Studying a master's in public health online: Graduate interview

Learn how King’s College London’s online Public Health MSc helped graduate Stefano enhance his skills, balance professional commitments, and achieve his career goals in our interview.

Stefano is Specialty Chief Editor for research publisher Frontiers, as well as working in the public health department of a university. He studied for a King's College London Public Health MSc between 2019-2021, achieving a distinction.

We spoke to Stefano about his experience studying with King's and how the programme has helped him achieve his career goals. Read on to find out more:

What motivated you to study the Public Health MSc with King’s? 

I needed to enhance my skills in the field of public health and improve my overall research capabilities. I chose King’s College because of its excellent reputation and the fact that the online course format was perfect for my needs as a university employee in another country. This flexibility allowed me to balance my professional responsibilities while advancing my education.

Did you choose one of the specific pathways (Global Health or Mental Health)? What were the benefits of the pathway option for you? 

I chose the Global Health pathway. The main benefit of this option was that a significant portion of my research and teaching is directly related to global health.

This pathway provided me with a deeper understanding and specialised knowledge that is highly relevant to my work, enhancing both my academic and professional pursuits. 

How did you balance studying your master’s part-time with work and other commitments? 

As an adult who had been working for several years, I had learned how to manage my time and organise various commitments effectively. Of course, I had to make an effort to carve out the necessary time for the master’s course and had to reduce some other engagements.

However, I am satisfied because I was able to complete the programme in the shortest time possible. This experience taught me valuable lessons in prioritisation and time management. 

What impact has the Public Health MSc had on your career to date? 

The Public Health MSc has been crucial for my career for several reasons: 

• First, I teach economics but work in a medical faculty, specifically in the public health department. To advance in my career, I needed specific expertise in public health, which I previously lacked. 
• Second, I believe the programme has significantly improved the quality of my scientific publications. 
• Third, the master’s degree has enhanced my reputation in the scientific community and opened new opportunities for me. I am now the Specialty Chief Editor of a scientific journal. 
• Finally, the programme has enabled me to conduct qualified research on topics beyond health economics, in which I was already an expert. This broadened my research scope and contributed to my overall professional growth. 

What are your future ambitions within the public health field?

In the immediate future, I hope to advance in my university career. Looking further ahead, I am open to all the opportunities that this fascinating field may offer me. I am excited about the potential for growth and impact within public health and am eager to explore various avenues where I can contribute meaningfully. 

What would you say to someone considering whether to study a Public Health MSc online with King’s? 

The quality of the course is exceptionally high, though it comes with a substantial cost. The online format has its limitations, primarily the challenge of building meaningful relationships with colleagues and instructors.

However, it offers the significant advantage of allowing you to continue working while pursuing the master’s degree. It is certainly a very demanding and rigorous programme, but if you are committed and prepared to manage your time effectively, it can be incredibly rewarding. 

Thank you to Stefano for speaking to us about his experience with online learning at King's!

The King's Public Health MSc will allow you to gain insights into the wider determinants of health and health inequalities, while studying part-time and online. Find out more: