full time MSc course you can study individual modules of this course via our continuing professional development framework. Visit our framework page for more information.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
The team members bring extensive public health experience to their teaching, ensuring professional relevance and currency. Invited guest speakers will enhance your learning experience.
All students will engage with our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Regardless of mode, you will learn both individually and through group activities. If you choose to study modules online, you will take part in online tutorial sessions through the virtual classroom utilising innovative technologies to facilitate engagement and encourage discussion and debate.
We expect you to be an active and engaged learner; undertaking activities and discussions, offering your point of view, and sharing your experiences and knowledge to help you gain a deeper understanding of the issues and potential solutions.
Activity Summary
The activities listed represent full-time on campus mode only, the part-time online learning mode will differ.
- Tutorial - 88 hours per Stage 1
- Tutorial - 88 hours per Stage 2
- Tutorial - 19 hours per Stage 3
- Project Supervision - 16 hours per Stage 3
- Independent Study - 512 hours per Stage 1
- Independent Study - 512 hours per Stage 2
- Independent Study - 565 hours per Stage 3
How long is a Public Health and Health Promotion course?
The Public Health and Health Promotion MSc can be successfully completed in 13 months on campus. This is to include coursework preparation, independent study and other activities.
Independent Study
A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Our teaching team members are Associates or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning. Contributing to this course are visiting Lecturers who are experts in their field and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the course. Staff are regularly featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed at each stage:
Stage 1
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 1 oral assessment
Stage 2
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 oral assessment
Stage 3
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Job Prospects
Students on the existing programme come from a wide range of disciplines including public health, physiotherapy, dietetics, third sector, nursing and midwifery, oncology and occupational health.
Is Public Health and Health Promotion a good career choice?
Opportunities have increased significantly with the global changes in health and the challenges that lifestyle related diseases are presenting. Employment opportunities include:
- clinical practice
- local authorities and commissioning boards
- occupational health
- education
- work based health programmes
- sports and leisure centres
- social care
Other related areas and opportunities include community development, non-government agencies, charitable and voluntary organisations.
What is needed to study MSc Public Health and Health Promotion?
This course is suitable for those working in health and social care, public health, health improvement, health promotion, local authorities, government, education, sports and leisure, private sector, occupational health, oral and dental health, non-governmental and voluntary organisations in the UK and internationally.
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject discipline.
- Applicants will be required to provide a Personal Statement in support of their application which demonstrates their understanding of the course and the relevance to their future plans.
- Applicants who do not meet the standard entry qualifications, but do have a professional qualification, combined with a minimum of two years relevant work experience, may be considered on a case by case basis. In such cases applicants will be called for an interview as part of the admission process.
Interviews
Interviews can take place either face to face, by telephone or online to suit the applicant's requirements. Interviews allow the Course Leader and the applicant to explore current academic qualifications (recognition of prior certificated learning) and professional experience (recognition of prior experiential learning) more fully, to determine if they are appropriate to be considered for entry to the course.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9200 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3450 |
Year 2 | £3450 | |
Year 3 | £2300 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9200 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3450 |
Year 2 | £3450 | |
Year 3 | £2300 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9200 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3450 |
Year 2 | £3450 | |
Year 3 | £2300 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £14920 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3450 |
Year 2 | £3450 | |
Year 3 | £2300 |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.