The MPH is an internationally recognised qualification opening up many employment opportunities throughout the world.
The course equips students with the knowledge and skills base to pursue a career in public health or other health-related leadership roles.
The curriculum for the MPH at Queen’s is aligned to the syllabus for the professional exams for the UK Faculty of Public Health.
The MPH is designed to introduce students to:
The 'science' of public health practice: a robust, systematic and evidence-based approach to define and understand population health issues and problems.
The 'art' of public health practice - interpersonal and organisational skills to work in partnership with others; influence decisions; support implementation of policy, programmes or interventions; and effect real change. It aims to identify optimal solutions for health gain within available resources.
Intercalated Medical and Dental Students
Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.
There has been a Medical School at Queen’s University Belfast since 1849.
Public Health highlights
Global Opportunities
Staff within the Centre for Public Health collaborate with World Health Organisation (WHO).
Student Experience
One of our strengths is the joint teaching of the MPH and MPHGH programmes with Public Health Practitioners/Clinicians/Researchers.
You will be exposed to a wide range of public health leaders and practitioners who are working in the field of Public Health, making real changes to benefit the health of populations.
Student Testimonials
“One of the best choices in life was to do my postgraduate study at the Queens University Belfast.
“Public health being a never-ending challenge in the field of preventive medicine urged me to pursue my master’s degree in this field.
“Given that my academic year happened to be during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like an appropriate time to study and apply our knowledge to the affected population.
“We were extremely supported by all faculty members in general, and cared for individually by our educational supervisors.
“The department was very friendly and approachable to all our needs, especially as an international student.
“The professors were really dedicated in their classroom sessions and would go out of their ways to assist students in the learning process.
“One of the best advantages of doing the Master’s in Public Health was the dissertation module, where I got to apply all my theoretical knowledge into practice, and understood the cores of public health to a great extent.
“My dissertation supervisors were unbelievably sweet and supportive, especially when I had other factors interfering with my ability to focus.
“Every student is cared for in unique ways according to their needs and areas of development, which are promptly addressed to pave the way towards success.”
Kevin (Alumni, Master’s in Public Health: 2019-2020)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the Public Health (MPH) course at Queen’s University Belfast.
“All the modules have been extremely interesting, with a real focus on building public health knowledge and skills that will be useful in being taken forward into the workplace.
“I have particularly enjoyed how engaged and passionate our lecturers have been. In particular, a highlight for me has been that many of our lecturers have been working public health professionals in the Public Health Agency, which has brought a different perspective to the lectures and has been very useful for asking questions about career pathways.
“I have enjoyed doing all my assessments, which I thought the topics of were stimulating, well-informed by our module knowledge, but really allowed me to build up specific knowledge of certain public health issues.
“The assessments were well-structured, with lots of variation in types of assessment from presentations to e-posters, which allowed me to build upon different skills that I perhaps hadn’t had as much chance to build in my undergraduate studies.
“There has been plenty of help and support, both academically and pastorally, and I would definitely recommend the course at Queen’s to anyone interested in undertaking a master’s degree in public health.”
Caitlin, (Student, Master’s in Public Health)
“The Master’s in Public Health was a brilliant opportunity to enhance my public health knowledge whilst being taught by experts in their field.
“I particularly enjoyed the optional modules in Semester Two, which allowed me to study two areas that I was most interested in.
“Throughout the year, staff and students created a supportive learning environment, and I would definitely recommend the course to anyone thinking of pursuing a career in public health or healthcare in the future.”
Beth, (Student, Master’s in Public Health)
“Being an international student, I was apprehensive of the challenges I would face during the course.
“Kudos to the staff, who are highly educated, knowledgeable, friendly, and busy, but spared time to ease us into the system.
“Guest lectures and seminars were arranged, tea/coffee mornings were held, and a “cultural hour” was dedicated to various countries to embrace the cultures of the students to our joy.
“Studying the Master’s in Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast is a dream come true.”
Muskaan (Student, Master’s in Public Health)
“My experience on the Master’s in Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast was nothing but phenomenal.
“Right after my MBBCh studies, I joined the programme, as its unique and comprehensive curriculum aligned greatly with my goals.
“The programme is led by an expert panel of teaching staff who are very supportive and keen on their students’ success.
“I can say that I have learnt core knowledge across the various disciplines of public health, and been equipped with the fundamentals to be “a jack of all trades” in the field.
“Through staff support, I successfully joined a PhD programme right after my master’s degree, which was made easier thanks to the knowledge gained on the master’s programme.”
Reham (Alumni, Master’s in Public Health: 2022-2023)
“One of the best choices in life was to do my postgraduate study at the Queens University Belfast.
“Public health being a never-ending challenge in the field of preventive medicine urged me to pursue my master’s degree in this field.
“Given that my academic year happened to be during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like an appropriate time to study and apply our knowledge to the affected population.
“We were extremely supported by all faculty members in general, and cared for individually by our educational supervisors.
“The department was very friendly and approachable to all our needs, especially as an international student.
“The professors were really dedicated in their classroom sessions and would go out of their ways to assist students in the learning process.
“One of the best advantages of doing the Master’s in Public Health was the dissertation module, where I got to apply all my theoretical knowledge into practice, and understood the cores of public health to a great extent.
“My dissertation supervisors were unbelievably sweet and supportive, especially when I had other factors interfering with my ability to focus.
“Every student is cared for in unique ways according to their needs and areas of development, which are promptly addressed to pave the way towards success.”
Kevin (Alumni, Master’s in Public Health: 2019-2020)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the Public Health (MPH) course at Queen’s University Belfast.
“All the modules have been extremely interesting, with a real focus on building public health knowledge and skills that will be useful in being taken forward into the workplace.
“I have particularly enjoyed how engaged and passionate our lecturers have been. In particular, a highlight for me has been that many of our lecturers have been working public health professionals in the Public Health Agency, which has brought a different perspective to the lectures and has been very useful for asking questions about career pathways.
“I have enjoyed doing all my assessments, which I thought the topics of were stimulating, well-informed by our module knowledge, but really allowed me to build up specific knowledge of certain public health issues.
“The assessments were well-structured, with lots of variation in types of assessment from presentations to e-posters, which allowed me to build upon different skills that I perhaps hadn’t had as much chance to build in my undergraduate studies.
“There has been plenty of help and support, both academically and pastorally, and I would definitely recommend the course at Queen’s to anyone interested in undertaking a master’s degree in public health.”
Students will enrol on a full time basis (1 year). Students undertake 4 modules in Semester 1 (60 CATS) and 4 modules in Semester 2 (60 CATS).
The MPH is awarded to students who have successfully completed all 8 taught modules (120 CATS) and a dissertation (60 CATS).
Exit qualifications are available : students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.
Introduction
This MPH comprises two taught semesters plus one research-based component. Semesters 1 and 2 involve a mixture of formal lectures, tutorials and group work and Semester 3 focuses on the dissertation. Programme content is based on the Diploma (part A) Examination Syllabus for Membership of the UK Faulty of Public Health.
Semester 1 modules
Introduce core concepts, methodologies and approaches, with an emphasis on critical thinking and the application of new knowledge:
SCM8165 Public Health Concepts and Methods (10 CATS)
This module provides students with the opportunity to learn fundamental skills in public health science
SCM8167 Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research (10 CATS)
This module focuses on handling data, performing statistical analysis and interpreting statistical output.
SCM8166 Health & Social Care Systems (20 CATS)
This module discusses how health systems can be strengthened and covers the application of a public health approach and perspective to the assessment of the health needs of the population and planning, commissioning (including economic evaluation) and delivery of high quality evidence based health and social care services and population screening programmes.
SCM8168 Determinants of Health & Health Improvement (20 CATS)
Students will identify the determinants relating to health problems experienced by individuals, populations and social groups in both a global and local context
Semester 2 modules
Focus on public health practice within the three principal domains/modules:
SCM8169 Health Protection (20 CATS)
This module will cover an introduction to health protection hazards, incident management, immunisation, infection prevention and control, emergency planning
SCM8171 Public Health in the Health Sector (20 CATS)
This module will cover roles of public health professionals, improving population health through the health and social care sector and health services data.
Students must choose 2 of the 5 optional 10 CAT modules available from the list below:
SCM8173 Practical Statistics for Medical Research (10 CATS) – optional
Learners will be able to demonstrate applied competence in advanced quantitative methods commonly encountered in Public Health research
SCM8174 Intensive Qualitative Methods (10 CATS) – optional
This module will focus on qualitative approaches and paradigms, and common research designs in public health including mixed methods.
SCM8175 Advanced Health Economics, Management and Planning (10 CATS) – optional
This module will focus on the use of economics to shed light on health and healthcare decision making
SCM8176 Non-Communicable Diseases (10 CATS) - optional
In this module students will consider the following non-communicable diseases of global importance: Cancer, Diabetes and Circulatory Disease, Eye Health, Respiratory disease, Mental health problem, Violence and Injuries.
SCM8177 Systems Thinking in Public Health (10 CATS) - optional
This module introduces students to the knowledge base and some of the methods in systems thinking and complex systems that can be used to interrogate, understand, and act in complex public health problems.
SCM8179 Dissertation – Public Health (60 CATS)
Students are also required to complete an appropriate, discrete, academic or service public health dissertation project to integrate and apply public health-related knowledge and skills. There may be opportunities to work with local public health organisations.
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
At Queen’s, we aim to provide a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On this course we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Classes are held five days per week in the morning and afternoons through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and self-directed study to enhance potential for impact.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Assessment is by a variety of methods including written examination, written assignments and oral presentations (group or individual). A 10-15,000 word dissertation is required.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
A 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a health-related subject is required. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS BSc or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:
i) QUB:
Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:
a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent*.
b) QUB 4th year students - must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent* and also pass all 4th year modules at first attempt.
c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.
ii) External:
An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:
a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.
b) they have achieved at least an overall Lower Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University.
c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School as appropriate.
iii) International:
a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.
b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.
c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.
d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School as appropriate.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS Academic test score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four elements or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University (taken within the last 2 years). IELTS test result/qualification must be submitted by 30 June 2025.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
MPH graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recent graduates currently work in these roles for organisations such as Medair, Save the Children, HSC and the Department of Health in Pennsylvania.
Prizes and Awards
Carnwarth Medal and Prize
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Students have the option to hire a locker, at a cost of £5 per student per year.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is:
• £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students
• £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
Health and Healthcare Systems
Economic Evaluation
Organisations, Teams, Individuals – leadership and effectiveness
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the successful student should be able to:
Health and Healthcare Systems
Differentiate between health and healthcare systems
Discuss and compare the key features of health and healthcare systems globally and describe how they may be strengthened
Interpret and contrast key health indicators in a range of different healthcare systems
Describe approaches to assessing health/ healthcare needs in populations;
Discuss approaches to prioritising, funding, strategic planning, and commissioning of services;
Discuss the importance of quality and safety within health services
Discuss frameworks for service quality measurement and assessment;
Outline the generic steps in a quality improvement project
Describe screening: principles and methods; ethical and economic aspects, planning, operation and evaluation of programmes and the importance of quality assurance in population screening programmes
Economic Evaluation
Interpret and apply health economic concepts including opportunity cost and marginal analysis
Differentiate between the main types of economic evaluation and discuss their strengths and weaknesses
Organisations, Teams, Individuals – leadership and effectiveness
Discuss organisational structure and function and inter-organisational relationships and how this may impact on services
Undertake stakeholder mapping and understand the importance of collaborative working with stakeholders and advocacy approaches
Reflect on models and theories for public health leadership and operational management
Discuss approaches to effective communication and meetings
Identify and use basic approaches to project management
Discuss effective team working and skills required in influencing and negotiating
Critically evaluate principles and frameworks for managing change
Describe the application of the above skills to address a given health systems related issues.
Skills
Critical thinking,
Systematic approach to problem solving,
Systematic approach to assessment or evaluation,
Self-directed learning
Written and verbal communication skills
Information technology skills
Time management.
Coursework
40%
Examination
0%
Practical
60%
Credits
20
Module Code
SCM8166
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
MPH Dissertation
Overview
Appropriate discrete academic or service (health improvement, health protection, or health and social care) public health research-based, analytical project.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
Identify, characterise, define, describe and communicate a public health issue or problem;
Collect, generate, synthesise, appraise, analyse, interpret and communicate quantitative or qualitative information that relates to health status, health determinants, health outcomes, health risks or health needs of defined populations;
Critically assess and interpret available health evidence, and formulate options for effective, efficient and equitable action;
Make recommendations for policy and practice.
Skills
Subject-specific skills: Apply rigorous research methodology to addressing a public health problem or issue
Cognitive skills: critical and analytical thinking, systematic approach to problem solving, systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
Transferable Skills: self-directed learning, written communication skills, information technology skills, project and time management
Coursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
60
Module Code
SCM8179
Teaching Period
Summer
Duration
15 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
Health Protection
Overview
This module will cover the following topics:
Introduction to Health Protection hazards
Incident management and outbreak control
Immunisation
Infection prevention and control
Control of specific diseases and environmental hazards
Introduction to health protection regulations
Emergency planning
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module students should be able to:
Consider the role of vaccination in the prevention of communicable diseases globally
Distinguish between the different types of infectious and environmental hazards to health including food and water, mechanisms of exposure, and transmission of communicable disease
Critically evaluate infection prevention and control procedures in healthcare settings
Discuss the principles of surveillance of communicable diseases,
interpret information from communicable disease surveillance reports and assess the quality of disease surveillance systems
Explain the principles and approach to risk assessment and risk management in a reported suspected hazard exposure, disease case or outbreak.
Apply the principles involved in outbreak investigation / incident management
Skills
Cognitive: technical language and frameworks for disease prevention and health protection; problem solving; logical reasoning; critical analysis of information received form healthcare services, media and the public.
Subject specific: risk assessment and risk management of public health incidents; apply epidemiological and statistical knowledge to real world situations; processes for infection prevention and control, and for the control of environmental hazards
Transferable: oral and written communication skills; teamwork; researching and synthesising information.
Coursework
70%
Examination
0%
Practical
30%
Credits
20
Module Code
SCM8169
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
6 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
Determinants of Health and Health Improvement
Overview
This module will cover the following topics:
Wider determinants of health including cultural, social, economic, political and commercial determinants
Epidemiological paradigms
Epidemiology of specific issues /risk factors of public health significance
Genetics and Public Health
Physical Environment determinants
Principles and practise of health promotion
Disease prevention,
Models of behaviour change
Healthy public policy
Health Impact Assessment
Complex public health problems and interventions
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Critique a range of epidemiological paradigms
Describe and discuss the main determinants of health within a bio-psychosocial model
Identify the determinants relating to health problems experienced by individuals, populations and social groups in both a global and local contexts with reference to the global burden of disease
Discuss a rights based approach to health
Compare psychological and sociological concepts of health and ill-health
Explain inequalities in health and ways of addressing them
Evaluate the inter-relationship between groups of health determinants
Describe the epidemiology of a range of key public health issues /risk factors
Consider determinants approaches to public health policy, theory and practice
Compare and contrast health promotion, health improvement and disease prevention approaches
Discuss the ethical considerations in the introduction of interventions to improve and protect health
Summarize the prevention paradox and the medical model of disease prevention and its application to communicable and non-communicable diseases
Discuss the role of screening in disease prevention and be familiar with the criteria for introducing a screening programme and the key programmes in a UK setting
Discuss the implications of current genetics knowledge for public health practice
Summarise the stages in policy development and the requirements for successful policy implementation
Describe the key steps in undertaking a Health Impact Assessment
Outline approaches to evaluation of interventions
Skills
Subject-specific Skills :
Apply a public health approach and perspective to considering the determinants of health at population level
Planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based interventions to address lifestyle and behavioural choices
Cognitive Skills:
Critical thinking
Systematic approach to problem solving
Systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
Transferable Skills:
Self-directed learning
Written and verbal communication skills
Information technology
Time management
Coursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
SCM8168
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
Public Health Concepts and Methods
Overview
The module is delivered as lectures, workshops, small group discussions and journal clubs. It provides students with the opportunity to learn fundamental skills in public health science.
Core content includes:
1) Introduction to public health approaches
2) Critical appraisal skills and research ethics
3) Basic epidemiological methods 1
4) Basic epidemiological methods 2
5) Systematic reviews and meta-analysis: theory
6) Basic demography
7) Health status assessment and routine data sources
8) Survey methods
9) Introduction to qualitative research
10) Introduction to mixed methods and systems thinking
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion learners should be able to :
1. Discuss the collection of demographic data, demographic analysis techniques and health effects of population characteristics;
2. Apply public health research concepts and methodologies, including the design of epidemiological studies, and the appropriate interpretation of descriptive and analytic study findings;
3. Describe the basic principles of theory and practice in qualitative health research
4. Critically assess and interpret published health evidence.
Skills
Subject-specific Skills :
Public health approach and perspective; surveillance and assessment of the population's health and well-being; assessing the evidence of effectiveness of health and healthcare interventions; programmes and services, public health intelligence.
Cognitive Skills:
Critical, analytical and creative thinking; systematic approach to problem-solving; systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
Transferable Skills:
Self-directed learning; study skills; research skills; written and verbal communication skills; information technology skills; time management; numerical and data handling skills; general IT skills.
Coursework
0%
Examination
100%
Practical
0%
Credits
10
Module Code
SCM8165
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
Public Health in the Health Sector
Overview
This module will cover the following topics:
Roles of Public Health Professionals
Improving population health through the health and social care sector
Health Services Data
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the successful student should be able to:
(Roles of public health professionals)
• critically assess the various roles that Public Health practitioners and specialists may have within the health sector and in other contexts
• describe the routes to practitioner and specialist level Public Health practice in a UK context and be familiar with the concept of continuing professional development
Improving population health through the health and social care sector
• explain the contribution of health services to population health
• describe the role of a range of professionals and services across primary, secondary and tertiary care and their contribution to public health.
• apply a systems approach to commissioning and planning of health social care services and service provision to improve population health;
• consider the importance of monitoring and evaluating service performance and service quality
• discuss and identify effective methods to bring about practice change including incentives
• distinguish between individual and organisational accountability and systems of governance to safeguard quality;
• explain the role of National Audits / Confidential Inquiry processes in healthcare and how these can be used to improve quality of services
• describe the use of key quality improvement techniques
• identify population groups that are vulnerable and marginalised and at risk of adverse health outcomes, and ways of addressing these issues
• develop a plan for undertaking a health(care) needs assessment for a particular health issue / target group identifying appropriate data sources and stakeholders
• devise an evidence based/ evidence informed intervention / service aimed at improving the health / wellbeing of a target group giving consideration to identification of external influences
• explain the steps involved in developing a business plan / securing resources to address a given health issue
• develop a service specification
• develop an implementation and evaluation plan for a service or public health intervention
Health Service Data
• demonstrate the application of key sources of data in relation to health status and service utilisation
• interpret measures of service utilisation and performance appropriately;
• critique key information governance principles in the context of health services
• describe the key challenges in working with routine and other datasets and be able to apply techniques to enable more meaningful interpretation.
Skills
Cognitive: use appropriate technical language and frameworks for health service improvement; problem solving; logical reasoning; critical analysis of information received form healthcare services, media and the public.
Subject specific: apply epidemiological, statistical, and health systems knowledge to real world situations;
Transferable: oral and written communication skills; teamwork; researching and synthesising information.
