Overview
- You will investigate the intricate relationships between contemporary global human health and the environment.
- You’ll explore how factors such as climate change, air pollution and microbes impact health, whilst critically analysing evidence from a range of qualitative and quantitative sources.
- Based at the Knowledge Spa located on the Royal Cornwall Hospital Site in Truro with input from our European Centre for Environment and Human Health, other experts from the University of Exeter and key partners such as Public Health England.
- Once registered, if you wish to, you can choose to undertake an optional specialism in Pandemics, Antimicrobial Resistance or Global Health for the full MSc award (including 2-yr and 3-yr part time routes).
- Upon graduation you will be well placed to move into a range of rapidly developing professions in environment and human health
83% of research in Clinical Medicine classified as world-leading or internationally excellent
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent research in clinical medicine
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A personal statement, detailing your reasons for seeking to undertake this subject, will be required. Relevant clinical or professional experience may be taken into consideration as evidence of equivalency.
Accreditation of prior learning for Masters courses in Healthcare and Medicine
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process whereby students, who have already gained relevant skills and knowledge prior to the start of their course, may be granted a partial credit exemption from their programme instead of unnecessarily repeating work. Find out more about APL
International students
English language requirements
• IELTS: Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
• TOEFL: Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
International students are normally subject to visa regulations which prevent part-time study. It is recommended that international students apply for the level of the final award you intend to complete i.e. PGCert, PGDip or Masters, due to the associated cost and requirements for a Tier 4 student Visa.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
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Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Course content
This exciting programme based in Truro, Cornwall is ideal for graduates who are planning or already undertaking a career within public health, health promotion, environmental health and protection, occupational health and related diverse research and practice fields.
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and so the programme has been designed to enable you to enact meaningful change in any setting. You will learn how to assess the health profile of a population group anywhere in the world, particularly in the context of an ageing society and increased global urbanisation and derive solutions to address health inequalities.
Specialisms
At MSc level, the core award is the MSc in Environment and Human Health. Depending on the specific modules taken, and dissertation topic selected, students may opt to receive one of the following named awards:
• MSc Environment and Human Health (Global Health)
• MSc Environment and Human Health (Antimicrobial Resistance)
• MSc Environment and Human Health (Pandemics)
These specialisms are only available at the MSc level, and not for PGDip or PGCert.
Your eligibility for the particular award will be confirmed by the final Assessment Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC) on the basis of the modules that have been completed. In order to graduate with a particular named award in parentheses, you will need to select the appropriate specified option modules detailed below, and notify the programme support team accordingly. Otherwise the award name will be MSc in Environment and Human Health. More information about Specialisms
Programme Structure
The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work, a 15 credit module being equivalent to 150 hours of work and a full Masters degree being equivalent to approximately 1,800 hours of work. Therefore, for applicants who are working full time (or close to full-time), we recommend applying to complete the Masters degree over 2 or 3 years rather than 1 year.
To gain a Masters qualification, you will need to complete 180 credits at level 7.
It is also possible to exit with a PGCert after completing 60 credits of taught modules or a PGDip after completing 120 credits of taught modules. The list of modules below shows which are compulsory.
View the timetable of contact days for 2021-2022
Please note: these timetables are draft and subject to change.
