University of Strathclyde Launches MSc in Public Health

The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, has launched a new MSc in Public Health & Social Innovation, a forward-looking postgraduate programme designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and creativity needed to tackle today’s most pressing public health challenges through socially innovative solutions.

This social science - led programme goes beyond traditional public health training, exploring how real-world change happens across communities, systems, and organisations. Students will begin by exploring the foundations of public health, learning how health is shaped not just by biology or healthcare, but by social, economic, political, commercial, and environmental forces. From the origins of sanitation and epidemiology to contemporary challenges such as climate change, pandemics, mental health, and health inequalities, students develop a strong grounding in evidence-based, population-level thinking. 

Building on these foundations, the programme moves beyond analysis into action through social innovation in public health. Students learn how change really happens in complex systems through co-production with communities, creative design, systems thinking, and strategic partnerships. They explore cutting-edge approaches, including digital and AI innovation, social enterprise, and participatory evaluation, while critically engaging with power, politics, ethics, and equity. 

Through applied innovation labs, students work on real-world public health problems, developing practical solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and socially just. This programme prepares graduates not only to understand public health, but to lead meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world.

Students can tailor their studies through four optional modules, including research methods and social policy, to align with their career goals. The programme culminates in a dissertation project, which can be research-based or placement-based, giving students the opportunity to work directly with governmental, intergovernmental, or non-governmental organisations. This placement option provides practical experience, professional networking, and the chance to apply academic learning to real-world public health challenges.

Professor Shona Hilton, Programme Director for MSc in Public Health & Social Innovation, said: “ This MSc is for students who want to make a real difference to people’s health, wherever they are in the world. Students will learn how health is shaped by society, politics, the economy, and the environment - not just biology - and develop the skills to analyse public health problems and design practical, real-world solutions.”

“Learning is interactive and applied, with case studies, workshops, and real-world.  We support students every step of the way, helping them build confidence, develop their network, and prepare for a wide range of careers in global public health, policy, research, and innovation.”
The MSc is open to students with first or second-class Honours degree,  or overseas equivalent in health, social sciences, or a related discipline. Students must have an English language minimum score of IELTS 6.5 (with no component below 6.0).

The course starts in September 2026, with full-time study lasting 12 months. The deadline to apply for the course is 31 August 2026.

International students are automatically considered for the Humanities & Social Sciences International Masters Scholarships, which award £6,000 or £8,000 to eligible applicants, helping to make this programme accessible to talented students from around the world.

Graduates of the MSc in Public Health & Social Innovation will be well-prepared for a wide variety of leadership roles in public health, policy, research, NGOs, international organisations, and social enterprises. Equipped with expertise in systems thinking, social innovation, and applied public health, they will be ready to develop innovative solutions that reduce health inequalities and deliver lasting social impact, with the skills and experience that employers across sectors are increasingly seeking.