Coursework
70%
Examination
0%
Practical
30%
Credits
20
Module Code
SCM8171
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research
Overview
The module is delivered as lectures, and skills-based SPSS (a statistical package) computer laboratory practicals, and focuses on handling research data, performing statistical analysis and interpreting statistical output. It is delivered by a team of statisticians based in CPH.
Core content includes:
Screening and presentation of data
Sampling, estimation & confidence intervals
Hypothesis testing - Proportions
Hypothesis testing - Means and ANOVA
Non-parametric methods
Linear regression
Logistic regression
Survival analysis
Systematic reviews and meta-analysis: methods
Age-standardisation: methods
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion learners should be able to:
Select appropriate statistical methods for summarising data, for testing statistical hypotheses, for describing relationships and for assessing confounding.
Perform statistical analyses using a computer package and interpret the output from such analyses.
Appraise the assumptions required for these statistical methods and their limitations.
Define the important role played by statistics in science and medicine
Skills
Subject-specific Skills :
Statistical approach and perspective to medical and public health research; surveillance and assessment of the population's health and well-being; planning, analysing, and assessing the evidence of effectiveness of medical, health and healthcare interventions.
Cognitive Skills:
Critical, analytical and creative thinking; systematic approach to problem-solving; systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
Transferable Skills:
Self-directed learning; study skills; research skills; written and verbal communication skills; information technology skills; time management; numerical and data handling skills; general IT skills; experience in the use of Statistical Software (SPSS)
Coursework
20%
Examination
80%
Practical
0%
Credits
10
Module Code
SCM8167
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Core
Systems Thinking and Complex Systems in Public Health
Overview
This module introduces students to the knowledge base and some of the methods in systems thinking and complex systems that can be used to interrogate, understand, and act in complex public health problems. Course contents include:
Principles of systems thinking and complex systems;
System mapping (with focus on causal loop diagram);
Introduction to systems dynamics;
Introduction to social network analysis;
Introduction to agent-based modelling;
Intervening in complex adaptive systems.
Systems evaluation
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, the successful student should be able to:
Apply systems thinking and complex systems principles and concepts to public health issues;
Describe the main features of systems dynamics, network analysis, and agent-based modelling and the application of these methods in public health;
Interpret and critically assess systems-based public health research work;
Build and interpret causal loop diagrams.
Skills
Subject-specific skills:
Systems-oriented perspective and approaches to interrogate, understand, and act in complex public health problems;
Creation and interpretation of causal loop diagrams.
Cognitive skills:
Critical thinking;
Systems-oriented approach to problem-solving;
Communicate complex information effectively.
Transferable skills:
Self-directed learning;
Written and verbal communication skills;
Researching and visually synthesising information;
Team work;
Information technology skills.
Coursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
10
Module Code
SCM8177
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
6 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Optional
Practical Statistics for Medical Research
Overview
This optional module builds on the ‘Statistics of Public Health and Medical Research’ module. A new statistical package. Stata will be introduced and students will learn to write their own statistical code to increase the replicability of their analyses and to handle more advanced statistical topics.
Contents:
1. Introduction to Stata
2. Modelling count and categorical data
3. Modelling categorical data
4. Handling missing data
5. Causal inference
6. Agreement and prognosis
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, learners should be able to:
Demonstrate applied competence in advanced quantitative methods commonly encountered in Public Health research.
Perform statistical analyses using a Stata and interpret the output from such analyses
Apply appropriate methods used to analyse data to answer a diversity of types of research questions in life sciences and justify their chosen methods.
Appraise the modelling of observational data sets
Skills
Subject-specific Skills :
Reinforce basic statistical concepts, and their extension to more complex research questions. Learn further data structuring skills, both conceptually and practically.
Cognitive Skills:
Critical, analytical and creative thinking; systematic approach addressing analytically more complex research questions.
Transferable Skills:
Self-directed learning; study skills; research skills; information technology skills; time management; numerical and data handling skills; general IT skills; experience in the use of Stata statistical software.
