In these rapidly changing times, preventing disease, improving our health, and reducing health inequality will depend on a broad range of people and expertise. The Public Health distance learning programme reflects this, offering an unparalleled number of specialised modules, designed to help you become a catalyst for change in your area of interest.
As this is a flexible online degree, you can study when and where it suits you. Learning at your own pace, you’ll be able to balance your studies with existing work or personal commitments. If you’re a PGDip or MSc student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply to study one or two modules at the LSHTM.
Each module is supported by materials designed to enable you to meet the intended learning outcomes for the module. Our study forums and webinars provide a space for you to ask questions and engage in discussion with teaching staff and other students.
What you will learn
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the wider determinants of health and the breadth of factors that contribute to global health.
- Develop critical thinking skills to confidently analyse evidence, question assumptions, and shape innovative approaches.
- Learn how to systematically approach problems and navigate through possible solutions and theories with confidence.
As a distance learning student at LSHTM, you’ll join a global community of students from diverse geographical, academic and professional backgrounds. The discussion forums and webinars linked to each module, and the informal discussion forums in the online ‘student café’ provide a space for you to connect with other students and the teaching team. All of this will enrich your learning experience and help you get the most out of the programme.
Once you complete the core modules, you have the option to apply for the blended learning option to study modules on-campus in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other students and tutors in person; and engage in face-to-face discussion-based learning.
Who is it for?
This course meets a wide variety of professional and academic needs.
Perhaps you’re already working in public health and need to strengthen your epidemiology skills to get to the next stage of your career. Maybe you’ve been working in an underfunded health service and want to move into policy where you can drive important changes. Or maybe you’ve witnessed the rise in preventable illnesses and you’re keen to move to an influential position where you can serve the population more effectively.
This programme is open to a wide range of graduates, with at least one year's relevant work experience. We encourage you to use insights from your own experience to tailor the course to meet your career goals.
Whichever specialism you choose, you’ll graduate with an award that’s internationally recognised as a qualification of excellence in the area of public and global health.
Duration
| Course | You study | Study period |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | Either 14 modules or 11 modules plus a project report | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 10 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 6 modules | 1-5 years |
| Individual modules | Studying individual modules is an ideal option if you wish to update your professional knowledge or sample the programme. | |
Related courses
This programme is also available as a one-year intensive master's with our MSc Public Health.
Public Health by Distance Learning
Watch Programme Directors Ros Plowman and Marcus Keogh-Brown talk about the programme.
Amanda Fata
Public Health by Distance Learning
The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims of each module, what you will study, what materials are provided and how the module is assessed.
- Programme structure
- Postgraduate Certificate: 6 modules (4 compulsory core PHM1 + 2 further core PHM1 modules)
- Postgraduate Diploma: 10 modules (4 compulsory core PHM1 + 2 further core PHM1 + 4 elective modules)*
- Master’s Degree: 11 modules plus a project report OR 14 modules:
- 4 compulsory core PHM1 modules
- 2 further core PHM1 modules†
- 8 elective modules (at least 4 from the PHM2 selection group) or 4 elective modules (at least 1 from the PHM2 selection group) plus a project report
*For the PG Diploma elective modules, at least two modules must be taken from the PHM2 selection group.
It is possible to register for the PG Certificate in the first instance then, on successful completion of the compulsory and further core modules, extend your registration to the PG Diploma or MSc.
The majority of modules listed below are also available to study as individual modules.
- Core PHM1 modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
PHM1 compulsory core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
- PHM101 Basic Epidemiology
- PHM102 Basic Statistics for Public Health and Policy
- PHM103 Introduction to Health Economics
- PHM104 Principles of Social Research
PHM1 further core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
- PHM105 Issues in Public Health
- PHM106 Environment, Health & Sustainable Development
- PHM107 Foundations for Health Promotion
- PHM108 Health Services
- PHM109 Health Policy, Process & Power
- PHM2 and elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
PHM2 elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
- PHM201 Health Decision Science
- PHM203 Economic Analysis for Health Policy
- PHM204 Economic Evaluation
- PHM205 Environmental Epidemiology
- PHM206 Environmental Health Policy
- PHM207 Health Care Evaluation
- PHM209 Globalisation & Health
- PHM210 Managing Health Services
- PHM211 Medical Anthropology in Public Health
- PHM212 Organisational Management
- PHM213 Principles and Practice of Health Promotion
- PHM214 Conflict and Health
- PHM215 History and Health
- PHM216 Sexual Health
- PHM218 Applied Communicable Disease Control
- PHM219 Evaluation of Public Health Interventions
Other elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
- EPM202 Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
- GHM201 Health Systems
- GHM202 Global Mental Health
- IDM201 Bacterial Infections
- IDM202 Nutrition and Infection
- IDM203 Parasitology
- IDM205 Healthcare-associated Infection
- IDM213 Immunology of Infection and Vaccines
- IDM215 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
- IDM301 Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
- IDM501 HIV
- IDM502 Tuberculosis
- IDM503 Malaria
- PHM305 Project Report (MSc only)
- Project report (MSc only)
All MSc students have the option to apply to undertake a project report (PHM305), which is equivalent to three elective 15 credit modules.