The 2022- 2023 timetable will be available soon. If you would like further information please contact the programme leads: Professor Ben Wheeler or Dr Conny Guell
The last contact day and assessment deadline for the programme will be earlier than the actual end date of your registration with the University, to allow a period of time at the end of your active studies for further support and mitigation, if needed
Modules
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
You will be awarded an MSc on completion of the following modules:
• Contemporary Environment and Human Health (15 credits)
• Postgraduate Skills and Evidence (15 credits)
• Project Design (15 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
And 75 Credits from:
• Nature, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits)
• Environmental Science and Population Health (15 credits)
• Ecological Public Health (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Practice (15 credits)
• Global Public Health and Environmental Change (15 credits)
• Up to 30 credits from other appropriate optional Level 7 taught modules (see Optional modules information below)
You will be awarded a PGDip on completion of the following modules:
• Contemporary Environment and Human Health (15 credits)
• Postgraduate Skills and Evidence (15 credits)
• Project Design (15 credits)
And 75 Credits from:
• Nature, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits)
• Environmental Science and Population Health (15 credits)
• Ecological Public Health (15 credits)
• Research Methods for Practice (15 credits)
• Global Public Health and Environmental Change (15 credits)
• Up to 30 credits from other appropriate optional Level 7 taught modules (see Optional modules information below)
You will be awarded a PgCert on completion of the following modules:
• Contemporary Environment and Human Health (15 credits)
• Postgraduate Skills and Evidence (15 credits)
• Nature, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits)
• Environmental Science and Population Health (15 credits)
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MSc Environment & Human Health (Global Health):
This specialism provides the opportunity to focus on environment and human health topics in the domain of global health. It requires specific opt out of HPDM032 and taking optional module HPDM122 Planetary Health. Your dissertation project (HPDM000) must also be focused on a relevant topic in global health, as agreed with HPDM000 module leads.
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MSc Environment & Human Health (Antimicrobial Resistance)
This specialism provides the opportunity to focus on environment and human health topics related to antimicrobial resistance. It requires two specified option modules to be taken: CMH 15 credit module HPDM140 The Global Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis and CLES 15 credit module BIOM4045 Antimicrobial Therapies. Your dissertation project (HPDM000) must also be focused on a relevant topic related to environmental aspects of antimicrobial resistance, as agreed with HPDM000 module leads.
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MSc Environment & Human Health (Pandemics)
This specialism provides the opportunity to focus on environment and human health topics related to pandemics. It requires two specified option modules to be taken: HPDM124 Principles of Health Protection and CMH 15 credit module HPDM141 Pandemics: drivers, preparedness and response. Your dissertation project (HPDM000) must also be focused on a relevant topic related to environmental aspects of pandemics, as agreed with HPDM000 module leads.
Specialisms
MSc Environment & Human Health (Global Health)
Specialising in Global Health gives you the opportunity to focus on the environment and human health topics affecting the world today. The optional module Planetary Health (HPDM122) will introduce you to medical sociology, environment and human health, social epidemiology and global health. You will learn how health in its widest sense and health and environmental inequalities are created, and the potential strategies for addressing them more effectively. Using an interdisciplinary approach you will study a range of topics which may include global obesity rates, corporate and economic determinants of health, healthy diets and planetary boundaries, nature-connectedness and wellbeing.
Your dissertation project provides the opportunity to complete detailed research into an area of global health according to your own interests or career ambitions.
MSc Environment & Human Health (Antimicrobial Resistance)
Specialising in Antimicrobial Resistance will give you the opportunity to focus on related environment and human health topics. You will look at a One Health approach to understanding AMR considering the role of humans, animals and the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. You will engage critically with the latest knowledge and debates from a wide range of disciplines, and consider what the future may hold. You will also use integrated molecular and evolutionary microbiology concepts to understand the problem of AMR and the need for new antimicrobial therapies. You’ll discuss and critically evaluate the relevant literature and the latest developments in antimicrobial research; and critically evaluate existing antimicrobial therapies and those currently under development, by studying their scientific basis and their potential to be ‘evolution-proof’.
Your dissertation project provides the opportunity to complete detailed research related to the environmental aspects of antimicrobial resistance according to your own interests or career ambitions.
MSc Environment & Human Health (Pandemics)
Specialising in Pandemics will provide you with the opportunity to focus on related environment and human health topics. A key area of study will concern health protection and understanding the ways in which this often needs to be dynamic and responsive to the evolving health needs of the population. This versatile field of study brings together specialist knowledge and skills from a broad range of specialities including PHE; environmental health departments; hospital microbiologists and infection and prevention control teams; GPs; community specialists and educational institutions. You will be introduced to a wide range of topics which may include outbreak management, global health, data collection and timely actions and epidemiology of infectious diseases.
Your dissertation project provides the opportunity to complete detailed research related to the environmental aspects of pandemics according to your own interests or career ambitions.
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Fees
2022/23 entry
UK fees per year:
- MSc (1 year): £9,500
- MSc (2 years): £4,750
- MSc (3 years): £3,200
- PG Dip (2 years part time): £3,200
- PG Cert (1 year): £3,200
- Standalone module per 15-credit module: £900
International fees per year:
- MSc (1 year): £23,000
- MSc (2 years): £11,500
- MSc (3 years): £7,700
- PG Dip (2 years): £7,700
- PG Cert (1 year): £7,700
- Standalone module per 15-credit module: £2,100
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption.
Scholarships
We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students and have over £2.5 million in scholarships available, including our Global Excellence Scholarships* and Green Futures Scholarships* for international fee paying students.
For information on how you can fund your postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter, please visit our dedicated funding page.
*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.
Funding and Scholarships
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans of up to £10,609 are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Funding
There are various funding opportunities available including the Medical School's Global excellence scholarships.
For more information visit our Masters funding page.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter is offering scholarships to the value of over £4 million for students starting with us in September 2021. Details of scholarships, including our Global Excellence scholarships for international fee paying students, can be found on our dedicated funding page.
Pro Vice Chancellor's NHS Postgraduate Scholarship
The University of Exeter Medical School is delighted to offer the Pro Vice Chancellor's NHS Postgraduate Scholarship of £5000 to two NHS staff who accept a place to study on one of our Masters programmes. Please check your eligibility before applying.
University of Exeter Class of 2022 Progression Scholarship
We are pleased to offer graduating University of Exeter students completing their degree in Summer 2022 and progressing direct to a standalone taught Masters degree (eg MA; MSc; MRes; MFA) or research degree (eg MPhil/PhD) with us a scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees. These awards are worth 10% of the first year tuition fee for students enrolling on a postgraduate taught or research programme of study in 2022/23, with the exception of the PGCE programme. Find out more
‘Green Futures’ Postgraduate Taught Scholarships 2022/23
Together with generous philanthropic gifts from a number of like-minded donors, the University of Exeter is offering up to 9 ‘Green Futures’ Postgraduate Taught Scholarships for study on one of our eligible Masters programmes in 2022/23. Find out more
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Teaching and research
Our purpose is to deliver transformative education that will help tackle health challenges of national and global importance.
Learning and teaching
The taught modules of this programme are delivered in the Autumn and Spring terms (option modules taken from other programmes may be taught in Summer term). During this time you will also be helped to develop a dissertation project to be completed in the Summer term and through to the end of August. We encourage students to develop their project alongside existing European Centre activities and/or in conjunction with partner organisations. Part time students may be able to develop dissertation projects within their workplace settings if appropriate.
Taught modules for the MSc Environment and Human Health take place at the Knowledge Spa on the Truro campus, which is based on the Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) site, on the outskirts of Truro.
Teaching and learning methods
All material is designed for Masters level and will involve a mix of lectures, seminars and guided independent study. Within modules there is considerable scope for you to direct your learning towards fields of particular interest, especially through your choice of dissertation project and in your studies to develop assessed pieces of work.
Assessment
Taught modules will be assessed through a mix of assessment types including literature reviews, essays, written reports and presentations.
Internships
Students are able to access one-to-one support should they wish to undertake an internship with a Cornish business (or even further afield). They are able to take part in the Access to Internships scheme either during the course or once their studies have finished.
Advice and support
Each student is allocated an academic tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. The Programme Leads are also available to help with further guidance and advice.
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Dr Cornelia Guell
Programme co-lead
Dr Ben Wheeler
Programme co-lead
Professor Ruth Garside
Dr. Rebecca Lovell
Lecturer
Dr. Sarah Bell
Lecturer in Health Geography
Dr Lewis Elliot
Lecturer in Environment and Public Health
Dr Cornelia Guell
Programme co-lead
Cornelia Guell is programme co-lead for the MSc Environment & Human Health and module lead for Global Public Health and Environment. She is a medical anthropologist whose research focuses on healthy living practices and policies and how these are shaped across the lifecycle, population groups, and socio-cultural, political and economic contexts.
She develops social theoretical and qualitative methodological approaches for exploring the social and physical environments that shape health behaviours. A particular interest lies in framing behaviour change within social practice theories, and in understanding multi-sectoral policy responses to chronic diseases in the UK, the Caribbean region and elsewhere.
Contact Dr Cornelia Guell to discuss the academic content of the programme.
For all other questions about the programme, including admission enquiries, start dates and fees, please complete the online enquiry form.
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Dr Ben Wheeler
Programme co-lead
Ben is programme co-lead for the MSc Environment & Human Health. He teaches on the core module Environmental Science and Population Health. His main research interest is the interplay between environment, socio-economic status and public health, with particular regard to health inequalities and informing health and environmental policy.
Contact Dr Ben Wheeler to discuss the academic content of the programme.
For all other questions about the programme, including admission enquiries, start dates and fees, please complete the online enquiry form.
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@benedictwheeler
Professor Ruth Garside
Ruth teaches on the core module Postgraduate Skills and Evidence within the MSc Environment & Human Health. Ruth is a social science researcher specialising in systematic review and evidence synthesis.
She has over 20 years’ experience using quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate a range of health and social care questions. Her work has informed policy customers including WHO, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Home Office.
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Dr. Rebecca Lovell
Lecturer
Becca is a Lecturer at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health and module lead for the Contemporary Environment And Human Health module.
She focuses on synthesising and translating evidence of the links between natural environments, of all kinds, and health for policy and practice and has undertaken work with and for bodies such as the WHO, PHE, Defra, Natural England, MHCLG as well as NGOs including the RHS.
Becca is currently working on how better understandings of social and health values of natural environments could inform Green Infrastructure decision making, the economic valuation of the health benefits of urban greenspaces, and is contributing to multiple studies on the effectiveness and implementation of green health interventions.
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Dr. Sarah Bell
Lecturer in Health Geography
Sarah is a Lecturer in Health Geography, whose research focuses on the intersections between human health, wellbeing, disability and the interlinked physical, social and cultural environments encountered through the life course.
She leads the Project Design module on the MSc Environment & Human Health, as well as co-leading the Dissertation module. Sarah’s work is underpinned by a passion for qualitative methodological development, designing sensitive approaches that promote critical awareness of alternative ways of embodying, experiencing and interpreting diverse everyday geographies.
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Dr Lewis Elliot
Lecturer in Environment and Public Health
Lewis is a Lecturer in Environment and Public Health at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH). He is module lead for the ‘Nature, Health, and Well-being module.
He is an environmental psychologist interested in the ways in which interactions with natural environments can positively affect public health and well-being through various mechanisms like social contact, physical activity, and stress reduction. He also has interests in behaviour change and complex interventions.
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Studying at a top world-class university like Exeter, in a great environment like Cornwall, is a brilliant combination. I hope to utilise the scientific knowledge, research skills, leadership capacities and global connections I'm gaining through my Exeter career to the benefit of research, education and social entrepreneurship in Ghana.
Gameli
MSc Environment and Human Health.
Careers
Graduates of the Programme are well placed to move into a range of rapidly developing professions in environment and human health. Some examples include:
- Public Health
- Health Promotion
- Environmental Health and Protection
- Occupational Health and workplace wellbeing
- Social enterprises and SME businesses innovating in environment and human health
The programme also prepares you for further research and some graduates may want to go on to PhD study with the European Centre or elsewhere.
