Public Health (Dubai) MPH / PGDip / PGCert

Public health practitioners play a vital role in improving population health and driving positive change. Our Masters in Public Health programme draws on the University's world-leading expertise to equip you with the knowledge and skills for effective disease prevention, health protection, and health promotion.

Course structure

This course will run over 12 months, full-time. It can also be undertaken on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term. This is based on a full time Masters course.

This programme goes beyond traditional academic learning, providing a unique, hands-on approach that emphasises practical skills and competencies. From the very beginning, you'll engage in real-world scenarios that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities, preparing you to meet the demands of the global health market.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped to make a meaningful impact and confidently step into your public health career.

• Transformative Career Pathways - Our MPH programme empowers you to lead meaningful change, giving you the vision, skills, and confidence to truly make a difference in the world.
• Hands-On, Real-World Experience - From the very start, you’ll be engaged in practical, immersive learning that brings public health to life.
• Global Network and Leadership Development - You’ll be joining a global community of public health professionals and leaders who are making strides across continents.
• Research-Led Teaching in a Top 100 University - Our programme is delivered by a university ranked among the top 100 worldwide, ensuring that you receive the same world-class education in Dubai as you would at our UK campus.

Our programme is an internationally recognised qualification in Public Health and will equip you with a broad range of skills that are invaluable for working in the public health field. The University of Birmingham is also a renowned centre of international excellence for teaching and research in public health - we're members of the NIHR School for Public Health Research, which brings together a number of English institutions with excellence in this field.

      This course consists of seven taught modules and one independent research project.

• Lectures - are delivered by world-leading academics and researchers.
• Small group tutorials - are run alongside the lecture course, addressing any individual problems you may have and allowing you to consolidate lecture material.
• Peer group learning - is used to reinforce teaching and provides an opportunity to collaboratively learn from your peers, deepening your understanding of key material.
• Assessment – this includes a mixture of exams, essays, presentations, and computer-based problem solving.

We offer a combination of evening and weekend classes which are designed to accommodate working professionals and those who choose to study full-time. Classes are delivered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 18:00-21:00, with an extended session on Sunday from 9:00-17:00.

The 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 programme comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit individual project.

Core Modules

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

English language requirements

To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.

The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.

You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.

Applicants who do not have a 2:1 Honours degree but who have relevant experience, may be considered. Please get in touch with us to discuss your suitability prior to applying.

For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band. We will consider students with a 6.0 overall score on a case-by-case basis.If you're made an offer of a place to study and you don't 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'll be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.

To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.

To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.

Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.

After graduation, our students have pursued successful careers in a variety of sectors, both within and outside of the health sector. Examples include working within:

• United Nation agencies, including WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP
• 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.

Careers Network

In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Dubai

Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.

Take a virtual tour

Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.