Course Structure

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

The MPH in Global Health is awarded to students who have successfully completed all 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

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 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 SCM8169 Health Protection (20 CATS) This course will encompass a broad variety of public health interventions, aimed at protecting individuals, groups and populations from single cases of infectious disease, incidents and outbreaks, and non-infectious environmental hazards such as chemicals and radiation. SCM8170 Global Health Development (10 CATS) This module includes global health policy and politics; governance; players, payers and partners in international development; development, financing and politics of health systems in less developed countries; health and human rights; and health in humanitarian crises. SCM8172 Maternal and Child Health (10 CATS) This module includes the roles and functions of maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights services, and related public health threats in selected low and middle income contexts. Students must choose 4 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 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 (60 CATS): Students are also required to complete a dissertation project under the supervision of an academic from the Centre of Public Health. The aim is to integrate and apply global public health-related knowledge and skills gained in earlier modules. Opportunities to conduct projects in under served areas of LMICs may be arranged. There is an opportunity to undertake a research project work placement, which will be a competitive process for interested students (1-2 places max) A number of work-based placements will also be available for some students on a competitive basis. Candidates who are selected to undertake a work-based placement must successfully complete both Semester 1 and Semester 2 modules before starting the work based placements.

Teaching Times

9.30am to 4:00pm

Career Prospects

Introduction
MPH in Global Health graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue global public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and with governmental bodies formulating policy and practice guidelines.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined here:

Prizes and Awards

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Health Protection (20 credits)

  ×

  Health Protection

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics:
  Introduction to Health Protection hazards
  Incident management and outbreak control
  Immunisation
  Infection prevention and control
  Control of specific diseases and environmental hazards
  Introduction to health protection regulations
  Emergency planning

  Learning Outcomes

  After completing this module students should be able to:
  
  Consider the role of vaccination in the prevention of communicable diseases globally
  Distinguish between the different types of infectious and environmental hazards to health including food and water, mechanisms of exposure, and transmission of communicable disease
  Critically evaluate infection prevention and control procedures in healthcare settings
  Discuss the principles of surveillance of communicable diseases,
  interpret information from communicable disease surveillance reports and assess the quality of disease surveillance systems
  Explain the principles and approach to risk assessment and risk management in a reported suspected hazard exposure, disease case or outbreak.
  Apply the principles involved in outbreak investigation / incident management

  Skills

  Cognitive: technical language and frameworks for disease prevention and health protection; problem solving; logical reasoning; critical analysis of information received form healthcare services, media and the public.
  
  Subject specific: risk assessment and risk management of public health incidents; apply epidemiological and statistical knowledge to real world situations; processes for infection prevention and control, and for the control of environmental hazards
  
  Transferable: oral and written communication skills; teamwork; researching and synthesising information.

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SCM8169

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Maternal and Child Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (10 credits)

  ×

  Maternal and Child Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics
  
  Roles and functions of MCH/SRHR services
  Design and oversight of high quality primary and first level secondary MCH/SRHR services.
  Addressing obstacles to access and uptake of services among high risk groups
  Public health threats to MCH/SRHR in selected low and middle-income contexts (LMICs)
  Major global causes of maternal and childhood mortality and morbidity
  Approaches to improving child health in LMICs

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module the successful students should be able to:
   Describe the principles for provision of MCH/SRHR services to facilitate sustained use, particularly by high risk groups
   Identify the reasons (including structural drivers) which led to poor MCH and SRHR outcomes
   Evaluate the design and implementation of effective primary and secondary MCH/SRHR services (including Emergency Obstetric Care)
   Discuss the public health aspects of important causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in LMICs including the determinants of child health
   Appraise the evidence for interventions used to improve MCH
   Evaluate national level approaches to improving MCH
   Explain challenges relating to achievement of SDG 3 and other SDGs relating to child health
   Categorise approaches to addressing morbidity and mortality associated with the major disease of poverty and causes of poor child health outcomes

  Skills

  Cognitive: Use appropriate technical language and frameworks for international development, think critically, display a systematic approach to problem solving, assessment and evaluation
  
  Subject specific: assessment of global public health issues; apply epidemiological and statistical knowledge to real world situations;
  
  Transferable: Engage in self-directed learning, demonstrate enhanced information technology skills and effective use of key global data sources, oral and written communication, teamwork. Researching and synthesising information

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8172

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Determinants of Health and Health Improvement (20 credits)

  ×

  Determinants of Health and Health Improvement

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics:
  
  Wider determinants of health including cultural, social, economic, political commercial determinants
  Epidemiological paradigms
  Epidemiology of specific issues /risk factors of public health significance
  Genetics and Public Health
  Physical Environment determinants
  Principles and practise of health promotion
  Disease prevention,
  Models of behaviour change
  Healthy public policy
  Health Impact Assessment
  Complex public health problems and interventions

  Learning Outcomes

  Learning Outcomes:
  On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
  - Critique a range of epidemiological paradigms
  - Describe and discuss the main determinants of health within a bio-psychosocial model
  identify the determinants relating to health problems experienced by individuals, populations and social groups in both a global and local contexts with reference to the global burden of disease
  discuss a rights based approach to health
  - Compare psychological and sociological concepts of health and ill-health
  - Explain inequalities in health and ways of addressing them
  - Evaluate the inter-relationship between groups of health determinants
  - Describe the epidemiology of a range of key public health issues /risk factors
  - Consider determinants approaches to public health policy, theory and practice
  - Compare and contrast health promotion, health improvement and disease prevention approaches
  - Discuss the ethical considerations in the introduction of interventions to improve and protect health
  - Summarize the prevention paradox and the medical model of disease prevention and its application to communicable and non-communicable diseases
  - Discuss the role of screening in disease prevention and be familiar with the criteria for introducing a screening programme and the key programmes in a UK setting
  - Discuss the implications of current genetics knowledge for public health practice
  - Summarise the stages in policy development and the requirements for successful policy implementation
  - Describe the key steps in undertaking a Health Impact Assessment
  - Outline approaches to evaluation of interventions

  Skills

  Subject-specific Skills :
  Apply a public health approach and perspective to considering the determinants of health at population level
  Planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based interventions to address lifestyle and behavioural choices
  
  Cognitive Skills:
  Critical thinking
  Systematic approach to problem solving
  Systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
  
  Transferable Skills:
  Self-directed learning
  Written and verbal communication skills
  Information technology
  Time management

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SCM8168

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Global Health Development (10 credits)

  ×

  Global Health Development

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics
  
  Global health policy and politics
  Players, payers and partners in international development
  Development, financing and politics of health systems in less developed countries
  Global health governance
  Health and human rights
  Health in humanitarian crises

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module the successful students should be able to:
  • Describe how global health policy is developed
  • Explain how global trends in healthcare practice, migration, commerce and culture contribute to health, and the quality and availability of healthcare;
  • Evaluate the difficulties faced by health systems in resource poor settings and the challenges of strengthening health systems, ensuring adequate human and financial resources for health and equitable access;
  • Consider how national and international policies, institutions and mechanisms affect the determinants of health, research and the development of health technologies, medicines and services; emergency responses and disaster risk reduction
  • Demonstrate awareness of the complexity of global health governance including the roles of international agencies such as WHO and other UN agencies, multilateral and bilateral partners, civil society organisations, and new partnerships for health;
  • Differentiate between sustainable development and emergency aid.

  Skills

  Cognitive: Use appropriate technical language and frameworks for international development, think critically, display a systematic approach to problem solving, assessment and evaluation
  
  Subject specific: assessment of global public health issues; apply epidemiological and statistical knowledge to real world situations.
  
  Transferable: Engage in self-directed learning, demonstrate enhanced information technology skills and effective use of key global data sources, oral and written communication, teamwork. Researching, synthesising and presenting information, findings and recommendations.

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8170

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Public Health Concepts and Methods (10 credits)

  ×

  Public Health Concepts and Methods

  Overview

  The module is delivered as lectures, workshops, small group discussions and journal clubs. It provides students with the opportunity to learn fundamental skills in public health science.
  
  Core content includes:
  
  1) Introduction to public health approaches
  2) Critical appraisal skills and research ethics
  3) Basic epidemiological methods 1
  4) Basic epidemiological methods 2
  5) Systematic reviews and meta-analysis: theory
  6) Basic demography
  7) Health status assessment and routine data sources
  8) Survey methods
  9) Introduction to qualitative research
  10) Introduction to mixed methods and systems thinking

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion learners should be able to :
  1. Discuss the collection of demographic data, demographic analysis techniques and health effects of population characteristics;
  2. Apply public health research concepts and methodologies, including the design of epidemiological studies, and the appropriate interpretation of descriptive and analytic study findings;
  3. Describe the basic principles of theory and practice in qualitative health research
  4. Critically assess and interpret published health evidence.

  Skills

  Subject-specific Skills :
  Public health approach and perspective; surveillance and assessment of the population's health and well-being; assessing the evidence of effectiveness of health and healthcare interventions; programmes and services, public health intelligence.
  
  Cognitive Skills:
  Critical, analytical and creative thinking; systematic approach to problem-solving; systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
  
  Transferable Skills:
  Self-directed learning; study skills; research skills; written and verbal communication skills; information technology skills; time management; numerical and data handling skills; general IT skills.

  Coursework

  0%

  Examination

  100%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8165

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research (10 credits)

  ×

  Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research

  Overview

  The module is delivered as lectures, and skills-based SPSS (a statistical package) computer laboratory practicals, and focuses on handling research data, performing statistical analysis and interpreting statistical output. It is delivered by a team of statisticians based in CPH.
  
  Core content includes:
  
  1) Screening and presentation of data
  2) Sampling, estimation & confidence intervals
  3) Hypothesis testing - Proportions
  4) Hypothesis testing - Means and ANOVA
  5) Non-parametric methods
  6) Linear regression
  7) Logistic regression
  8) Survival analysis
  9) Systematic reviews and meta-analysis: methods
  10) Age-standardisation: methods

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion learners should be able to:
  1) Select appropriate statistical methods for summarising data, for testing statistical hypotheses, for describing relationships and for assessing confounding.
  
  2) Perform statistical analyses using a computer package and interpret the output from such analyses.
  
  3) Appraise the assumptions required for these statistical methods and their limitations.
  
  4) Define the important role played by statistics in science and medicine

  Skills

  Subject-specific Skills :
  Statistical approach and perspective to medical and public health research; surveillance and assessment of the population's health and well-being; planning, analysing, and assessing the evidence of effectiveness of medical, health and healthcare interventions.
  
  Cognitive Skills:
  Critical, analytical and creative thinking; systematic approach to problem-solving; systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
  
  Transferable Skills:
  Self-directed learning; study skills; research skills; written and verbal communication skills; information technology skills; time management; numerical and data handling skills; general IT skills; experience in the use of Statistical Software (SPSS)

  Coursework

  20%

  Examination

  80%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8167

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Health and Social Care Systems (20 credits)

  ×

  Health and Social Care Systems

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics
  
  Health and Healthcare Systems
  Economic Evaluation
  Organisations, Teams, Individuals – leadership and effectiveness

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module the successful student should be able to:
  
  (Health and Healthcare Systems)
  1) Differentiate between health and healthcare systems
  2) Discuss and compare the key features of health and healthcare systems globally and describe how they may be strengthened
  3) Interpret and contrast key health indicators in a range of different healthcare systems
  4) Describe approaches to assessing health/ healthcare needs in populations;
  5) Discuss approaches to prioritising, funding, strategic planning, and commissioning of services;
  6) Discuss the importance of quality and safety within health services
  7) Discuss frameworks for service quality measurement and assessment;
  8) Outline the generic steps in a quality improvement project
  9) