When I first applied to the EPH program, I really struggled with picking my Year 1 city. Since the first year covers core public health competencies regardless of where you are, the curriculum is comparable across the board, which means your choice usually comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. 

As of 2026, choices for Y1 include the University College Dublin (Ireland), the University of Liege (Belgium), the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom), and the University of Granada – Andalusian School of Public Health (Spain). Because the programs in Belgium and Spain are taught in French and Spanish respectively, they are great for language immersion. However, for those looking for English-taught programs, the choice usually narrows down to Sheffield vs. Dublin.

I eventually decided on Sheffield. Here is the breakdown of the factors that influenced my decision: 

Housing

Dublin

Housing in Dublin can be challenging. Refer to our blog post on this topic if you are interested in learning more. Off-campus student accommodation is hugely competitive, and on-campus student housing is limited. Rent can cost anywhere from between 900 to 1,500 euros a month. However, the variety in housing options is great: if you would like to live with roommates, alone, in a nice home or apartments, in a busy neighbourhood or in a quiet suburb, Dublin is a big city with many many different living environments.  

Sheffield

In Sheffield, the housing situation is much more manageable. Everyone in my cohort secured accommodation before arriving, mostly in modern student accommodations that include gyms, social spaces, and even movie theaters. Most are within a 10-minute walk of campus. Rent typically ranges from £600 to £900 per month. If you prefer a more local feel, neighborhoods like Crookes, Broomhill, and Endcliffe are great options that allow you to live among local residents rather than just other students. However, most international students do live in certain apartment buildings that allow for visa flexibility. 

Culture

Dublin

Ireland is a magical country, lots of folklore, tradition is engraved in every corner. In particular Dublin is full of culture/history from James Joyce to Alice Kyteler Case and you can soak in a bit of the revindicative spirit that makes Irish people known to support important causes happening globally. Irish people are also known to be welcoming and kind to all, so you will always feel at home. 

If you want to make plans, in a big city like Dublin, you can always enjoy a good pint of Guinness in any pub with live music, flea markets, concerts or a great variety of coffee places. But if you prefer to try something different from the city, you can leave Dublin in any direction and find beautiful nature with hiking or the sea nearby. 

Note: public transport is affordable (just 1€ for students or under 26 y/o) 

Sheffield 

Sheffield is often called the “outdoor city,” and for good reason. It’s right on the edge of the Peak District, and I find myself heading out into the national park at least once a week for hikes. The local culture is very centered around pubs, sports, and climbing. It’s also an incredibly well-connected hub. You can get to London in two hours, and cities like York, Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds are just a short train or bus ride away. Other highlights include its proximity to the Lakes District, Scotland, and the coast. If you like a mix of city life (museums, cafes, and escape rooms) and easy access to the countryside, Sheffield is the place for you. It has more of a small city feel, but that’s what makes it charming.

Curriculum 

Dublin

UCD has a renowned MPH programme that gives you a really solid foundation for all types of future public health professionals. The first semester focuses on the basics: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Communicable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Quantitative and Qualitative Statistics… This semester therefore includes more exams and written assignments to test your foundation knowledge. The second semester is geared more for applying knowledge in classes such as Global Health, Health Economics, Public Health Practice Policy and more. This semester has more group work for applying the concepts. No programme is perfect though, it is ever-changing with the rise of AI, but it is a great program with passionate and helpful professors. Find the syllabus here: https://www.europubhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Syllabus-Y1-Dublin-2025_2026.pdf

Sheffield

Sheffield’s curriculum offers a broader public health focus. First semester courses include epidemiology, statistics, research methods, health needs assessment, and global health. The second semester consists of a wider variety of electives, from which you take three. These are more focused areas of public health including systematic review, health economics, and health policy, just to provide a few examples. Find the syllabus here: https://www.europubhealth.org/first-year-foundation-course/sheffield/

Final thoughts

Ultimately, my decision to head to Sheffield was based on finances and lifestyle. The lower cost of living in Sheffield made it much more accessible for me, and the proximity to the Peaks has been a highlight of my time here. I head out into the national park at least once a week for its stunning scenery and peaceful walks. If you love the outdoors, Sheffield is the place for you. While I’m sure Dublin would have been a great experience, I’m really happy with my decision. If you value a balance of affordability and the outdoors, Sheffield is definitely worth considering.