Master of Public Health Outbreak Control and Health Protection

Infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters and environmental hazards threaten health worldwide. Being prepared to respond can protect communities and save lives.

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Course type
Master’s course
Director of Studies
Dr Jennifer Day
Location
Liverpool, UK
Start date
September 2026
Mode of study
Full time, on campus
Duration
One year
Home fee
£12,125
International fee
£24,899

Overview

Our MPH in Public Health (Outbreak Control and Health Protection) will equip you with the skills to monitor, manage and mitigate outbreaks and other public health threats.

You’ll explore how public health systems respond to infection risks, implement control measures and build community resilience in challenging circumstance.

Who is this course for?

  • Professionals and graduates from a wide range of backgrounds, including public health and health protection, medicine, nursing, epidemiology, microbiology, environmental health and emergency planning.

  • Intercalating medical students who have completed at least three years of study.

“The MPH covers a range of important issues in contemporary public health. You’ll explore approaches to reducing health inequalities and learn how to use evidence-based principles to enhance policy and practice in various settings.”

Dr Jennifer Day Director of Studies

Why study Outbreak Control and Health Protection at LSTM?

  • Learn from experts with experience in global outbreaks and health protection.

  • Explore infection risks, environmental hazards and health system responses.

  • Build practical skills in surveillance, data interpretation and control strategies.

  • Apply your knowledge through a self-directed project, in the UK or abroad.

  • Join a global network of health professionals and researchers.

“We face huge challenges in international public health. By specialising in outbreak control, you’re preparing to lead in challenging situations to protect the health of populations at risk.”

What will I learn?

This one-year master’s is divided into three semesters. The first two focus on taught modules delivered through lectures, small group work, case studies and simulation. The final semester is dedicated to your self-directed research project.

  • Research Methods in Public Health (20 credits).
  • Scientific and Professional Skills (20 credits).
  • Public Health Policies, Programmes and Strategies (20 credits).

  • Scientific and Professional Skills (continued).
  • Promoting Health and Improving Systems (20 credits).
  • Outbreak Control and Health Protection (20 credits).
  • One optional module, such as:
    • Climate Change.
    • Applied Statistics for Health Research.
    • Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health.
    • Developing a Disease Control Programme.

Research Project: Humanitarian and Public Health Programmes (60 credits).

Each 20-credit module involves around 200 hours of learning, including contact time and self-directed study.

Up-to-date, research-informed content is delivered through lectures, case-based learning, small group work and simulation scenarios.

The course is taught on campus in Liverpool, UK.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand how infectious and environmental threats affect population health.
  • Design and implement outbreak control and health protection strategies.
  • Apply epidemiological and public health methods in complex situations.
  • Communicate effectively with policymakers, communities and technical teams.
  • Lead responses to protect health during emergencies.

You could work in:

  • Health protection agencies and national health services.
  • Public health response teams and disease surveillance units.
  • UN agencies, NGOs and international public health organisations.

You might become a surveillance officer, outbreak response lead, technical adviser, emergency planner or global health researcher.

Entry requirements

Academic

A second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a health-related or relevant discipline.

We welcome applicants from other disciplines such as microbiology, law or emergency planning.

Medical students can apply to intercalate after three years of study.

Professional requirements

Experience in health or humanitarian settings is desirable but not essential.

English language

IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in all components (or equivalent).

Full English language requirements.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,125

International fee

£24,899

Financial support for UK students

We have scholarships, bursaries, discounts and loans available, established through generous donations from alumni, staff and friends and funding from within Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Financial support for International students

We offer various scholarships for international students, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. These include full or partial funding through programs like the LSTM Global Health Impact Scholarship and the LSTM Humanitarian Scholarship

External Funding

Scholarships, fellowships and grants are available from a range of funders and organisations. Any scholarship, studentship, fellowship or grant can be used as an alternative to, or part-funding of, an LSTM scholarship.

How to apply

Apply for this course online via MyLSTM.

Register for a MyLSTM account to:

  • Apply for courses at LSTM.
  • Upload supporting documentation.
  • Save your draft application.
  • Accept an offer to study.
  • Keep your account information up-to-date.

If you can’t access our online application form, please get in touch. Paper application forms are available on request.

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