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MPH|Postgraduate Taught

Public Health

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

A MPH is an internationally recognised qualification opening up many employment opportunities throughout the world.
The course equips students with the knowledge and skills base to pursue a career in public health or other health-related leadership roles.

The curriculum for the MPH at Queen’s is aligned to the syllabus for the professional exams for the UK Faculty of Public Health.

The MPH is designed to introduce students to:

The 'science' of public health practice: a robust, systematic and evidence-based approach to define and understand population health issues and problems.

The 'art' of public health practice - interpersonal and organisational skills to work in partnership with others; influence decisions; support implementation of policy, programmes or interventions; and effect real change. It aims to identify optimal solutions for health gain within available resources.

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.

There has been a Medical School at Queen’s University Belfast since 1849

Public Health highlights

World Class Facilities

In collaboration with the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and other key local stakeholders, Queen's hosts one of five UKCRC Public Health Research Centres of Excellence to encourage multidisciplinary working and increase capacity to address complex population-level health issues.

Student Experience

One of our strengths is the small class size (typically around 30 students per year) which enables very close liaison between staff and students. You will be based in the Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Northern Ireland, which is one of five UKCRC Public Health Research Centres of Excellence in the UK, and you will be taught and mentored by world-class researchers and public health professionals.

You will be exposed to a wide range of public health leaders and practitioners who are working in the field of Public Health, making real changes to benefit the health of populations.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full time basis (1 year). Students undertake 4 modules in Semester 1 (60 CATS) and 4 modules in Semester 2 (60 CATS).

The MPH is awarded to students who have successfully completed all 8 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

This MPH comprises two taught semesters plus one research-based component. Semesters 1 and 2 involve a mixture of formal lectures, tutorials and group work and Semester 3 focuses on the dissertation. Programme content is based on the Diploma (part A) Examination Syllabus for Membership of the UK Faulty of Public Health.

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 (including economic evaluation) 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
Focus on public health practice within the three principal domains/modules:

SCM8169 Health Protection (20 CATS)
This module will cover an introduction to health protection hazards, incident management, immunisation, infection prevention and control, emergency planning

SCM8171 Public Health in the Health Sector (20 CATS)
This module will cover roles of public health professionals, improving population health through the health and social care sector and health services data.

Students must choose 2 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
This module will focus on the use of economics to shed light on health and healthcare decision making

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 – Public Health (60 CATS)
Students are also required to complete an appropriate, discrete, academic or service public health dissertation project to integrate and apply public health-related knowledge and skills. There may be opportunities to work with local public health organisations.

People teaching you

Programme Coordinator

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

Teaching Times

9.30am to 4:00pm

Learning and Teaching

Introduction

  • Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

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

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

    Classes are held five days per week in the morning and afternoons through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and self-directed study to enhance employability

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Assessment is by a variety of methods including written examination, written assignments and oral presentations. A 10-15,000 word dissertation is required.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). 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)
    MPH Dissertation (60 credits)

    Optional Modules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a 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 graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recent graduates currently work in these roles for organisations such as Medair, Save the Children, HSC and the Department of Health in Pennsylvania.

Prizes and Awards

Carnwarth Medal and Prize

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 £8,800
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. 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 Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

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