Programme Title

MPH Global Health

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Masters of Public Health in Global Health

Programme Code

MED-MPHGH

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

101317

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

1 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

N/A

Accreditations (PSRB)

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Awards, Credits and Programme of Learning Outcomes

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.

Examinations
1. Any student who fails 60 credits or more of taught modules will not be able to proceed to the dissertation module until the taught modules are successfully completed. Students can then choose whether to graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma or re-enrol to take the Dissertation in the next academic year.

2. In the case of failed modules, students will normally be permitted one resit attempt in each module. Students who fail any module twice will normally be required to withdraw.

3. Candidates who pass all the taught modules but who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50% in the Dissertation or do not submit a Dissertation shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
(with the exception of students who are taking this as an intercalated degree and whose primary programmes are subject to FTP regulations). Fitness to Practise (FTP) programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to Fitness to Practise rules.

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critical thinking by providing evidence of an objective and systematic analysis of an issue using an evidence-based approach in order to form a judgement about the situation and possible solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
group discussion
problem based learning
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Systematic Approach to Problem Solving as indicated by the ability to solve public health problems scientifically by:
Identifying the problem
Analysing the problem
Identifying decision criteria to apply to the problem
Developing multiple solutions
Choosing the optimal solution

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Research Project

Analytical Skills, or the ability to solve complex problems effectively through gathering, visualizing and analyzing detailed information contributing to the analysis of an issue from multiple points of view; necessary for effective problem solving; includes:
Defining the components of the problem
Selecting and defining variables relevant to the problem
Using data to illuminate ethical, political, scientific, economic and/or overall public health issues
Using appropriate data and statistical methods to resolve the problem in terms of public health program planning, implementation and/or evaluation
Synthesizing core public health knowledge using accepted analytic tools
Integrate theory and empirical knowledge into public health practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Research Project

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Self-Directed Learning (demonstrate instances of taking initiative, with or without the assistance of others, to diagnose one’s learning needs, formulate learning goals, identify resources to meet the goals, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Effective Written and Oral Communication Skills through
Communicating effectively in writing and orally to a range of lay and professional audiences on public health issues
Presenting, accurately and effectively, demographic, statistical, qualitative, programmatic and scientific public health information for lay and professional audiences
Participating in and leading groups as they address specific public health issues or complete assignments
Using the media to communicate important public health information

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

High-level Information Technology Skills that include:
Defining a public health problem for purposes of a literature research process.
Demonstrating library skills, including the ability to conduct computerized literature searches or systematic reviews for researching problems in public health.
Using one or more relevant software packages (e.g., EPI Info, SAS, STATA, N.Vivo) to analyze data to address public health problems
Using basic data management software in public health.
Using one of several graphics software packages (e.g., PowerPoint) to develop presentations for public health problems.
Describing the role of information systems in improving the effectiveness of public health activities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Time Management Skills:
Demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and exercise control over the amount of time spent on specific activities that will increase effectiveness, efficiency and/or productivity

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Team Work
Demonstrate the willingness, when working in groups or collaboratively on assignments or when preparing for exams, to reach agreed-upon goals, e.g. complete an assignment on time with equitable distribution of the work across all members of the team and providing opportunities for all students to meet learning objectives involved.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Source, and appraise public health scientific literature, which will draw on the key methodologies involved in the science of public health including:
a) epidemiological concepts and methodologies
b) demography
c) qualitative health research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Apply a range of medical statistical methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Describe the determinants of health and disease and critically appraise the literature relating to these determinants

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Identify methods of improving the health of the public through evidence-based policy, strategy development and implementation that use collaborative working and public health leadership skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Recognise key threats to public health from communicable diseases, environmental hazards, major incidents and outline the key elements of responding to such threats.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Discuss Health and Social Care Systems in and outside the UK and explain and how they can be strengthened.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Identify health needs of population groups; describe the key processes involved in planning, commissioning and delivering high-quality healthcare and population screening services; interpret and apply health economics concepts to decision- making.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply a general public health approach and perspective to relevant issues;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Interpret and use demographic data,

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Interpret descriptive and analytic epidemiological study findings;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Describe the uses of qualitative research in public health; define a research paradigm including the 5 key components; name and compare the 3 major paradigms used in qualitative research; be able to critically appraise a published descriptive qualitative study; describe the major mixed methods research designs

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations

Apply the concepts of health economics and economic evaluation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Demonstrate critical assessment and appropriate interpretation of published health evidence.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Apply critical, analytical and creative thinking to a range of public health issues

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Demonstrate numerical and data handling skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Demonstrate familiarity with use of Statistical Software Packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Dissertation

Explain observed variations in health and disease, categorising factors that influence or determine individual and population health.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Summarise the concepts of inequalities and inequities in health, outlining possible explanations for the observed association between socio-economic disadvantage and poor health outcomes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Discuss the concept of healthy choices and summarise current evidence for the health effects of lifestyle choices such as nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco smoke on health.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Outline sociological perspective, explanations, processes and constructs for observed patterns and experiences of health and disease; describe observed and potential effects of the physical environment on individual and population health.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Outline the epidemiology of the major preventable diseases and discuss evidence based approaches to prevention

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Discuss the implications of current genetics knowledge and research for disease risk reduction and treatment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Discuss the advocacy role of public health practitioners as agents of policy change;
Describe the process of policy-making through the inter-relationship of context, process and actors;
Illustrate the principles of policy analysis, strategy development and local implementation;
Discuss the relative importance of individual and society decisions for health and ethical issues relating to health improvement.
Summarise the theory and principles of health improvement interventions directed at individuals, community groups, marginalized groups, and large populations.
Outline a systematic model for planning, implementation and evaluation of a health promotion intervention in a defined group of individuals or population.
Discuss approaches and barriers to multi agency working in public health.
Apply basic models and theories for public health leadership, operational management, team working, organisations, and collaborative working in the context of health improvement

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Apply a systems approach to health and social care service provision to discuss approaches to prioritising, funding, strategic planning, and commissioning of services
Apply commonly used frameworks to measure and assess public health service quality
Interpret appropriately measures of service utilisation and performance
Discuss individual and organisational accountability and systems of governance to safeguard quality of pubic programs
Outline the generic steps in a quality improvement projects and apply this to a specific context
Apply principles and frameworks for managing change to a specific public health program
Outline the evidence for population screening programmes, using established criteria
Discuss the organisation and quality assurance of screening programmes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Identify useful skills in the design and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving the health / wellbeing of a target group
Design and interpret Health Impact Assessments; demonstrate the of basic quality improvement techniques
Identify effective team working and skills to manage change

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Identify key health challenges in low- and middle-income countries
critically appraise global health policy on a range of issues
Evaluate national level approaches to improving services for cancer, eye health, cardiovascular disease, maternal and child health and sexual health reproductive rights
Apply critical interpretation of the roles and responsibilities of a range of development partners (NGOs, Bilateral partners, Multilateral partners and global development organisations) in health development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Systematic Approach to Assessment or Evaluation (demonstrated through conducting or evaluating assessments of public health programs or sectors through: identifying the evaluation framework used and how it is tailored to fit the specific situation, describing how stakeholders are engaged, describing the program, focusing the evaluation design, gathering credible evidence about the program, justifying conclusions and engaging in knowledge exchange activities to disseminate methods and findings)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

interactive lectures and seminars
group discussion
problem based learning
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations
Dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Consider the epidemiology and service planning issues related to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, eye health, and cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

interactive lectures and seminars
problem-based learning
group discussion
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

written examinations
Oral presentations

Through the Maternal and Child Health in Low Resource Areas module students will be able to:
Describe the principles for providing MCH and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) services to facilitate their sustained use, particularly by members of high-risk groups
Identify reasons (including structural drivers) that ed to poor achievement of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 and how this can be addressed within the Sustainabile Development Goals (SDGs)
Discuss the design and implementation of effective primary and secondary MCH/SRHR services (including Emergency Obstetric Care)
Discuss the public health aspects of important causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in LMICs, including the determinants of child health
Appraise evidence for interventions used to improve maternal and child health

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

interactive lectures and seminars
problem-based learning
group discussion
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

written examinations
Oral presentations

Through the Global Health Development module students will:
Map and describe how global health policy is developed, and how health policy influences multilateral and bilateral funding agencies to support individual national health policy implementation
Interpret the relevance of specific global policies (such as Universal Health Coverage, Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Organisation’s ‘integrated people-centred health services’) to global health development
Describe, analyse and give examples of the legacy of vertical programmes on global health development
Analyse the merits and demerits of different health financing mechanisms to achieve equity and accessibility to health care; the range of financing mechanisms available and different types of budget support to less developed countries
Assess the implications of poorer nations getting loans or grants to implement national health policies
Analyse, using case studies and examples, the differences between Emergency Aid and Sustainable Development – and the political, financial and moral risks of chronic emergency aid funding
Categorise and demonstrate the role of Non-government Organisations (NGOs) in global health development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem based learning
Scenario-based group discussions
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Scenario based group discussions

Through the Global Non-Communicable Diseases module, students will be able to: Identify global drivers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (including nutrition, physical activity, salt intake, and smoking)
Describe how these drivers have changed over recent decades in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and how this has affected prevalence of CVD in these countries.
Explain the global epidemiology of CVD, diabetes, cancer and eye disease, including data in the Diabetes Atlas
Describe strategies being used to prevent and control CVD, diabetes, cancer and eye disease in LMICs
Explain how evidence can be used to influence policy making on CVD, cancer, eye health and diabetes in LMICs
Explain about the transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals
Identify global variations in the diagnosis, treatment and survival of cancer of various types
Know the leading causes of blindness in LMICs and how each can be prevented or treated

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

interactive lectures and seminars
problem-based learning
group discussion
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations