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Population Health Sciences BSc/MSci
For full programme information including modules, contact details, fees and entry requirements, please visit the prospectus pages:
- Population Health Sciences BSc
- Population Health Sciences MSci
- Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc
- Population Health Sciences (Data Science) MSci
On this page discover:
Programme Leads | Potential careers | Student testimonials | Funding your studies | FAQs
Academic and teaching excellence
- UCL is ranked 3rd in the world for public health (ShanghaiRankings 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects)
- UCL is ranked 9th in the world as a university (QS World Rankings 2025)
- UCL is rated No.1 for research power and impact in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021)
Meet our Programme Leads
This programme is led by Professor Nicola Shelton and co-led by Alison Moody.
Potential careers
- Public Health
From a career 'on the ground' to a role within national government, you could impact the future health of the whole population.
Discover more about careers in public health:
- The Faculty of Public Health is a members organisation for those working in public health and provides guidance on career options.
- The Civil Service Fast Stream has a Government Statistical Service and a Government Social Research Service
- NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme: there are specialist areas including Health Analysis, and Policy and Strategy that may be particularly suitable.
- NHS Scientist Training Programme NHS Digital National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
- Public Health Consultant
- Global Health
Governmental and non-governmental international organisations are placing increasing importance on employing individuals who have ability to analyse data and translate date to a non-technical audience
Discover more about careers in Global Health
- WHO
- United Nations
- European Commission
- Examples of international NGO's include Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam and Save the Children
- Health Consultancy
The size of the private health analytics sector has increased substantially and there is a need for health data scientists to work with the onset of big data. There are numerous private companies and recruitment consultants where these roles can be found.
- Pharmaceuticals
The pharmaceutical industry requires population health scientists who can leverage data analytical and advise on compliance on the regulations in international health systems.
Discover more about careers in Pharamceuticals:
- Finance and Professional Services
Discover more about a career in Finance and Professional Services
- Postgraduate Study
There is a wealth of speciality a Population Health Sciences graduate could explore for postgraduate study.
UCL provides MSc programmes in Population Health, Social Epidemiology, Child Health, Clinical Trial, Health Psychology, Applied Infectious Disease, Global Health, Health Economic, Health Data Science, Women’s Health and more.
Discover more about Postgraduate study:
Population Health Sciences BSc students have completed internships at HealthLumen, Centre for Ageing Better, Leicestershire County Council and the UK Health Security Agency.
What our students and alumni say
Meet some of our students and alumni. Find out what they have to say about the Population Health Sciences BSc and where our alumni are now.
Funding your studies
Please refer to the prospectus page for fees and funding information.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I change from the Population Health Sciences BSc to the Population Health Sciences MSci and vice versa?
If you are unsure whether to pick the Population Health Sciences BSc or MSci, transfer between the BSc or MSci option can take place up to the end of your third year conditional on results.
- Can I change between the Population Health Sciences BSc/MSci to the Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc/MSci?
The Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc/MSci will be limited to a certain number of students. It is best to raise any concerns with your degree choice as soon as possible. Please join an open day to learn about the differences between the programmes and to ask any questions you may have.
- What is the difference between the BSc and MSci
The BSc programmes are three-year-long programmes, unless you choose to study abroad which will extend the programme to four years.
The MSci programme is a four-year-long programme. In your fourth year you would study alongside the Population Health MSc students to gain your Master's level qualification.
- What is the difference between the Population Health Sciences BSc/MSci and the Population Health Siences (Data Sciences) BSc/MSci?
Across all years of study all the programmes will overlap on compulsory modules, but there are additional compulsory modules that are taken depending on the programme selected.
Population Health Sciences, will enable you to become specialised in chosen topics within the population health discipline. First-year students will take compulsory modules that explore policy, health history and interventions.
Data Science, which has a strong emphasis on quantitative research methods in the social sciences. You will learn how to analyse data to make powerful inferences about the world. First-year students will take two compulsory modules focused on quantitative research methods and social science research.
- Are there additional entry requirements for the data science route?
There are no additional entry requirements. The route assumes no prior knowledge of quantitative methods or statistics.
- Can I study abroad?
The Population Health Sciences BSc and Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc offers an optional study abroad year. Those who want to study abroad will apply for a place at a selection of international universities in their second year. If their application is successful, students will then go on to study abroad in their third year. UCL has long-established links with universities in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America. The universities available as options for study abroad may vary year on year.