Birkbeck and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine launch new undergraduate degree in Public Health
The jointly taught degree combines Birkbeck's expertise in undergraduate education with LSHTM's world-leading public health research to prepare students for careers tackling today's biggest health challenges.
Birkbeck, University of London has partnered with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to launch a new BSc Public Health degree, marking the first time LSHTM has offered an undergraduate programme.
Students will learn from academics at both institutions, combining Birkbeck's expertise in undergraduate education with LSHTM's internationally recognised leadership in public health research and postgraduate teaching. The programme provides a strong grounding in the national and global context of public health.
LSHTM is one of the world's leading public health institutions. It is ranked first in the UK and third globally for public health in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, and 21st worldwide for public health in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
The BSc Public Health will equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to prevent disease, protect populations from health threats and tackle health inequalities. The course combines science, policy and social justice to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing at local, national and global levels.
Dr Jenelle Clarke, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Birkbeck and Programme Director for Health and Social Care programmes, said:
“Students will get the best of both worlds. Birkbeck brings extensive experience of undergraduate teaching and student support, and LSHTM contributes its internationally recognised expertise in public health teaching and research.”
"Improving health and wellbeing across diverse populations is one of society's greatest challenges. From responding to pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola, to tackling childhood obesity, addressing vaccine-preventable diseases and supporting an ageing population, public health professionals play a vital role in society. This course equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to address these challenges, reduce health inequalities and use evidence-based decision-making to improve health within communities. It also opens up strong career opportunities in a growing and resilient sector."
Peter Weatherburn, Associate Dean of Education for the Faculty of Public Health & Policy at LSHTM, added:
"LSHTM has traditionally focused on postgraduate education, offering 25 health-related master's programmes alongside extensive doctoral opportunities. As demand for a larger and more skilled public health workforce grows, we are delighted to collaborate with Birkbeck to launch our first undergraduate degree.
"Together, we have created a modern BSc Public Health that will help develop the workforce needed to improve health and reduce health inequalities in the UK and around the world."
Students will benefit from access to the facilities, resources and academic communities of both institutions, including seminars, events and networking opportunities. With both campuses located in Bloomsbury, students will be able to move easily between the two universities.
Students graduating with a 2:1 or above will be guaranteed entry to LSHTM’s globally recognised Master’s of Public Health programme.
Applications are now open for entry in October 2027. Students can study the BSc Public Health full-time or part-time, and can also choose to take the degree with a Foundation Year.