Master of Public Health (MPH) Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

The Master of Public Health aims to equip participants with scientific and practical skills to independently conduct research that brings about policy changes and that positively affects a population's health. Its key concept is to preserve and enhance the health, well-being and life expectancy of human populations by integrating scientific knowledge, practical skills and data research analysis to advance public health.

The course comprises 10 modules which focus on the determinants of health and major health problems from a global and interdisciplinary perspective. Students will acquire knowledge in conceptualisation, planning, implementation and evaluation of public health interventions, study designs, and research methods. Students are able to gain a comprehensive understanding in ethics and in current developments of public health. The programme culminates in writing the Master's thesis. The aim is to formulate and analyse a problem, using a suitable study design and study methods; concepts and methods learned during the programme will be applied.

This course is taught in person only. It is not possible to study online.

The number of students is limited to a maximum of 24; therefore, seminars and small group work are possible in all modules.

The Master of Public Health degree is three semesters in length. The programme is divided into two parts. The first part comprises two semesters with a total of 60 credit points (CP), focusing on the determinants of health and major health problems in a global and interdisciplinary perspective. In the second part (third semester), a Master's thesis must be completed within six months. The thesis is worth 30 credit points (CP).

First Semester: Five modules are required (6 CPs each).

• ­Public Health Principles
• Statistical Methods
• Epidemiology
• Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
• Evidence Based Public Health

Second Semester: Five modules are required (6 CPs each).

• Environmental and Occupational Health
• Health Promotion and Prevention
• Leadership and Programme Planning
• Health Policy and Management
• Health Economics

Third Semester (30 CPs):

• Master's thesis

This course is taught in person only. There isn't an option to study online.

For more detailed information about the modules and course content, please click on the PDF link below.

Students can complete their Master’s thesis in cooperation with public health-related organisations.

• First degree either in health sciences / public health or a similar degree relevant to health sciences, such as medicine, social sciences, nursing or a degree in a health care profession or a degree in a discipline that is closely related to health sciences such as, for example, economics and a minimum of 210 ECTS
• Proof of one year of professional experience in public health or qualified scientific work with convincing substantial and methodological relevance to health sciences / public health (attestation of employer)
• Language certificate if English is not your first language (see language requirements)

Uni-assist (VPD) (www.uni-assist.de): Students who completed their school education outside Germany must have their high school and Bachelor certificates checked by uni-assist and receive a VPD BEFORE applying to the HAW Hamburg. The VPD from uni-assist must be uploaded as part of the application process at HAW Hamburg. Please be advised that the uni-assist VPD process can take six to eight weeks, so please apply early.

For more information about academic requirements: HAW-Hamburg: Public Health (MPH) – Information for prospective students

Each semester, students have to pay a semester contribution (379 EUR as of September 2026). This fee includes a semester ticket for unlimited use of Hamburg's public transport system (and currently also for regional trains as part of the Deutschlandticket programme). For more information about studying in Hamburg, see: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Hamburg is a relatively expensive city. Depending on your lifestyle and where you live, you should expect living costs of 1,000 to 1,300 EUR for rent, food, and other expenses.

If you are coming to Germany on a visa, you will have to provide proof of your finances for the first year: 853 EUR per month (10,236 EUR per year).

EU students can work 20 hours per week.

Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 140 full days (280 half days) in one calendar year. Please be advised that part-time job opportunities are limited, especially for students who do not speak German. It is unlikely that we will be able to offer you a job on campus. Therefore, please make sure you have sufficient finances for your studies.

More information can be found here, under "Visa & Paperwork": https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Please be advised that it is unfortunately not easy to find accommodation in Hamburg; finding somewhere to live can take a while and best done once you have arrived in Hamburg. Try getting an AirBnB first and search after arrival to avoid online scams.

Student halls of residences are organised by the "Studierendenwerk Hamburg". They offer affordable accommodation for students under the age of 30. Generally, students have their own room in a shared apartment with a communal bathroom and kitchen. The monthly rent for a room in a student hall of residence is usually between 350 and 450 EUR (including amenities). New students can apply three months before the start of their degree programme. Please be advised that they unfortunately have long waiting lists.

Further information about accommodation can be found here: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/study/campus-life/accommodation/.

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) is one of the largest of its kind in Germany and within our nine faculties we offer a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, IT, life sciences, design and media as well as business and social sciences.

We focus on hands-on applied teaching, giving our students a practical insight into their fields of study through projects, lab work, internships and theses in industry.

Our expertise is drawn from faculty members who have worked in industry before joining the university. In research, we are an important partner for the city of Hamburg’s companies and innovation clusters, developing new ideas from the synergies of this dynamic location.

Our fields of expertise reflect the technologies, industries and services that make Germany a leading economy, and our close collaboration with Hamburg's innovation clusters allows us to develop this knowledge in our teaching and research.

We are a very international university, with students from over 100 countries making up 11% of our students. Combined with the international nature of the city of Hamburg, you will feel very comfortable studying here.

Read more about the city and what our students say: HAW-Hamburg: International students.

In the north of Germany and in the heart of Europe, Germany’s second largest city (1.8 million) offers excellent quality of life and international flair. If you like to spend your leisure time outdoors, then you will love Europe’s “greenest” city with its lake, canals and beautiful parks. For those of you who love culture, Hamburg’s museums, theatres and its world-famous concert hall, the Elbphilharmonie, will inspire you.

Hamburg is also one of the most dynamic commercial centres in Europe, placing its strategic focus on six innovative segments: aviation (Airbus), IT and media, the international port and logistics, life sciences (biotechnology, medical technology and health care), nanotechnology, and renewable energies. We are sure you will feel at home.