- Methods of assessment
Assessment varies from module to module. It may include a single assignment or examination or a combination of these and other assessment formats. Details are given in the module specifications.
Examinations take place once a year in June.
- Credit awarded
Credits will be awarded for all elements successfully completed: 10 credits for each PHM1 module; 15 credits for PHM2 and elective modules; and 45 credits for the project option (MSc only). To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:
- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- Master's – 180 credits
- Blended learning: taking modules in London
After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the blended learning option, which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at LSHTM in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at LSHTM, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each years will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.
Changes to the programme
LSHTM will seek to deliver this programme in accordance with the description set out on this programme page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for LSHTM to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Study materials
Learning is via directed self-study against a set of learning objectives for each module. A digital Guide to Studying each module is provided for all PHM modules, together with access to a range of study resources, discussion forums and online webinar discussion sessions via LSHTM’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Details of the study materials for each module can be found in the module specifications. Materials and resources provided vary by module and may include:
- Reading list detailing essential and additional reading, with links to papers/book chapters
- A digital textbook and/or materials with focused reading and learning activities
- Live/recorded lectures
- Live webinars which are recording and subsequently made available on Moodle
- Practical exercises
- Interactive quizzes
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in module-specific discussions on Moodle, and to make use of LSHTM’s online library resources.
Module tutors provide feedback for all students via the online discussion forums and offer individual feedback on submitted assignments. Tutorial support is available from the beginning of October through to the end of May.
Note: the majority of the study materials will be made available in digital format via Moodle. If the module includes a textbook that is not available in e-format, a hard copy will be sent.
Flexible study
We know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff. You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams. Tutorial support is available throughout this time. Students carrying out projects are assigned personal supervisors to support their project work which is carried out in their final year.
The fees below refer to the 2026/27 academic year.
Fees may be paid in two ways:
In year one, pay the initial registration fee, plus the fee for each module you are taking in the first year. Then, in subsequent years, pay the fee for each new module you take.
Or, pay in full. If you pay in full at the start of your studies the registration fee will be included.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Master's | £17,640 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £13,960 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £10,310 |
| Application fee | £50 |
Fees in 2026/27 if paying as you go:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration fee | £1,610 |
| Fee per core module | £1,420 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £970 |
| Fee for final project - MSc only | £3,010 |
| Application fee | £50 |
Blended learning fees (for distance learning students attending modules in London)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of MSc fee paid in full | £1,210 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if programme is paid via annual instalments | £2,360 |
Information on Individual modules (taken on a stand-alone basis with no registration fee) can be found here.
Tuition fee deposit
Applicants are required to respond to their Offer of Admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
Funding
LSHTM First Generation Scholarship 2026-27
Full tuition fee scholarship for first-generation university students from underrepresented groups pursuing distance learning MSc programmes at LSHTM. To be considered, applicants must hold an offer of admission by 27 March 2026. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Sales tax information
Some tax authorities require us to apply sales taxes to our distance learning programme fees. Depending on your country or region of residence, this may include VAT, GST, or similar local taxes.
For full details, please visit:
Academic requirements
All applicants are required to have:
- Either a Second Class Honours degree (2:2) or above from a university or other institution, in a subject appropriate to the course.
or
- the equivalent of a Second Class Honours degree (2:2) or above, from a university or other institution, in a subject appropriate to the course
or
- relevant professional experience/training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above AND at least one year's relevant experience.
If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.
Some applicants may be exempt if they have previously studied in English or meet other specified criteria. Please see our English language requirements for details.
It is possible to apply without English language test results however the results of a test may be listed as a condition of an offer of admission.
Computer requirements
To get the most from your studies, your computer should have at least the following minimum specification:
- a web browser (the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer). This must accept cookies and have JavaScript enabled
- screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater
- sufficient bandwidth to download documents/files of at least 50 MB
and the following applications installed:
- word processor that reads Microsoft Word format (.doc)
- Adobe, or other pdf reader
*Full mobile access is not available for all programmes
Applications should be made online and will only be considered once you have provided all required information and supporting documentation.
Please also read LSHTM's Admissions policies (pdf) prior to submitting your application.
You can apply for up to two master's programmes. Make sure to list them by order of preference as consideration will be given to your top choice first.
Please ensure you pay careful attention to the content of your personal statement, as we do not invite applicants to interview for this programme, so the clarity and relevance of the information you can provide is of considerable importance to us. We would like to know your experiences in the relevant field(s), your reasons for applying to our programme, what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquired to further your career and contribute to improving health.
Application fee
A standard non-refundable application fee of £50 applies to all taught programmes (Master's, PG Certificate and PG Diploma) and is payable upon application submission. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and the student hardship funds.
Tuition fee deposit
Applicants are required to respond to their offer of admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
Application deadline and other key dates
| MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert and individual modules | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 14 September 2026 |
| Registration deadline (new students) | 12 October 2026 |
| Registration deadline (continuing students) | TBC |
| Programme starts | 1 October 2026 |