Course description
Course Description
The Masters in Public Health is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil a leadership role in public health whether in the UK or the rest of the world. Students study public health, epidemiology, health promotions and research methods.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL
Compulsory: DISSERTATION
Compulsory: MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Core: EPIDEMIOLOGY
Core: HEALTH PROMOTION
Core: RESEARCH METHODS 1
Core: TOPICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
DIRECTED STUDIES IN PUBLIC HEALTH
HEALTH ECONOMICS I
HEALTH ECONOMICS II
HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PRIORITY SETTING
HUMAN RESPONSES IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS (PSYCHO-SOCIAL)
INTERVIEWING AND QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
POLITICS AND SOCIETY
RESEARCH METHODS 2
SERVICE DESIGN
SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION
TEXTS, DOCUMENTS AND ETHNOGRAPHY
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Advanced understanding of key concepts related to public health protection and promotion
A2 : Knowledge of how to monitor and control the populations' health
A3 : Knowledge of the relationships between relevant academic theories and practice of public health
A4 : Knowledge of how to critically appraise the public health evidence base and practice
A5 : Advanced understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods
A6 : Understanding of how to conduct original research including relevant ethical and legal issues
A7 : How to reflect upon ones own professional practice
Teaching Methods
A1-6 are covered in lectures and seminars, which introduce the material in a structured manner with opportunity for class discussion. Many of the teaching sessions adopt an enquiry-based learning approach
A1-6 are further supported by practical experience, most notably the completion of an independent research project
A1-3 are further supported by the contribution of visiting lecturers
A3 and A6-7 are supported through informal small group sessions and individual supervision
Assessment Methods
A1-4 are assessed by coursework
A5 and A6 are assessed through essays and practical assignment and completion of a dissertation based upon original research.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Systematically gather and critically review evidence
B2 : Translate research evidence into practical activities in treatment and service management (evidence-based practice)
B3 : Interpret and implement relevant policy statements
B4 : Plan, undertake and report an independent research project to a high professional and ethical standard
B5 : Write well-structured and well-argued essays
Teaching Methods
B1-4 are explicated in seminars primarily through a problem-based learning approach
B4 is supported through lectures followed by small group work and individual supervision
B5 is on-going throughout the course via formative feedback about coursework
Assessment Methods
B1-3 and B5 are assessed through coursework and examination
B4 is assessed through a Research Dissertation based on independent research
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Perform advanced and systematic search for information relevant to specific topics
C2 : Produce a research proposal to a professional standard and submit an application to an ethics committee
C3 : Carry out, with supervision, health research to a high professional standard
C4 : Process and analyse data using a software package (e.g. SPSS or WinMAX)
C5 : Plan and present their work in an appropriate manner
Teaching Methods
C1 is supported by on-line lecture demonstrations and supported enquiry based learning
C2 is explicated through lectures and individual supervision
C3 is supported by individual and small group supervision
C4 is taught by on-line lecture demonstrations followed by supported and structured laboratory-based work
C5 is taught through small group discussion
Assessment Methods
C1-2 are assessed initially in coursework and then through the research dissertation.
C3 is assessed via the dissertation
C4 is assessed through an assignment consisting of practical exercises
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Able to write clearly and effectively; able to communicate effectively verbally in a group; able to summarise and communicate complex findings to others; able to communicate with professional and lay audiences appropriately
D2 : Use of Internet; use of word processing packages; use of spreadsheets and statistics packages; use of presentation packages; use of data analysis software
D3 : Ability to read and interpret tables of data and statistics; ability to use statistics to analyse data; familiarity with packages for handling and analysing data
D4 : Able to choose the appropriate method of enquiry in order to address a range of practical and theoretical problems. This includes review and use of appropriate past literature, consulting appropriate experts, or designing an appropriate piece of research work.
D5 : Able to work in a team with others to agree and work towards goals; able to work successfully with other disciplines; able to practice reflectively and facilitate this in others
D6 : Able to learn from feedback and respond appropriately and effectively to supervision and guidance; able to work pragmatically to meet deadlines; able to critically evaluate own performance and to practice reflectively
Teaching Methods
D1 is supported in small group class discussions
D2 is introduced in the pre-registration induction day. It is covered in on-line teaching demonstrations and supported laboratory work.
D3 is supported in lectures and supported laboratory work
D4 is promoted through the extensive use of enquiry-based learning methods
D5 is supported by small group work with further support from the practice-supervisor in the workplace
D6 is supported by structured feedback on coursework and the enforcement of tight deadlines
Assessment Methods
D1 is assessed primarily through essays
D2 is assessed through the requirement to word-process essays and to cite references from internet sources in essays. There are also a range of practical assignments to assess use of IT.
D3 is assessed through coursework including practical assignments.
D4 -6 is assessed through coursework. In addition the Research Dissertation includes assessment of formulation, planning and problem solving.
