University of Hull

What you'll study

This MSc combines core public health and climate science with applied modules on assessment, planning and adaptation. Teaching covers the pathways linking climate and health (heat, infectious disease, air quality, food and water security), methods to quantify health impacts, and strategies for mitigation and resilience across local, national and international contexts.

• Core modules — typically include Climate Change and Health; Environmental Epidemiology and Exposure Assessment; Health Impact Assessment and Risk Management; Policy, Governance and Ethics for Climate Action.
• Methods and skills — quantitative and qualitative research methods, biostatistics, modelling of exposure–response relationships, GIS for health, and climate-health surveillance systems.
• Practice and application — modules on adaptation planning, emergency preparedness, community resilience, and communicating climate and health risks to stakeholders and policymakers.
• Project — a substantial independent dissertation or professional project that applies research methods to a climate–health question, often with opportunity for placement with a public health body, local authority or NGO.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars, case studies, practical labs or GIS sessions, and a research dissertation. The programme emphasises applied learning, with opportunities for fieldwork and engagement with regional health and environmental partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in a relevant discipline such as public health, medicine, nursing, environmental science, geography, biology or a closely related social science. Candidates with substantial professional experience in health, environmental management, emergency planning or policy may also be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English at a level suitable for postgraduate study. You may also be asked to provide a personal statement describing your interest in climate and health, and references supporting your academic or professional suitability.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles where understanding both health and climate is essential. Typical career paths include:

• Public health practitioner or analyst in local or national public health agencies
• Environmental health officer or specialist working on heat, air quality or vector-borne disease
• Policy and planning roles in local authorities, government departments or international organisations focused on adaptation and resilience
• Consultancy in climate risk assessment, health impact assessment or sustainability for private and third-sector clients
• Research and academic careers investigating climate–health interactions
• Emergency planning, humanitarian response and NGO work addressing climate-related health risks

The programme’s applied focus and links with regional health services and environmental agencies support transitions into both practitioner and research roles.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers interdisciplinary teaching that brings together expertise in health sciences, environmental science and policy. The campus’s location in the Humber region provides access to coastal and estuarine environments useful for applied field studies and local partnerships.

Students benefit from research-active staff and opportunities to engage with public health teams, local authorities and third-sector organisations in the region. The programme emphasises practical skills — from quantitative analysis to impact assessment and communication — preparing graduates to influence policy and practice in health and climate resilience.

Smaller cohort sizes and a supportive postgraduate community enable one-to-one supervision for dissertation projects and tailored career guidance relevant to climate and health pathways.