A Student’s Guide to Studying Public Health

Did you know that the demand for public health professionals is rising rapidly, with healthcare job opportunities expected to grow by nearly 30% between 2020 and 2030? From controlling disease outbreaks to improving mental health services, public health professionals play a crucial role in keeping populations healthy. If you're considering a career in this impactful field, this guide will walk you through how to study public health, its career prospects and why a Master of Public Health could be your next big step.

What is Public Health?

Public health is all about protecting and improving the health of communities. It focuses on preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring access to quality healthcare. Unlike clinical medicine, which focuses on treating individual patients, public health aims to improve the wellbeing of entire communities. It covers everything from epidemiology and health policy to environmental health and global health challenges.

If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, a public health master’s degree can equip you with the knowledge and skills to address real-world health challenges.

Why Study a Master’s in Public Health?

A master's in public health gives you the expertise to take on some of the biggest health challenges of our time. But why study a Master of Public Health? Here are some key benefits of studying a master’s in public health:

  • Global Impact – Public health professionals tackle pressing global challenges such as pandemics, chronic diseases and health inequities.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities – From working with governments to NGOs, private healthcare or research institutions, the MPH career opportunities are vast.
  • High Demand – The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for skilled public health experts. Public health professionals are in high demand globally.
  • Flexibility – You can pursue a public health degree online, making it easier to balance your studies with work or personal commitments.

For those looking to study in Germany, the master’s in public health for international students offers a fantastic opportunity to gain a globally recognised qualification while networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Key Skills You Get with a Public Health Degree

A master’s degree in public health not only expands your knowledge but also equips you with valuable skills such as:

  • Data Analysis & Epidemiology – Learn to track diseases, analyse data and develop interventions that protect communities.
  • Policy Development – Understand how health policies are created and implemented at national and international levels.
  • Health Communication – Gain expertise in educating and influencing the public to make informed health decisions.
  • Research & Problem-Solving – Develop the ability to conduct evidence-based research to improve public health strategies.

These skills open doors to various jobs after a Master of Public Health, from healthcare administration to global health consultancy.

Job Scope After a Master’s in Public Health

The public health career prospects after earning a master’s in public health for international students and domestic students alike are promising. Here are just a few career paths:

  • Epidemiologist – Study patterns and causes of diseases to prevent future outbreaks.
  • Public Health Analyst – Work with government agencies to assess health policies and improve healthcare systems.
  • Health Promotion Specialist – Design and implement programmes that encourage healthier lifestyles.
  • Global Health Consultant – Address international health concerns and advise organisations such as the WHO.

With a public health qualification, you’ll have access to exciting and impactful career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Arden University’s Master of Public Health Programme

If you’re looking for a flexible and career-focused Master of Public Health course, Arden University offers an online Master of Public Health designed to fit around your commitments. You can also choose to study the programme at our Berlin campus.

You’ll gain practical skills, real-world knowledge and access to industry professionals, all while studying in a way that suits your lifestyle. The course covers essential topics such as health promotion, epidemiology and healthcare leadership. Plus, with Arden’s public health degree online, you can earn your qualification without putting your life on hold.

Are you ready to take the next step in your public health career? Discover how Arden's Master of Public Health can help you make a real impact.

FAQs

Yes! With growing health challenges and an increasing focus on prevention, there is a strong demand for public health professionals. Graduates can find opportunities in government agencies, healthcare institutions and non-profits.

The highest-paying roles in public health include Health Services Manager, Public Health Director and Epidemiologist. These positions require advanced expertise but offer rewarding salaries and career progression.

At Arden, we consider applications on a case-by-case basis. Typically, for the Master of Public Health programme you will need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a maths qualification equivalent to Grade C at GCSE. However, we will also consider professional work experience for candidates who lack formal qualifications.

Absolutely! The UK’s public health sector actively seeks skilled professionals, and an MPH can open doors to a range of fulfilling career opportunities in both public and private sectors.