Public Health (International)

The taught compulsory modules lay firm foundations for your learning throughout the programme:

• Introduction to Global and Public Health – introduces global health issues, public health strategies and health systems
• Principles of Public Health (International) – analyses public health problems from a multidisciplinary perspective, informs how to strengthen existing and to build new health services, programmes and related management systems in order to improve the health of populations and communities
• Health systems research methods – looks at how to plan research, choose research methods, evaluate findings and present results

The wide range of optional modules allows you to focus your study to match your interests and experience.

The 10,000-word dissertation you write in your final semester gives you space for in-depth examination of an area of public health that’s relevant to your work and career plans.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Master of Public Health International: Dissertation 45 credits
• Introduction to Global and Public Health 30 credits
• Principles of Public Health 30 credits
• Health Systems Research Methods 15 credits

Optional modules

• Quality Improvement in Health Care 15 credits
• Non-Communicable Diseases 15 credits
• Implications of Conflicts and Emergencies on Health and Healthcare Systems 15 credits
• Human Resources Planning and Management for Health 15 credits
• Health Systems Development for Primary Health Care 15 credits
• Sexual and Reproductive Health 15 credits
• Management of Finance for Health 15 credits
• Health Economics for Developing Health Systems 15 credits
• International Health Policy: Geneva Study Tour 15 credits
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes 15 credits
• Communicable Disease Control 15 credits
• Health Promotion 15 credits
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Health System Strengthening 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Public Health (International) MPH in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Under the guidance of academic tutors who have all worked in low and middle income countries, you develop core skills and knowledge early in the programme, which you build on with your chosen modules in specialist fields of public health, planning and management. Your dissertation gives you the opportunity to plan, initiate, execute and complete a substantial piece of independent research, with support and guidance.

The programme introduces essential learning skills for postgraduate level study, with particular emphasis on the challenges facing those returning to study. A reflective learning approach will form the basis of career-long independent learning and continued professional development.

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work, tutorials and case studies. Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support for students to enhance their competence in the use of information technology. You have access to electronic copies of all teaching materials through our Virtual Learning Environment.

You’ll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching space and post-graduate social space.

You’ll benefit from the international learning environment on our international health and development programmes, where you learn and discuss with fellow-health professionals from a range of countries and professional backgrounds.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a combination of written assignments, group and individual presentations, reflective logs, written examination on epidemiology and statistics and a 10,000-word dissertation on your original research project.