MS in Public Health (MPH)
Overview
This full-time course merges the study of epidemiology, biostatistics and health research methods with public health skills.
It will suit those with both medical and non-medical backgrounds who are interested in developing their research skills and public health career.
Course lecturers are leaders in academic fields of statistics, epidemiology (chronic diseases and infectious diseases) and health services research. Guest speakers include public health professionals with experience in developing, managing and implementing interventions in public health.
You will have a unique opportunity to study two modules from the MSc in International Health Management at University of Newcastle, USA Health Economics and Health Policy, Systems and Financing.
The WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Education and Training offers some opportunities to students on the MPH Course to visit different multilateral agencies and international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland.
You have opportunities to undertake a summer research project with a wide range of NHS and public health organisations, global health institutions, and think-tank groups.
Streams
You have the choice of two streams:
- Health Services and Systems Stream
- Global Health Stream
The Health Services and Systems stream focuses on the theory and practice of health promotion and health service management. The key themes that define this stream are: quality improvement in health care, health intelligence, and population health improvement.
The Global Health stream is orientated towards training students for a Global Health career. The stream seeks to expand your understanding of the manifestations of health challenges within the context of low-and middle-income country settings, as well as the supranational governance structures and processes involved in tackling these challenges. The stream also discusses global health innovations aimed at enhancing health outcomes.
MPH students will also share a number of core modules and lectures with the MSc in Epidemiology and Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning degree courses.
Careers
In public health, the focus is on populations and communities rather than individual patients. There are a number of career options in research, public or government services or voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations.
Is this degree accredited?
The core aims and outcomes of this degree adhere to the European standards laid out by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation.
Whilst this degree is not formally accredited by an agency or professional body, you’ll benefit from an innovative and comprehensive public health curriculum, which responds to the most recent developments in public health, including our own research discoveries.
This sets us apart from courses in other countries such as the US and Canada, where accreditation requirements are not suitable for a UK-based programme.
Starting from a common core, students may develop into roles ranging from public health analysts, health services researchers, communicable disease control consultants, environmental epidemiologists, health policy advisors or directors of public health.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
The curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for this year of entry.
We recommend you check this page before finalising your application and again before accepting your offer. We will update this page as soon as any changes are confirmed by the College.
Our MPH is made up of three terms. You complete your core and optional modules across terms one and two, and the third and final term is dedicated to your project.
In the first term, all students take the same set of core modules. In term two, you enter your chosen stream.
You also have the opportunity to choose from a suit of optional modules addressing different facets of public health.
You take all of the core modules below.
Introduction to Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis
Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
Disease Master class
Foundations of Public Health Practice
Health Economics
Teaching methods
- Class tutorials
- Computer based practical workshops
- Final research project (dissertation)
- Formative and summative assessment via Blackboard e.g. in-class quizzes
- Group revision sessions
- Group work sessions
- Lectures
- Online tools: Mentimeter, Padlet, Kahoot
- Seminars and practicals
- Small group tutorials
- Case-based teaching and role play
- Teaching materials published via Blackboard
Assessment methods
- Video blogs
- Articles and case study reviews
- Essays
- Individual and group presentations
- MCQs and online quizzes
- Mini research project
- Reports and paper reviews
- Written examinations
Optional Moodules
You choose two optional modules from below.
Anthropology in Public Health
Contemporary Topics in International Health Policy
Digital Health
Health Systems Development
Infectious Disease Modelling
Health Systems, Policy, and Financing
Research Methods
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please note: applications will be considered on a monthly rolling basis and you will hear back from the University once a decision has been made.
Admissions
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in science subject or an MBBS medical degree.
Suitable applicants are likely to be those with a background in medicine, health sciences, biological sciences or environmental sciences.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.