Europe is a region filled with cutting-edge technology, extensive research, and constant improvement in the realm of public health. Western Europe is deemed the best at public health, with many of its citizens being supported by comprehensive healthcare plans. This results in long life expectancy and high government satisfaction.

As such, there is much to gain from a Public Health course in Europe. Here are some of the top universities to learn from:

Which country is best for studying Public Health?

When it comes to the continent of Europe and the program of public health, there are several countries that have astonishing programs in the field, but one of the most well-known is the United Kingdom, which has some of the best universities in the field, such as the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. At the moment, we do not have a large amount of information on this particular course, but if you are interested in similar courses or courses in another field of study, you can check all the available programs that are listed on our website.

Top Universities for Public Health in Europe

1. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

  • Public Health Program Link
  • Degrees offered: Master’s in Public Health; Public Health for Development; Master’s in Health Policy, Planning & Financing; Master’s in Nutrition for Global Health

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a top school for public health in Europe that specializes in the research and development of public health across all types of communities. As the third highest-ranking institution in public health, students are given maximum exposure to public health issues through the university’s strong network of academe and health practitioners. Graduates of this course are headed for top positions in health organizations, research, and academe.

All courses are good for 1-2 years, with options for full-time and part-time study. The course is split into three terms, ending in a project report. Students will all undergo a roster of core subjects, after which they can choose to stay with the general track or proceed to one of five available specializations.

The Environment and Health stream focuses on the interaction between health and the environment while the Health Economics stream evaluates through a socio-economic lens to create policies for national interests. The Health Promotion stream combines multidisciplinary sources to assess the effectiveness and improvement of health promotion programs. The Health Services Management stream equips students with public health theory and management practice for efficient health organizations, while the Health Services Research teaches students to deliberate and create their public health policies.

For students interested in other subjects related to public health, the university also offers three specialized courses. The Master’s in Public Health for Development focuses on public health for developing countries, the Master’s in Health Policy, Planning & Financing look into the intricacies of policy-making, and the Master’s in Nutrition for Global Health focuses on diet and nutritional needs.

2. University College London

As the top 5 universities in the world for public health education, the University College London leverages its esteemed faculty and public health practitioners to provide students with a multidisciplinary worldview on public health issues today. Its comprehensive scope covers local and international problems from low, middle, and high-income countries, allowing students to see the big picture and learn best practices from different sectors.

The university offers a top distance learning program in Europe with its Master’s in Public Health, allowing students to learn about global challenges in public health through a flexible learning design. The Master’s in Population Health looks into ensuring public health on a big scale through understanding socioeconomic factors which influence such. The Master’s in Global Health and Development draws on multidisciplinary sources to address important health issues, geared towards developing countries.

All courses are good for 1-2 years, with options for full-time and part-time study. The course consists of lessons and group work, ending in a dissertation – except for the Master’s in Public Health as everything is done entirely online. Graduates enter roles in health organizations in the public and private sector, policy analysts and advisers, or in epidemiology and biostatistics. They easily jump into other related careers relating to public welfare as well, such as urban planning and engineering.

3. University of Oxford

As one of the premier universities in the world, a degree from any of the four public health courses of the University of Oxford will bring its students to the best positions in their field.

The Master’s in Global Health Science and Epidemiology delivers a world-class public health program in Europe and equips students with knowledge on the determinants of disease, and research and statistics skills to interpret data integral to ensuring the health of populations. The Master’s in International Health and Tropical Medicine looks into health concerns of developing countries in particular who are limited in resources. And the Master’s in Modelling for Global Health develops modelers who can leverage cutting-edge technology to strengthen public health systems for the future.

These three courses are good for one year and must be taken full time. The first two terms will comprise lessons, while the last term is an 8-12-week research placement in an organization that becomes the basis for thesis submission. Moreover, masterclasses outside the regular curriculum are available to enrich students’ knowledge on topics relating to public health.

Meanwhile, the Master’s in Global Healthcare Leadership is a part-time program for current healthcare professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge in providing quality healthcare in light of complex global systems. Created in collaboration with Saïd Business School, the course combines health and management subjects to build holistic health managers. The course comprises lessons and a written dissertation at the end of the course.

4. Karolinska Institute

The Karolinska Institute in Sweden is a leading school for public health in Europe that offers a comprehensive course on Master’s in Public Health Sciences. Through a global and multidisciplinary perspective, this course teaches students to employ research-based methodologies to improve public health and quality of life. Graduates of this course are well suited for public and private sector organizations relating to public health or in the academe.

Students may proceed through one of two tracks: Public Health Epidemiology or Health Promotion and Prevention. While both specializations tackle similar basic subjects, the former focuses on applied epidemiology to enable students to dissect new and emerging diseases and their impact on public health. Meanwhile, the latter focuses on planning, implementing, and evaluating health interventions at all levels of communities. The core curriculum will first be tackled, then the in-depth subjects relating to the respective specializations. A thesis relating to each specialization will close the program.

5. University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen in Denmark is a recognized university for public health in Europe that offers a Master’s in Global Health, providing students with a broad worldview on the many determinants to the disease on an individual and community level, as well as how to influence these for the betterment of society.

The program is good for two years. Lectures interspersed with field visits and groups projects are the preferred mediums of instruction. The course also includes an exposure trip to a low or middle country within Europe or Africa to immerse students in the realities of global health struggles. Lastly, the fourth semester is entirely dedicated to a thesis required for graduation.

Graduates can enter into jobs relating to policy creation, research, consulting, and developmental organizations that look into the welfare of communities such as WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

6. City, University of London

The City, University of London, has been serving as the backbone of governance, modernization, and excellence in the United Kingdom for more than 160 years. Bolstered by its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the City ranks among the top universities in London.

The City, University of London offers one of the best public health programs in Europe. Master of Public Health (MPH) can be taken full-time for a year or part-time for two years. There are seven modules, five of which are part of the core subjects. The tuition fees for both blended learning and distance learning are the same.

7. Imperial College London

The Imperial College London is a prominent university in Europe, ranking among the top 3, and within the best 12 universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. Taking a Master in Public Health in the university can be done in two paths: Health Services and Systems Stream and Global Health Stream.

The course is structured in a way that allows the students to grasp the knowledge from the core subjects and then use what they have learned in different career opportunities. Examples of possible practices include communicable disease control consultants and health services researchers. The course also abides by the European standards provided by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation.

8. Lund University

Lund University is a consistently high-ranking university worldwide. Leading in the field of research and development in life science, environmental science, and material science globally, Lund is home to two state-of-the-art research facilities: the synchrotron radiation facility MAX IV and the European Spallation Source (ESS).

The Master’s Program in Public Health lasts up to 2 years and containing 120 credits. For non-European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, the full course tuition fee is the same. Moreover, one installment of the tuition fee should be paid in advance per semester. On the other hand, EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland citizens do not have tuition fees.

9. King’s College London

The King’s College London (King’s) has been producing change-makers since 1829. The King’s ambition is to transform their students into the next leaders of society. This objective is highly reflected in their courses. A multidisciplinary approach is employed in Master of Public Health (MPH) as students, regardless of their medical background, are given leadership training for public health professionals. With this teaching approach, it’s no wonder why it is one of the top public health schools in Europe.

Those health professionals seeking specializations may take up a Postgraduate Certificate consisting of 4 modules or a Postgraduate Diploma comprising eight modules. For those who yearn for broader topics, the 12-module Master of Science in Public Health can be taken.

10. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is known for accepting students with a diverse academic and cultural backgrounds who have proven themselves successful and worthy of admission. The doctoral program for Public Health can only be applied for by students with a good 2.1 honors degree by United Kingdom’s standards.

Applicants should already have a certain research area in mind and a potential researcher to be their research supervisor. They must also have experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, or related courses. Accepted students living in the UK are estimated to pay lower than those who reside abroad.

11. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester boasts of its timely and research-driven curriculum suited to the changing times. Aside from this, the university’s connections to multinational industries pave the way for students to grow their portfolios even before graduating.

The Public Health program at the University of Manchester caters to diverse communities and populations of any social class. The course seeks to teach students how to reduce health inequalities and discover methods of developing the mental, physical, and social well-being of persons from all walks of life and cultures.

12. University of Glasgow

Hailed as the Scottish University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, the University of Glasgow is known to be one of the leading universities offering health allied courses. In order to apply, a prospective student must have at least a 2.1 honours level in UK standard.

Central subjects to be studied include Principles of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Statistical Methods. The tuition fee is the same for all students, regardless of their citizenship. The only difference is the degree that the student will take.

13. University of Edinburgh

Advocating flexible learning, the University of Edinburgh is one of the most accessible universities in Europe. The university also is the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Population Health Research and Training, belonging to the Centre for Population Health Science. Courses are taught by academic practitioners from various disciplines of biomedical science, social science, and policy and international development.

Students of Master in Public Health (MPH) are given a choice to have face-to-face classes or virtual classes. They can also study part-time or full-time, whichever mode fits their circumstance.

14. University of Bristol

Grabbing the 61st spot of the best universities in the globe, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Bristol is considered to be one of the most renowned in the United Kingdom. The university’s Department of Population Health Sciences has a distinction in its work on public health interventions.

The Master of Science in Public Health can be a 1-year full-time course or a 2 to the 3-year part-time course. Classes are located at the Clifton Campus. Interested applicants must have an English proficiency of Profile B.

15. University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is a top university in Europe, granted an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award last 2006, an Institutional Silver award in 2012, and the recent Institutional Silver Renewal last 2017/2018. The university also grabbed the Lord Dearing Award 2019.

All degrees in Public Health offered by the university can be taken in 12 months (for full-time students) and in 24 months (for part-time students). The university promises to render only the best education for its students through trusted and accomplished professors.

16. Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM) is the perfect university for students who want to learn an amalgamation of local and global politics and governance, policies, and strategies in Europe. Among the 6 best “young” universities in the world, UM offers two-degree programs tackling the aforementioned areas: European Public Health and Governance and Leadership in European Public Health.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs are internationally oriented as pressing global issues are included in the areas of study. Students are equipped to participate in intensive analysis and authoritative decision-making in the future institutions they aim to work for. As one of the leading public health schools in Europe, you’ll surely gain the skills you need in this field.

17. Utrecht University

When it comes to modernization and coordination across disciplines, Utrecht University (UU) considers itself to be at the forefront. This is particularly manifested in their curriculum for Public Health Epidemiology.

Aside from focusing on epidemiology, the heart of public health, the program also delves into explaining geographical and temporal patterns and knowing how public health can influence policy-making. There are two options for interested students: face-to-face and online classes. Face-to-face classes are held for four days a week, with a weekday allotted for self-studying, while the online course only takes 3 weeks (14 hours a week).

18. Umea University

Umeå University (UMU) is among the top universities that lead society towards a sustainable future. With 44 international programs and students of more than 70 nationalities, UMU is a culturally and academically diverse university.

The university’s full Master’s degree in Public Health consists of 120 credits. However, a prospective student may opt for the one-year program only consisting of 60 credits. Completers of any Public Health degree may start their career working for Save the Children, Red Cross, or Clinton Health Access.

19. University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a prestigious university ranking among the top 20 in the United Kingdom and placing the second best in Yorkshire and the Humber in the 2023 QS World University Rankings. The university also belongs to the distinguished Russell Group, a circle of top research universities.

The Public Health program core module includes Epidemiology, Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal, Key Issues in Global Public Health, and Health Needs Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation. A key feature of their program is the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules which can be taken as a requirement for qualification to a Master’s, Postgraduate Certificate, or Postgraduate Diploma.

20. University of Birmingham

Landing the 14th spot among the best universities in the United Kingdom according to the QS World University Rankings 2022, the University of Birmingham was also home to 10 Nobel Laureates.

As one of the best universities for public health in Europe, this institution offers a program focusing on building a community of excellent public health workers. They aim to train their students’ skill sets as they prepare to work in various settings. Students can apply for a full-time, part-time or flexible schedule. To aid students in building their careers, the university founded the Careers Network which is composed of career consultants that can advise students on their chosen career paths.

21. University of Oslo

The University of Oslo (UiO) has been one of the leading universities for research and development in higher education. Currently, UiO has 10 centers of excellence. International Community Health is its own, unique version of Public Health. The degree is expected to be completed in 2 years.

The master’s program is conducted in an “international classroom” and even incorporates fieldwork in another country. The majority of the research work in this course is centered on identifying the solutions to the health issues plaguing the globe.

22. University of Southampton

The University of Southampton places 11th among the ‘Golden Age’ universities in the world, according to the 2022 Times Higher Education Rankings. The university is also a proud founder of the Russell Group. Educators of the Public Health program are leading professionals from Health Geography, Social Science and Management, and other disciplines.

Students who have completed the graduate programs in Public Health have been working for the UK Medical Research Council, UK Health Security Agency, and other renowned institutions. Other than that, graduates may pursue Public Health Management or Public Health Global Health.

23. University of Liverpool

For more than 150 years, the University of Liverpool is known to be among the progressive institutions in the field of Public Health. Most of the research contributions of the university are ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ according to the Research Excellence Framework (2021).

Potential students are expected to have a degree in the following related courses: anthropology, medicine, psychology, or sociology. An online Masteral course is also available and is recognized by APHEA (Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation).

24. University of York

The University of York offers a comprehensive 1-year full-time master’s program and a 2-year part-time master’s program in Public Health. There are also plenty of option modules to choose from such as Health and Social Behaviour, Evidence Synthesis, and Practical Randomised Controlled Trials.

Applicants with a minimum of 2 years of work exposure in humanitarian sectors are most welcome to apply. Students will also need to attend online and onsite classes, aided by the university’s Virtual Learning Environment.

25. University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a distinguished university with connections to the United Nations and international health organizations. This opens prospective students to a wider horizon of experiences.

Public Health is taught by Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, situated in the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences. The university only accepts enrollees who have at least 2 years of working in the health sector of a low-middle income country.

 

We hope that this article on Best Universities for Public Health in Europe was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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