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Why you should pursue a master's in public health

Written by King's College London | Apr 3, 2024 8:04:00 AM

Find out how a Public Health MSc can empower you to make a difference locally and internationally.

With today’s global healthcare landscape facing unprecedented challenges, the importance of leadership-oriented healthcare professionals cannot be overstated. From battling infectious diseases to addressing lifestyle-related illnesses, public health is a critical force in safeguarding community wellbeing.  

Are you passionate about making a difference in public healthcare on a local and international level? If so, an MSc in Public Health might be the perfect way to make your mark. 

Work that makes an impact 

As a public health leader, you could be at the forefront of disease prevention efforts. You might be implementing vaccination programs that save countless lives, or spearheading initiatives to promote mental wellbeing. While experience as a frontline healthcare provider is invaluable, it’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day work that you lose sight of the bigger picture. In short, you spend more time enforcing policies than shaping them.  

This is where a Public Health MSc comes in. You’ll be challenged to analyse public healthcare from a much broader, more analytical perspective. The breadth of knowledge you develop will empower you to tackle real-world challenges head-on with confidence.  

What makes an effective public health awareness campaign? What areas of research should be pursued to tackle epidemics? How can local issues such as widespread misinformation, superstitions, taboos and cultural beliefs be addressed when they’re at odds with effective healthcare provision?  

These are just some of the lines of enquiry you could explore to tackle the broader issues. And of course, this knowledge can influence entire communities and countries. 

A broad range of career opportunities 

The beauty of a Public Health degree lies in its versatility. Graduates find themselves in diverse roles, such as epidemiologists tracking disease outbreaks and health educators shaping public awareness campaigns. From government agencies and NGOs to research institutions and international bodies, there's a high demand for individuals who have the skills offered by a Public Health MSc. 

As a Public Health MSc graduate, the breadth of your specialist knowledge could potentially align with opportunities in various organisations, such as the Wellcome Trust, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Francis Crick Institute, for example. 

A global perspective with borderless impact 

The insights you gain from studying global health trends are drawn from nations and strategies across the globe. This is particularly important because you’ll be able to think outside the box when problem-solving and designing strategies.  

What if, for example, there’s an aspect of Singapore’s healthcare system that can be replicated to tackle a healthcare disparity in India? Or perhaps an organisational structure in the Italian healthcare system can be adapted to improve treatment waiting times in Hungary?  

This nuanced understanding of what works across the globe can be applied to local contexts, enriching your understanding of community needs and interventions. Whether you're working to improve sanitation in a rural village or analysing healthcare policies in a bustling metropolis, the principles of public health remain steadfast. 

Interdisciplinary learning 

One of the most compelling aspects of pursuing a Public Health MSc is its interdisciplinary nature. After all, the public health field doesn’t just exist in a bubble. Drawing from fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, economy and social sciences, this degree provides a holistic approach to understanding and addressing health challenges. This well-rounded perspective is essential for devising effective, evidence-based solutions. 

Addressing healthcare disparities 

The pursuit of health equity lies at the heart of public health. Throughout your studies, you’ll explore  the root causes of disparities in health outcomes. These can range from socioeconomic factors and limited healthcare access to systemic discrimination and a lack of education. A Public Health MSc will empower you to become an advocate for those whose voices are often marginalised. Ultimately, you’ll be working towards a future where everyone can lead a healthy life. 

Studying an online Public Health MSc with King's  

If you're eager to explore this captivating subject without pausing your career, our online Public Health MSc could be an ideal choice for you. King's College London stands out for its prestigious reputation and academic excellence. 

Ranked 10th globally for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2023), at King's, you'll learn from some of the brightest minds in public health. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous and responsive to emerging health challenges, ensuring that you graduate with knowledge and skills that are relevant to the contemporary healthcare landscape. 

On this 100% online course, you can pursue your studies from anywhere without disrupting your professional or personal commitments. With a combination of core and optional modules, you can tailor your learning to cover exactly what you want to specialise in after you graduate. 

At King’s, studying online doesn't mean sacrificing the benefits of a vibrant academic community. We offer a dynamic virtual learning environment where you can interact with faculty and fellow students across the globe, participate in engaging discussions, and collaborate on projects.