Enter OTP
This degree gives you a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of how health is distributed across populations, combining training in research methods, demography, epidemiology (both infectious and non-communicable disease), and life course health. You’ll learn to analyse “big data,” understand social, economic, and environmental determinants of health, and apply insights to reduce inequalities and improve public policy and practice.
It suits students who are curious about why health outcomes differ among groups or places, interested in data/statistics (but don’t necessarily need high prior experience in them), and care about real-world impact — perhaps in public health, policy, healthcare systems, or global health.
Curriculum Structure
Here’s how the three years are arranged, roughly, including some of the key modules you’d take:
Year One
In the first year you’ll build core foundations: modules like Epidemiological Transition: Health and Disease in the Past, Present and Future, A Life Course Approach to Health and Global Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases. You’ll also be introduced to research methods and social determinants of health. If you follow the Data Science route, you’ll additionally take modules such as Social Data Science and extra quantitative research-focused units.
Year Two
In year two, the compulsory modules push deeper into epidemiology, health care, demography, global health, and life course perspectives. But increasingly you’ll have flexibility: elective/optional modules let you tailor the degree toward what interests you — options from health economics, political science, sociology, geography, or more statistical/data analysis depending on your route.
Year Three
In the final (third) year, you get greater choice and independence. A substantial part is the dissertation — your opportunity to do original research in an area you care about, supervised by UCL’s faculty. Plus many electives to specialise further: things like genomics, health psychology, population ageing, qualitative research etc., depending on your route (Main or Data Science).
Focus areas
Health inequalities • Epidemiology (infectious & non-communicable disease) • Life course health • Demography • Data science methods • Health economics • Global health
Learning outcomes
You will be able to measure and analyse health and disease in populations, understand drivers of health inequalities, use quantitative and qualitative research methods, interpret complex data, apply theory to policy, perform independent research (dissertation), and communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
While not every module or route is formally “accredited” by a body like the UK’s public health institute (from what is publicly stated), the degree is delivered by UCL’s Faculty of Population Health Sciences, which is highly regarded. The programme is aligned with real-world public health, health policy, NGO, governmental work, and research. Graduates end up in roles in public health, health consultancy, civil service, finance, etc.
Reputation (employability rankings)
You’ll learn using real data, real questions, and real research methods. From Year 1, you get training in data analysis, epidemiology, and social determinants of health, and as you go on you can specialise in areas you care about. UCL supports this with lab spaces, statistical software, field projects, research groups and internships so you’re ready for work or advanced study. Here’s a breakdown of specific experiences and facilities:
Graduates from UCL’s Population Health Sciences BSc are highly sought after for their strong grounding in data analysis, global health, and public policy. Many go on to work in roles that directly impact healthcare planning, disease prevention, and health equity worldwide. Typical career paths include: Public Health Analyst, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Officer, and Data Scientist.
UCL actively supports career readiness through several dedicated services and partnerships:
UCL Careers Service offers personalised guidance, CV clinics, and employer networking events, helping students connect with over 3,000 recruiters annually.
Graduates benefit from UCL’s impressive employability record — over 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023).
Through strong partnerships with organisations like Public Health England, the NHS, and global NGOs, students gain valuable exposure to real-world public health challenges.
The degree carries long-term value through UCL’s worldwide reputation and accreditation within research and policy sectors, enhancing recognition across international employers.
Many alumni progress into prestigious graduate schemes, global health consultancies, and international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students often continue into advanced study pathways such as the Population Health MSc, Epidemiology MSc, or Public Health MSc at UCL. Graduates may also pursue research-focused doctorates (PhD or DrPH) in global health, biostatistics, or health data science — strengthening their expertise and opening doors to academic, policy, and leadership careers in health science.
With relevant work experience (typically three years), graduates may apply for Public Health Practitioner Registration with the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) — a recognised professional benchmark for those working in public health.
CBSE: Students need an overall average of 86% in their best academic subjects to be considered for admission.AMERICAN (GPA / AP / SAT / ACT): Require 5 and 4 in two AP subjects plus a 1400 SAT or 31 ACT score, or one year at a recognised US college with CGPA 3.3/4.0.IB: An overall score of 34 points in the IB Diploma is required for entry consideration.A-LEVEL: Applicants must achieve ABB grades across three A-Level subjects.GCSE: Minimum of Grade C or 4 in English Language and Mathematics or Statistics.IELTS: Overall 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component (Academic version preferred).TOEFL: Overall 92, with 24 in reading/writing and 20 in speaking/listening.UCAS: Applications must be submitted via UCAS, including transcripts, a personal statement, and references.Public Health OfficerEpidemiologistHealth Promotion SpecialistEnvironmental Health PractitionerHealth Policy AnalystPublic Health ResearcherCommunity Health WorkerHealth Data AnalystOccupational Health and Safety AdvisorHealth Improvement PractitionerGlobal Health ConsultantHealth Services ManagerBiostatisticianPublic Health EducatorClinical Trials CoordinatorHealth Communication SpecialistNutrition and Public Health AdvisorDisease Prevention CoordinatorHealth Protection SpecialistPublic Health Project Manager
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