Coursework
60%
Examination
0%
Practical
40%
Credits
10
Module Code
SCM8173
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
6 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Optional
Advanced Health Economics, Management and Policy
Overview
This module will cover the following topics:
Economic evaluation methods
Economic evaluation practice
Behavioural economics applied to health
Health and healthcare disparities
Management
Policy analysis
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the successful student should be able to:
• Appraise the fundamental theoretical and practical concepts and tools of economic evaluation
• Critically appraise a published economic evaluation
• Use decision analysis to estimate the cost-effectiveness and represent uncertainty around threshold willingness to pay
• Demonstrate understanding of the use of behavioural economics to further public health goals in practical situations
• Appraise the incorporation of equity into health system goals
• Critically engage with the key global health policy questions of care system finance and delivery, and access to interventions and/or technologies
• Explain alternative systems of healthcare finance and delivery and their relationship with performance
Skills
• critical thinking,
• systematic approach to problem solving,
• systematic approach to assessment or evaluation,
• self-directed learning
• written and verbal communication skills
• information technology skills
• time management.
• Application of applied quantitative techniques
Coursework
80%
Examination
0%
Practical
20%
Credits
10
Module Code
SCM8175
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
6 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Optional
Intensive qualitative methods
Overview
This module will cover the following topics:
Qualitative approaches and paradigms
Common research designs in public health, including mixed methods
Applying the ‘Decision Matrix’ when designing a qualitative study
Developing a qualitative research question
Sampling and recruitment issues
Qualitative data collection (generic and approach-specific) methods
Qualitative data analysis (generic and approach-specific) methods
Qualitative reporting
Evaluating a qualitative study for rigour
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
(Knowledge and Understanding)
Explain paradigms used in qualitative research and how they affect study design.
Describe how methodological considerations influence the research process.
Apply the Qualitative Decision Points Guide when designing a qualitative research proposal (submitted as a written assignment).
Compare and contrast qualitative data collection methods, with an emphasis on interviews and focus groups.
Compare and contrast qualitative data analysis methods, with a focus on both generic and approach-specific methods.
Compare and contrast thematic and qualitative content analysis methods
Critically appraise, review and report on a qualitative research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal as a group oral presentation.
Describe various ways to increase rigour (trustworthiness) in a qualitative study
Model the contents of a qualitative audit trail
Explain criteria used to ensure a qualitative study is ethical (design and conduct, with an emphasis on PPI).
Skills
Subject Specific (Intellectual and Research Skills)
Develop research questions appropriate for use in a qualitative study or the qualitative component of a mixed methods study that address a public health issue plus supports sustainable development.
Design a rigorous qualitative study based on interview/focus group data for submission as a qualitative research proposal.
Critically appraise a published qualitative study.
(Transferable and Generic Skills)
Manage and analyse qualitative data.
Be able to discuss the ethical considerations that relate to different types of qualitative research.
Justify how to present research ideas.
Coursework
80%
Examination
0%
Practical
20%
Credits
10
Module Code
SCM8174
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
6 weeks
Pre-requisite
No
Core/Optional
Optional
Noncommunicable Diseases
Overview
In this module students will consider the following non-communicable diseases of global importance:
Global Aspects of Cancer
Global Aspects of Diabetes and Circulatory Disease;
Global Aspects of Eye Health
Global aspects of respiratory disease
Mental health problems
Violence and Injuries
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, learners will be able to:
Critically appraise the latest information on the Global Burden of Disease releases and understand how these data fit with countries own noncommunicable disease (NCD) policies
Discuss global drivers of cardiovascular disease (including nutrition, physical activity, salt intake, and smoking)
Explain the global epidemiology of NCDs
Describe the strategies being used to prevent and control the major NCDs
Discuss how evidence can affect policy related to NCDs
Discuss the implications of the Sustainable Development Goals for noncommunicable diseases
Skills
Cognitive: Think critically, display a systematic approach to problem solving, assessment and evaluation
Transferable: Engage in self-directed learning, demonstrate enhanced information technology skills and effective use of key global data bases, oral and written communication
