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Population Health Sciences BSc

London, Bloomsbury

On UCL’s Population Health Sciences BSc, you will study the factors shaping our health, including the social and physical environment, healthcare systems, our lifestyles and genes. This three-year programme provides a grounding in the social science disciplines used in population health science, preparing you for research and professional practice in the health sector and beyond. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£9,790
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
170C

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
ABB
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language at grade C or 4, plus Mathematics or Statistics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBC more about contextual offers
Subjects
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language at grade C or 4, plus Mathematics or Statistics at grade C or 4.
Points
34
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

Contextual offer

Points
30 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 12 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass, all from Level 3 units.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.

D3,M1,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects

ABB at Advanced Highers (or A,B at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher)

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview


Population Health Sciences gives you a broad and deep understanding of how health and disease are measured and analysed, incorporating research methods, demography, infectious and non-communicable disease and life course epidemiology. 

World-leading researchers immerse you in the social, economic and demographic distribution of health and disease, and show you how to analyse big data to address health inequalities. You are provided with the opportunity to develop transferable skills including interpretation and communication of complex ideas. These are highly sought after by graduate employers, from international NGOs to start-ups and will also prepare you for post-graduate study should you pursue this. 

In years 1 and 2, you gain a thorough understanding of how health and disease are measured and analysed, incorporating research methods, demography, infectious and non-communicable disease and life course epidemiology. You receive applied data analysis training in all years, bringing UCL's unparalleled data access and understanding of theory together in a hands-on learning environment. As you progress through the degree, you are provided with increased opportunity for specialisation in population health. 

Please note, that our Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc has a unique UCAS code that you will need to make an application. The UCAS code can be found on the Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc prospectus page.

What this course will give you

UCL is ranked 3rd in the world for public health (ShanghaiRankings 2024), is among the top ten in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is winner of The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.

Our students are an integral part of our academic community, benefiting from research-driven teaching that bridges theory and practice. As a student in the Faculty of Population Health Sciences, you will engage with cutting-edge research and innovations that drive real-world health improvements while tackling pressing population health challenges throughout the programme.

You will learn new skills in data analysis and research methods, as well as highly sought-after skills for the workplace such as problem-solving, collaboration and presenting information and solutions.  

You also have the opportunity to join the UCL Population Health Sciences Society, the Faculty of Population Health Sciences’ student-led society that aims to build community and support systems for those studying or who are passionate about population health, improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.  

Our central London location gives our students access to not only the best in entertainment and nightlife, but also to cultural and academic resources. UCL is close to, and has teaching and research links with, numerous leading hospitals, museums, galleries, libraries and professional bodies.

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. 

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Population Health Sciences.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In Year 1, you gain a broad knowledge of population health sciences, including research methods and social determinants of health, and epidemiological research. You will also study perspectives of global health and the life course.

In Year 2, core modules deepen your knowledge and advance your skills. In addition, you begin to shape your degree to your interests, with optional modules from epidemiology and health care with the potential for elective study of modules from elsewhere in UCL for example geography and social sciences. 

In Year 3, you will also have optional and elective modules to choose from, to personalise your degree within population health sciences. One-quarter of the final year marks come from the dissertation, a piece of original research, supervised by research and teaching staff within the department. This is your chance to showcase your abilities and focus on an issue that you care about.

Please note that the following modules will not be undertaken on the Population Health Sciences BSc/MSci. They will only be taken by students enrolled on the Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc/MSci:

Year One

POLS0007 – Principles of Social Science Research

POLS0008 – Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods

Year Two

POLS0010 – Data Analysis

Year Three

GEOG0162 – Cartography and Data Visualisation

GEOG0178 – Machine Learning for Social Sciences with Python

POLS0012 – Causal Analysis in Data Science

POLS0013 – Measurement in Data Science

PUBL0099 – Quantitative Text Analysis for Social Science

SOCS0081 – Social Network

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules










Compulsory modules






Optional modules






Compulsory modules



Optional modules







Your learning

Teaching will be delivered through lectures, problem-based seminars, practical computer classes, group working and through UCL's virtual learning environment. You have access to online learning facilities, where you can interact with world-leading researchers and fellow students.  

You would be expected to spend 40 hours a week in full-time study, which is made up of a mixture of contact hours and self-directed study. In a typical week, this would be approximately 8 – 10 contact hours per teaching week in a mixture of lectures, seminars, and tutorials and 30 – 35 hours of self-directed study, although this ratio will vary depending on what year you are in and which optional modules you select.

Assessment

Assessment takes place via various methods including examinations, practical exercises, essays, individual and group presentations and a dissertation in the final year of study. The weight given to each method will vary to ensure manageable workloads throughout the programme. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Visit us

All open days and events

Bloomsbury Campus - Open day

Population Health Sciences at UCL - Taster course

—

At this taster event you will learn more about UCL’s Population Health Sciences BSc/MSci and Population Health Sciences (Data Science) BSc/MSci. These degrees focus on the factors shaping our health, including the social and physical environment, healthcare systems, our lifestyles and genes.

Online - Open day

Population Health Sciences BSc/MSci Information Session

Watch our recorded information session to learn about UCL’s undergraduate Population Health Sciences programmes. The session also includes details about the Population Health Sciences (Data Science) programmes. Please note: this recording was made in May 2025.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

Population Health Sciences BSc graduates have been successful in gaining employment in a wide range of sectors. Our graduates are working in public health, private health consultancy, the civil service and financial services with employers such as Cancer Research UK, AXA Group, the NHS, Department of Health and Social Care, Wellcome Trust and Health Lumen. Others have undertaken postgraduate study in public health, epidemiology, global health, healthcare management, management studies, data science and gender studies.*  

*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 cohorts 

Employability

Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to anticipate and address the evolving social, economic, and healthcare needs on both local and global scales. 

You will develop advanced research and analytical skills, along with expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies. These skills will enable you to critically assess health data, evaluate population-level health trends, and contribute to evidence-based policy and practice.  

Your written and verbal communication skills will be refined to support effective collaboration across healthcare, research, and policy settings. You will be capable of conveying complex concepts clearly and persuasively, making you a valuable asset to employers across various sectors.

Through collaborative group work, you will simulate real-world working environments, tackling public health challenges and honing your communication and leadership skills.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £9,790
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

Please note that if you wish to study abroad during your programme at UCL, this is likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200– £1,000 per month depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

This course is for those who want to understand population health, and apply that knowledge to improve health and health equality. As an interdisciplinary course, it is inclusive to students who have and have not studied any of the related disciplines at A-level. However, it may appeal to those who have studied geography, health science, biology, psychology, politics, social science, maths, statistics or computing.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

This programme is also offered as an integrated Master’s degree. Find out more: Population Health Sciences MSci. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I change from the Population Health Sciences BSc to the MSci? 

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. 

Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care
Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

bscpopulationhealth@ucl.ac.uk

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