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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:
On this page discover:
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)
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
- What are the two routes on the Population Health Sciences BSc?
Across all years of study both routes will overlap on compulsory modules, but there are additional compulsory modules that are taken depending on the route selected.
Route one: 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.
Route two: 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. nt placeholder
- How do I choose a route?
Students will be asked to choose their route as they enrol. There is plenty of time to ask questions before you decide your route.
- Can I change routes?
There will be a window of opportunity for switching routes until module selection period closes in mid-October.
If you are considering changing routes, it is best to raise your concerns as soon as possible with your personal tutor or programme director.- Is there limited space on each route?
The routes are not limited to a certain number of students.
- 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 programme 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. Students on both routes of the BSc Population Health Sciences can apply to study abroad.