If you’re thinking about studying public health, London is one of the world’s most exciting and competitive places to begin your academic journey. London boasts several globally recognised universities offering degrees in public health, epidemiology, health policy, global health and related disciplines.
Studying public health in London not only gives you access to outstanding teaching and research but also provides unmatched professional opportunities through NHS trusts, government bodies, charities and international organisations based in the city.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best universities in London for public health, what makes their programmes unique, and how you can prepare to apply.
Whether you’re considering an undergraduate degree, a Master of Public Health (MPH), or a specialised Master’s, this article will help you make an informed choice.
What Is Public Health and Why It Matters
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of populations. It focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, policy development, epidemiology and global health systems. Public health professionals work to tackle issues such as infectious disease outbreaks, chronic illness, health inequalities, environmental health risks and health education.
London is an ideal place to study public health because it is a global hub with:
- A diverse population offering real‑world learning environments
- World class research institutions
- Proximity to leading NHS trusts, public agencies, NGOs and policy groups
- Networking and internship opportunities you won’t find elsewhere
Modern public health education blends classroom learning with real case studies, fieldwork, research placements and professional development.
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Top Universities in London for Public Health
Here are some of the best options in London for studying public health — whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level:
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is widely regarded as the gold standard for public health education not just in the UK but globally.
In the 2025 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, LSHTM was ranked number one in the UK for public health research and education — and third in the world.
LSHTM specialises exclusively in public and global health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, infectious disease, and global health systems. Its graduates go on to work with the World Health Organization (WHO), UN agencies, major research institutes and high‑impact policy roles worldwide.
Why choose LSHTM?
- Exceptional research output and global reputation
- Specialist focus on public health and global health
- Strong international student community
- Flexible modes of study, including some online options
Things to know: LSHTM’s programmes are highly competitive and intense. Many students choose LSHTM for its research strengths, but be prepared for a demanding academic environment.
- University College London (UCL)
University College London (UCL) is one of the UK’s most prestigious universities and offers a variety of public health‑related degrees through its Faculty of Population Health Sciences. Courses include Master of Public Health (MPH), Public Health and Epidemiology, and specialised MSc options such as Dental Public Health and Social Epidemiology.
UCL’s public health programmes are known for their interdisciplinary approach, pulling together expertise from medicine, epidemiology, health policy, sociology and global health. Students benefit from UCL’s world‑leading research and close links to NHS trusts, local government and charities.
Why choose UCL?
- Strong focus on research impact and real‑world policy
- Broad range of public health disciplines
- Excellent global reputation and graduate employability
- Central London location with access to major health organisations
Most programmes require an undergraduate degree in a related field (health sciences, social science or life sciences), and it’s important to check specific entry requirements before applying.
3. King’s College London (KCL)
King’s College London offers a respected Master of Public Health (MPH) programme with various pathways, including global public health and health policy. King’s is part of King’s Health Partners, a major academic health sciences centre in London, which strengthens research and clinical links.
Students at KCL gain not only academic knowledge but also professional insight through fieldwork opportunities, contact with NHS clinical settings, and industry connections with health organisations throughout the UK.
Why choose King’s College London?
- Strong research and clinical integration
- Multiple public health pathways to suit different career paths
- Good balance of theory and practical application
- Recognised reputation for health and social science research
- Imperial College London
Imperial College London is world‑renowned for science, medicine and technology — and its Master of Public Health (MPH) reflects this strength. Courses offer specialisations in global health, epidemiology, biostatistics and health systems research.
Imperial’s public health programmes are intense and research‑led, ideal for students who want to focus on data‑driven aspects of health, disease modelling, or global health management.
Why choose Imperial College London?
- Strong emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills
- Integration with medicine and life sciences
- Excellent reputation in global university rankings
- High employability and networking prospects
Entry to these programmes is competitive, and applicants should typically have relevant academic credentials and, for postgraduate study, some professional experience can be an advantage.
- Other Universities in Greater London
There are other universities where you can pursue public health degrees or related subjects in or near London:
- University of East London — Offers BSc (Hons) Public Health and related degrees with practical focus.
- London Metropolitan University — Provides public health and health sciences master’s courses.
- University of West London — Ranked for health‑related subjects and student satisfaction.
- Kingston University & Brunel University London — Offer related health degrees and modules that can build public health foundations.
These universities may not carry the same global research reputation as LSHTM, UCL or Imperial, but they can offer very solid and affordable routes into public health careers, especially for undergraduate students or those looking for flexible entry points.
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Choosing the Right Public Health Programme
Undergraduate vs Postgraduate
- Undergraduate (BSc): Ideal if you’re just leaving school and want a foundational understanding of public health, health promotion, epidemiology and global health issues.
- Postgraduate (MPH/MSc): Best if you already have a bachelor’s degree and want specialised training or a career in research, policy or advanced public health roles.
What to Look for When Applying
When researching public health degrees, consider:
- Course content: Are you more interested in epidemiology, health policy, global health, or community health?
- Teaching approach: Do you want research intensive learning or more practical placements and internships?
- Entry requirements: Most postgraduate programmes expect a relevant bachelor’s degree and may ask for specific grades or work experience.
- Funding and scholarships: London is expensive — check university funding pages and scholarship deadlines early.
For timelines, most UK universities open applications in the autumn for entry the following September/October, and competitive programmes may have early deadlines.
For more info on public health courses and requirements across the UK, check: IDP website
Career Opportunities After Studying Public Health
Graduates with a degree in public health can work in a wide variety of roles, including:
- Epidemiologist — studying patterns and causes of disease
- Health policy analyst — shaping public health policies
- Global health specialist — working with international organisations
- Health promotion officer — designing community health programmes
- Public health consultant — advising governments or NGOs
London’s global connections mean many graduates find roles with the NHS, local government health departments, international NGOs (like WHO or UNICEF), research institutes, or consultancy firms.
Conclusion
London is one of the world’s richest environments for public health education. Whether you choose the highly research‑driven London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the interdisciplinary strength of UCL, the clinical links at King’s College London, or the analytical focus at Imperial College London, you’ll access excellent teaching and future career prospects.
Apply early, tailor your personal statement to highlight your passion for public health, and be clear about your career goals — this will help you stand out when applying to top London universities.
Studying public health in London not only equips you with knowledge but also places you at the heart of a vibrant global health community — ready to tackle real world challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which London university is best for public health?
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is often ranked as the top public health specialist in the UK and world for research. UCL, King’s College London and Imperial College London are also excellent choices with strong programmes. - What qualifications do I need to study public health in London?
Undergraduate public health usually requires A‑levels or equivalent; postgraduate MPH/MSc programmes typically require a relevant bachelor’s degree and may prefer health or science backgrounds. - Are there scholarships for public health students in London?
Yes — many universities, including LSHTM and UCL, offer scholarships, bursaries or funding opportunities for international and domestic students. Always check the university’s funding pages early in the year.
