Public Health MPH/Diploma/Certificate

Dubai Campus

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

Annual tuition fee for 2024/25: AED 138,456 (full-time)

These are last year's fees; fees for 25/26 study will be updated soon.

Scholarships available 

This multidisciplinary programme will prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of professional settings, both in and out of the fields of public health and epidemiology. Develop essential skills and gain an in-depth understanding to face worldwide challenges integral to improving the health of populations.

Public Health (MPH) is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education

Public health practitioners create real change in the world by improving the health of the population. Drawing upon the University's world leading expertise, our Masters in Public Health programme will provide you with the necessary understanding and knowledge to develop essential skills in disease prevention, health protection and health promotion. 

The programme will equip you with a broad academic training in public health and epidemiology across the full breadth of public health topics. In addition to a thorough grounding in applied health research methods and health information, you will be introduced to key areas of public health practice, such as health promotion, population approaches to healthcare planning and delivery, and health protection.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is designed for graduates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, from those who want a career in public health itself, to those who want to learn more about epidemiology and statistics for research or health service evaluation. As well as practising clinicians, the course may be of considerable value for those involved (or thinking about becoming involved) in senior management in health and other public services, as it covers aspects of population health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and the planning and evaluation of health and public health services.

Find out more about our research in Chronic Disease

Programme Director:

Dr Khalifa Elmusharaf

Khalifa ElmusharafDr Khalifa Elmusharaf, MBBS, PgCert, PgDip, FRSPH, FFPH, IPMA®C, PhD is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Public Health Programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai, as well as a fellow of the Faculty of Public Health, Royal College of Physicians UK. He is also an accredited reviewer for the European Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation APHEA, a certified strategic project manager from the International Project Management Association IPMA, and a certified health professional educationalist from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland RCSI.

Dr Elmusharaf is medically trained and obtained his PhD in Public Health from the University of Galway. He is an advisor to the WHO on Mother and Newborn Information for Tracking Outcomes and Results and to UNDP on non-communicable diseases. He is also an associate editor at the BMC Public Health, BMC Health Services Research and International Health Journals.

Dr Elmusharaf has more than 20 years of experience in academia, ministries of health, and international organisations in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Deputy Programme Director:

Dr Nisha Dhanda

Nisha DhandaDr Nisha Dhanda is an Assistant Professor in Public Health and Deputy Programme Director of the Masters in Public Health programme at the Dubai campus. Nisha has a clinical background in Audiology and her mixed methods PhD investigated the epidemiology of hearing loss and dementia in older adults, and their lived experience within residential care homes. Nisha has public health research experience in both the Middle East and UK, and has extensive teaching experience in higher education institutions. Prior to joining University of Birmingham, Nisha was the Public and Global Health Lead for Aston Medical School. Nisha is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Heath where she is a member of the Public Health Behaviour Change special interest group, and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

 

Why study this course?

  • Our programme is an internationally recognised qualification in Public Health and is essential for professional advancement in the fields of public and global health.
  • The University of Birmingham is a renowned centre of international excellence for teaching and research in public health - we are members of the NIHR School for Public Health Research, which brings together a number of English institutions with excellence in this field.
  • Study the full breadth of Public Health topics taught by our world-leading academics, practitioners and researchers, who will challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
  • Develop a broad range of skills that are invaluable for planning, management and evaluation of health services, for disease prevention, health protection and for health promotion.
  • Contribute to the ever-changing world of global public health and build a fulfilling and rewarding career in a wide range of professional settings, both within and outside Public Health and Epidemiology.

Modules

Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee for 2024 entry.

  • AED 138,456 (1 year full-time)
  • AED 69,228 (2 years part-time)

These are last year's fees; fees for 25/26 study will be updated soon.

Scholarships

We have a number of scholarships available.

Find out more about our scholarships

How To Apply

To find out more about our application process please visit our how to apply page before starting your application.

 

Our Standard Requirements

A minimum 2:1 or above in a relevant undergraduate degree, or an equivalent professional qualification and professional experience.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement but who have relevant experience, may be considered. Please get in touch with us to discuss your suitability prior to applying.

International students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of international qualifications - use the dropdown box below to select your country and see the equivalencies to the above UK requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.


  • IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

International Requirements


As a University of Birmingham student, you will learn from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

University of Birmingham Dubai offers unrivalled facilities in the region, with access to a self-contained campus that mirrors the UK experience. You will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms and open learning spaces. Our friendly and welcoming community will create the perfect environment for multi-professional study.

Our highly regarded teaching on the Masters in Public Health course employs a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning and self-study.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Course delivery

Full-Time Option: One-Year Intensive Programme
Our full-time Master of Public Health (MPH) programme is designed for those seeking an immersive and accelerated learning experience. Over one year, students engage in an intensive curriculum delivered through evening and weekend classes. The timetable for full-time students is carefully crafted, with classes held on three evenings from 18:00-21:00 and extended sessions on Sundays from 09:00-17:00.


Key Features:

  • Intensive Schedule: Each 20-credit module is block-taught over three weeks, while 10-credit modules are condensed into two weeks.
  • Flexible Learning: In addition to face-to-face sessions, students are expected to dedicate approximately 20 hours per module to asynchronous learning utilizing pre-recorded videos.
  • Considerations: While the full-time option offers flexibility, the demand for face-to-face teaching, asynchronous learning and preparation may pose challenges, especially for those concurrently employed full-time. Prospective students are advised to consider their work commitments carefully before opting for the full-time program.

Part-Time Option: Two-Year Structured Program
Our part-time Master of Public Health (MPH) program is tailored for individuals balancing professional responsibilities while pursuing advanced education. Spanning two years, this structured program allows students to cover two modules per semester and finish their studies with a dissertation project in the second year.


Key Features:

  • Extended Duration: The part-time option provides a more extended timeframe, accommodating those with work commitments.
  • Scheduled Classes: Face-to-face sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Balanced Approach: Each module, lasting approximately three weeks, combines in-person classes with asynchronous learning, offering a well-rounded educational experience.
  • Considerations: Our part-time program is ideal for working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise without compromising their career commitments.

Please note that the example timetable is to be used as a guide and is subject to change. Our term dates are also available online. For further information, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Khalifa Elmusharaf k.a.elmusharaf@bham.ac.uk.

View example timetable for Masters in Public Health [PDF, 93kb]

Assessment Methods

Modules are assessed through a mixture of examination, assignment, computer-based problem solving, oral presentations and essays. 

MPH students complete their Master's degree by also undertaking a research project and writing a 10,000 word dissertation. This provides an opportunity to pursue a specific area of public health in depth, and to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. It is therefore undertaken only once the taught part of the course has been successfully completed.

A Master in Public Health is internationally recognised as essential for professional advancement in the fields of public and global health. Our graduates have pursued successful careers in a variety of sectors, both within and outside of the health sector.

Career Pathways

Our graduates have pursued successful careers in a variety of sectors, both within and outside of the health sector. Examples include working within;

  • National and local healthcare and public health services
  • Ministries of health and other government bodies
  • Commercial health technology and pharmaceutical companies
  • National and international non-governmental organisations
  • Academic research and further education

Your University of Birmingham Degree

Your University of Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target our students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities, and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends.