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MPH|Postgraduate Taught

Global Health

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.1
Duration
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
35 (Full Time)

The MPH in Global Health is intended to provide candidates with a clear understanding of global health issues and how those issues affect public health policy and practice.

The MPH in Global Health programme will offer solid public health training and exposure to global health politics, policies, systems and practices through didactic teaching sessions, team-based research and presentations, and individual work-based projects or dissertations.

This interdisciplinary course will help students build skills and competencies including communication, teamwork and project management. Important links will be elucidated between strengthening health systems and key Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty reduction, gender equity, meaningful work and sustainable cities. Strategies for achieving universal health coverage and addressing inequity will be reviewed.

Students undertake taught modules over two semesters. Students will be required to submit a dissertation on a pre-approved global health topic. Successful completion of the dissertation and the assessments of the taught modules will lead to award of the MPH in Global Health.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 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.

The first semester is spent learning the general tools of public health, including epidemiology and biostatistics.

Global Health highlights

World Class Facilities

The Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University has for many years hosted one of five UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Public Health Research Centres of Excellence to encourage multidisciplinary working and increase capacity to address complex population-level health issues.

The Centre for Public Health also hosts the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry which is responsible for the production of official statistics on cancer in Northern Ireland, and provides evidence to help inform decision making about cancer services. This can be a valuable resource for students interested in Global Health as well.

Student Experience

One of our strengths is a world-renowned interdisciplinary staff with experience in a wide range of public health programmes and research both in the UK and in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is reflected in the content of the core and Global Health curriculum.

Students will be taught and mentored by world-class researchers, as well as those with practical field experience as public health practitioners working for NGOs, governments and multilateral agencies.

You will be taught by public health leaders and practitioners working in a wide range of disciplines. Their aim is to make effective change that will benefit the health of underserved populations, often in low-resource areas. The course attracts students from all over the world, further enriching students’ experience.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full time basis (1 year). Students undertake taught modules: Semester 1 (60 CATS) and Semester 2 (60 CATS).

The MPH in Global Health is awarded to students who have successfully completed all 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

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 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

SCM8169 Health Protection (20 CATS)
This course will encompass a broad variety of public health interventions, aimed at protecting individuals, groups and populations from single cases of infectious disease, incidents and outbreaks, and non-infectious environmental hazards such as chemicals and radiation.

SCM8170 Global Health Development (10 CATS)
This module includes global health policy and politics; governance; players, payers and partners in international development; development, financing and politics of health systems in less developed countries; health and human rights; and health in humanitarian crises.

SCM8172 Maternal and Child Health (10 CATS)
This module includes the roles and functions of maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights services, and related public health threats in selected low and middle income contexts.

Students must choose 4 of the 5 optional 10 CAT modules available from the list below:

SCM8173 Advanced Quantitative Methods (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

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.

Dissertation (60 CATS):

Students are also required to complete a dissertation project under the supervision of an academic from the Centre of Public Health. The aim is to integrate and apply global public health-related knowledge and skills gained in earlier modules. Opportunities to conduct projects in under served areas of LMICs may be arranged.

There is an opportunity to undertake a research project work placement, which will be a competitive process for interested students (1-2 places max)

A number of work-based placements will also be available for some students on a competitive basis. Candidates who are selected to undertake a work-based placement must successfully complete both Semester 1 and Semester 2 modules before starting the work based placements.

People teaching you

Professor

Centre for Public Health

Programme Coordinator

Centre for Public Health
pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk

Teaching Times

9.30am to 4:00pm

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s University we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embodies intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support. Our aim is to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

On this course we do this by providing a range of learning experiences that enable our students to engage with subject experts as they develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work experiences, and enhances their development as independent lifelong learners.

Classes are in the morning and afternoon and provide learning opportunities through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and self-directed study to enhance employability.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined here:

  • Assessment is by a variety of methods including written examination, written assignments and oral presentations. A 10,000 to 15,000-word dissertation is required. Opportunities to conduct projects in underserved areas of LMICs may be arranged.

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Modules

Modules

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.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Health Protection (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    MPH-GH Dissertation (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a public 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) they have successfully completed the third year of their course at first attempt and
b) have achieved at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree standard.
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) Achieved at least an overall Upper Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University

iii) International:
• 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.
• 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.
• Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 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.

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 2024.

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.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast 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.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

MPH in Global Health graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue global public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and with governmental bodies formulating policy and practice guidelines.

Prizes and Awards

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £21,500
International £21,500

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.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

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.
1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/MHLS/terms-and-conditions/

All Students

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.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus