Master 1 in Public Health
Pathway: policies, populations, societies
The Master 1 in Public Health co-accredited by EHESP, University of Rennes and Rennes 2 University offers a “Policies, populations, societies” pathway so students can understand the healthcare system and situate it within society and in relation to the health needs of the population. While developing a multidisciplinary approach to public health in certain teaching modules, this Master teaches a more specialised approach in the human and social sciences.
- Objectives and skills
- Career Opportunities
- Description
- Entry requirements
- Conditions of entry
- Applications
- Contacts
Objectives and skills
The course will allow students to understand the full complexity and diversity of the field of public health and equip them with the skills to enrol on the Master 2 in Public Health.
Skill outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Take a reflexive approach (observation and analysis) to a question relating to public health and the issues it raises;
- Take action factoring in the principles and characteristics of the various functions/areas in public health (prevention, promotion, health security, etc.) and populations concerned in consultation with stakeholders;
- Collect, represent and interpret qualitative and quantitative data on state of health, its determinants, service provisions and needs (in terms of health and social care services);
- Analyse a population, institutional and legal/normative context in public health (level 1);
- Evaluate/analyse a policy, programme and action in the public health arena;
- Manage a project (level 1);
- Manage a team and staff (level 1);
- Communicate data and/or results from public health studies.
Careers opportunities
Successful completion of the Master 1 in Public Health, “Populations, Policies, Societies” pathway allows students to enrol on the various Master 2 courses offered as part of the Public Health option by EHESP, University of Rennes and Rennes 2 University:
- Master 2 in Guiding Public Health Policies and Actions
- Master 2 in Health Promotion and Prevention
- Master 2 in Disability and Social Participation
- Master 2 in Childhood and Youth: Policies and Support
- Master 2 in Quality and Health Security Evaluation Methods
Work places
- Health services providers
- Public health bodies (WHO, InVS, ORS [Regional Health Observatories], etc.
- Regional health agencies (ARS)
- Consulting companies
- Regional authorities
- Third sector organisations
Description
Location: EHESP – Rennes
Accessibility for people with disabilities: Yes – Read about accessibility at EHESP here
Language of study: French
Period of study: from early September 2025 to end of September 2026
Intake capacity: 40 students
Duration: Course given over 11-13 months (dependent on length of work placement) for a total of 500 hours (excluding work placement) for all trainees. Classes take place 9-5, Monday to Friday. In the second semester, personal study time is scheduled on Wednesday and Friday to help students advance with their work placement plans and group projects.
- 500 hours in-person (lectures and tutorials)
- Work placement: 245 hours minimum (7 weeks) from early May
- Option to take a gap year before or after the Master 1 before starting the chosen Master 2.
- Educational support: collective and individual monitoring as part of the dissertation work.
Lenght: Full time with classes taught from September to April and a work placement starting in early May.
Level of programme: Master 1 in Public Health “Policies, Populations, Societies” pathway allows students to enrol on the various Master 2 in Public Health programmes.
Credits: 60 ECTS
Programme modules:
| Intitulé de l’UE | Enseignant(e)s | Nombre de crédits ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| UE Introduction to Public Health | Virginie Migeot (University of Rennes) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Documentation and Information Analysis Techniques | Alis Sopadzhiyan (EHESP) Guillaume Bouzille (University of Rennes) |
3 ECTS |
| UE Introduction to Methods in Social Sciences | Béatrice Valdes (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Introduction to Methods in Biostatistics | Juste Goungounga (EHESP) Guillaume Bouzille (University of Rennes) |
3 ECTS |
| UE Introduction to Methods in Epidemiology | Emmanuelle Leray (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Health Promotion and Prevention | Marie-Renée Guevel (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE English | Debasree Huynh-Biswas (Scelva – University of Rennes) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Social and Health Policies | Blanche Le Bihan (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Analysis of a Public Health Issue | François-Xavier Schweyer (EHESP) | 6 ECTS |
| UE Introduction to Methods in Social Sciences | Béatrice Valdes (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Health Law and Medico-Social Law | Pierre-Yves Allain (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Sociology of Health | François-Xavier Schweyer (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Health Economics | Jean-Marie André (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Health-Environment | Marie-Florence Thomas / Véronique Daubas-Letourneux (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Major Public Health Issues | Karine Gallopel-Morvan (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| UE Management and Public Health | Anne Girault (EHESP) | 3 ECTS |
| Internship and Dissertation or Professional Thesis | Blanche Le Bihan Béatrice Valdes |
9 ECTS |
Educational methods
The Master 1 in Public Health is taught in person. It comprises lectures, tutorials and workshops. Semester 1 focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the various public health disciplines; semester 2 puts the emphasis on specific knowledge and the completion of individual and group assignments engaging the knowledge and skills acquired in semester 1. Students working in a group will also conduct an in-depth empirical survey on a public health topic.
Generally, the Master 1 in Public Health provides an opportunity for extremely rewarding group work, critical discussions, surveys and debates. The diversity of student profiles from a wide range of professional backgrounds is one of the reasons this course is so beneficial.
The teaching staff is formed of research lecturers at EHESP and University of Rennes.
The work placement takes place over at least 7 weeks, starting in early May, at a public health institution (in the health, medical-social or social care sectors). Group (regular work placement catch-ups) and one-on-one (tutored study) support is provided from September, focusing first on the search for a work placement and then the development of a work placement project that engages all the skills and knowledge acquired during the Master programme. Students work on this project throughout the year and it is the foundation of the professional dissertation.
Assessment
Different methods are combined: continuous assessment during both semesters (individual and/or group assignments, written and/or oral) and exam sessions held at the end of each semester (written and/or oral exams). Students are required to write a 25-page professional dissertation at the end of their 7-week work placement.
Technical ressources
EHESP provides various technical resources for learners to attend classes, including: Teams, Zoom, FileSender-Renater (file transfer system) and the CAMPUS platform (learning content).
Special software may be required (specified by your course manager).
A documentation centre, self-service computer rooms and accommodation on the Rennes Campus and a restaurant are also provided.
Entry requirements
The Master 1 in Public Health – Policies, Populations, Societies pathway is aimed at students from various backgrounds who share a motivation to improve living and health conditions.
The Master 1 in Public Health – Policies, Populations, Societies pathway is also aimed at professionals looking to move into public health who already have a degree or whose prior experience has been validated to allow admission to a Master’s degree.
Conditions of entry
Admissions prerequisites
The Master 1 in Public Health – Policies, Populations, Societies pathway is open to students with a wide range of profiles:
- Students with at least a Bachelors degree in sociology, political sciences, law, economics, management, education sciences, history, literature, philosophy or law.
- Students with a professional degree
- Students with academic qualification in health or social care e.g. sanitary and social sciences, health sciences, social and healthcare action, etc.
- Medical or pharmacy students (from PCEM2), nursing students, and other healthcare professionals.
The composition of the Master 1 Public Health cohort, specialising in “Policies, Populations, Societies,” is very diverse. This diversity is an essential characteristic of the Master 1 Public Health cohorts and a priority objective of the selection committee when reviewing applications. At the beginning of the year, learners have different levels of knowledge and skills depending on the disciplines and their previous backgrounds. They may be more familiar with some disciplines and much less with others.
The main skills required upon entering the master’s programme are therefore the abilities to think critically, adapt, and work effectively. Writing skills are also necessary to successfully complete the various assignments.
Selection Process
The selection of students is based on the review of application files. The selection committee examines the candidate’s detailed CV, the cover letter explaining why the candidate wishes to pursue this training, and the grades obtained throughout their academic career.
Applications
Online application period
Applications for 2025-2026 academic year are open from 25 February to 24 March 2025.
Apply on EHESP plateform
Foreign students
You want to begin or continue your higher education in France, and you live in a country using the Campus France/CEF online procedure? Follow the 2 steps
Fees
International student (non-EU) : differentiated rights regime of 3 879 € – Please visit ”Studying in France” for more information
Contacts
Course manager
Blanche Le Bihan, Professor and researcher at EHESP School of Public Health
Course information
Céline Lefebvre
T. : +33 (0) 2 99 02 28 74 – Céline.Lefebvre@ehesp.frAdministration
T. : +33 (0) 2 99 02 28 03 – Scolarite@ehesp.fr