Master of Public Health (MPH)

Program overview The Master of Public Health (MPH, MA) trains students to plan and carry out independent research that can inform policy and improve population health. The degree emphasizes combining scientific knowledge, practical skills and data analysis to preserve and enhance health, well‑being and life expectancy at the population level.

What you will study The curriculum is organised into ten modules that examine the determinants of health and major health problems from global and interdisciplinary perspectives. You will learn how to conceptualise, plan, implement and evaluate public‑health interventions, and gain solid grounding in study designs and research methods. The programme also covers ethics and contemporary developments in public health. It concludes with a Master’s thesis in which you apply appropriate study designs and methods to formulate and analyse a real public‑health problem.

Practical notes for international applicants The programme is delivered entirely on campus in Hamburg and is taught in English, so students must be available to attend in person for all classes. The strong emphasis on applied research, evaluation and policy relevance makes this degree suitable for those aiming for careers in public‑health research, policy, programme implementation or related fields.

Program requirements (what you must complete)

• 10 taught modules covering determinants of health, research methods, interventions, ethics and contemporary topics
• Completion of coursework and module assessments (as required by each module)
• Master’s thesis demonstrating formulation, study design and analysis of a public‑health problem
• Full-time, on‑campus attendance (no online study option)
• Programme language: English

Curriculum overview

This is a three‑semester Master of Arts in Public Health designed for small cohorts (maximum 24 students), which enables seminar-style teaching and extensive small‑group work. The programme is split into two parts: the first two semesters (total 60 credit points) cover core public health knowledge and methods from a global, interdisciplinary perspective; the final semester (30 credit points) is devoted to an independent Master's thesis.

Core learning emphasises the determinants of health and major public‑health challenges worldwide, together with the quantitative and qualitative methods needed to investigate them. Key competencies students develop include applying statistical and epidemiological tools, conducting qualitative research with attention to ethics, interpreting and using evidence for public health practice, and designing, leading and evaluating health programmes and policies. The small cohort size supports active seminar participation, group projects and personalised feedback.

The third semester is fully research‑focused: students complete a Master's thesis within six months worth 30 CP. All teaching and supervision are provided in person; there is no online study option. A programme PDF with further module details is available for more information.

Key modules and expected learning outcomes

• Semester 1 (5 modules, 6 CP each)

  • Public Health Principles
  • Statistical Methods
  • Epidemiology
  • Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Evidence-Based Public Health
  • Outcomes: foundational understanding of public health concepts; ability to apply statistics and epidemiological reasoning; conduct ethical qualitative research; critically appraise evidence.

• Semester 2 (5 modules, 6 CP each)

  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health Promotion and Prevention
  • Leadership and Programme Planning
  • Health Policy and Management
  • Health Economics
  • Outcomes: capacity to assess environmental/occupational risks; design and evaluate prevention and promotion programmes; lead programme planning; analyse policy and management issues; apply basic health economic principles.

• Semester 3 (30 CP)

  • Master's thesis (to be completed within six months)
  • Outcomes: plan and execute independent research, analyse data, synthesize findings and produce a substantive written thesis.

Concise requirements and facts

• Maximum intake: 24 students (enables seminars and small‑group work)
• Total length: 3 semesters (full‑time)
• Credit structure: 60 CP across semesters 1–2; 30 CP for Master's thesis (total 90 CP)
• Module workload: 10 core modules in semesters 1–2, each 6 CP
• Thesis: 30 CP, completed within six months in semester 3
• Teaching mode: in‑person only (no online option)
• More detailed module descriptions available in the programme PDF.

Graduates are prepared for roles in public health practice, research and policy-making. Typical employers include public health agencies, governmental health departments, NGOs, hospitals, research institutes, international organisations and health consultancies. The curriculum provides skills in study design, epidemiology, statistical and qualitative methods, health economics, health policy and programme planning, which are directly applicable to positions in surveillance, programme evaluation, health promotion, environmental and occupational health, and health policy advisory roles.

The compulsory Master's thesis and opportunities to cooperate with public health organisations help graduates build applied experience and professional networks, supporting transitions into professional roles or further academic study (e.g., PhD). The programme’s emphasis on leadership, management and evidence-based public health also prepares alumni for managerial and coordination positions within multidisciplinary teams. Basic German is recommended for better integration into the German labour market and local employers.