ObjectivesEvidence-based practice is a key theme and you'll be encouraged to develop as a reflective practitioner who has the ability to carry out independent research. You'll study multidisciplinary health sciences and develop the ability to locate, appraise and generate evidence in public health.
Entry requirementsApplicants should have an honours degree (2.2 classification or above).
Academic titleMSc Health Sciences (Public Health)
Course descriptionMSc Health Sciences (Public Health)
This course addresses the need for the continuing professional development of a wide range of health and social care professionals who have particular interests in public health.
Course content
Designing Research Projects
This module will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and manage relevant quantitative and qualitative research projects.
Dissertation
This module enables you to complete an independent research project.
Epidemiology
In this module you will explore the role of epidemiology in understanding health and disease, developing policy and providing services. The module introduces the basic principles of epidemiology and the most commonly used research methods. It emphases the strengths and weaknesses of various study designs with regard to confounding, bias and validity. The module reviews measures of disease occurrence, and sources of routinely collected data. You will explore key concepts in epidemiological methodology and develop skills in evaluating epidemiological research.
Evidence-based Practice
The evidence-based practice module develops skills in studying at master’s level, enabling you to make the transition to postgraduate study. It also introduces you to the key concept of evidence-based practice within a health and social care setting. Throughout the module you will develop practical skills in searching literature, critically evaluating and managing change. You will be able to focus these skills to your own specialist area of practice within the assignment.
Health & Social Care in Context
This module explores the substance of relevant health and social care policies, and also the key factors impacting on the policy and decision making process. In particular, this module explores the impact of economic, political, technological, social and cultural factors.
Public Health: Policy & Inequalities
This module will develop your understanding of the philosophy, principles and politics of public health in historical, cross-cultural and contemporary contexts. Particular emphasis is given to the political underpinnings of public health policy and its implications for practice. You will be required to think critically about public health interventions and how they relate to public policy and social change. The module will look at how current public health policy stresses the importance of tackling inequalities in health in contemporary societies.
You must then choose one more module from the master’s provision within the School of Health & Social Care.
Course structure
Core modules introduce key concepts in health sciences and develop them in depth. These include epidemiology, health policy and evidence-based practice. You'll also study a specialist module and an option relevant to the field of public health. In addition you'll conduct your own research project.
Careers
You'll enhance your ability to implement evidence-based practice, and undertake and publish research in your field.