| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
Program Overview
Course overview
We are keen to share our vision by reaching out to students worldwide – as attendees or distance learners – with full support, interactive resources and experienced team members.
Whether you are studying for career development, part time or full time, or from a specific professional interest in the discipline, the MPH and DPH courses offer a distinguished, broader-based learning experience aligned with the growing worldwide interest in public health development. You focus on core concepts and principles underpinning public health practice and policy development, applying these in a variety of settings, including your own area of practice or interest through assessments.
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Program Outline
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Data Analysis Methods
This module provides you with an understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis employed in public health research. The content covers both theoretical and practical aspects of data analysis, ranging from basic exploratory analysis to more complex multi-variable analysis.
Developing Research Projects
Develop the knowledge and skills you need to design and manage primary or secondary research, audit or evaluation project relevant to your practice, preparing you for dissertation. You also cover research governance and ethics, to prepare you to apply for ethical approval or release.
You are assessed through a written 4,000-word proposal for a research, audit or evaluation study, which is worth 100% of the module marks and should be submitted in week 13.Dissertation
Here you consolidate and develop further skills and knowledge from previous modules. More specifically you synthesise learning as you apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study. You use a range of different methodologies for your study, such as quantitative, qualitative or systematic review.
Epidemiology
You explore the role of epidemiology in the understanding of health and disease, policy development and service provision. The module includes an introduction to the basic principles of epidemiology and the most commonly used research methods. Emphasis is placed on the strengths and weaknesses of various study designs with regard to confounding, bias and validity. You review measures of disease occurrence, and sources of routinely collected data. Key concepts in epidemiological methodology are explored, and you develop skills in the evaluation of epidemiological research.
International Public Health
You examine the key public health principles and factors that contribute to an international public health discipline and develop a good understanding of the public health spectrum. These key principles include an in-depth examination of global health, exploring health and health inequalities globally, taking into account international health systems and economies as well as the key public health principles such as health protection, disease notification, collaborative working and management of major public health incidents nationally and globally. Specific areas covered include:
• globalisation and the impact on international public health policy • communication in public health • principles of global health • cultures and society • health protection • overview of molecular biology of disease • environmental health • health economics.Leadership and Management in Public Health
You are provided with a detailed understanding of the role of public health leadership and management in improving population and community health. You critically explore key strategic drivers, collaborative working for health and wellbeing outcomes; as well as critical professional reflection and ethical conduct in leadership. You are supported in cultivating leadership and management skills and knowledge. This module is ideal for those who are existing, emerging leaders or aspire to be future leaders in public health, as well as those working in a health and social care context or those wanting to gain knowledge and understanding of the role of leadership and the strategic challenges related to public health practice. Specific areas covered include:
• types of leadership: styles and theory • resource allocation in health care • using health data to inform strategic direction • use of an ethical framework in decision making/priority setting • evaluating public health interventions • organisational culture • public health law • how to use reflection for continued professional development • report writing.Public Health in Context
This module is designed to enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the context of public health. It is aimed at students who have a role or partial role in public health, or are wishing to move into the field.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You can learn through online distance learning or by attending face-to-face sessions. Equivalent learning and teaching activities are provided for both distance and attendance students although the mode of delivery may vary. You are supported through the use of a virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and other readily available software.
You participate in lectures, seminars, group activities and computer-based workshops. Distance learning students receive recorded lectures and structured open learning materials and are encouraged to participate in online discussion and activities. There are also key points when distance learners must be available via online web technology as part of the assessment framework. Skills development is supported through computer-based simulations. Individual tutorial support is available to all students throughout the course.How you are assessed
You are assessed through a range of methods to provide a variety of learning experiences and to challenge and extend your knowledge. These include written reports and essays, defended poster, case study, research proposals, and a dissertation. You are given written feedback on all assignments to outline your progress and encourage further development.
Employability
Career opportunities
Successful completion of this programme provides opportunities for career progression for those already working in public health and opportunities for others to embark on a career in the field. It also serves as preparation for those wishing to take the Faculty of Public Health Part A examination.
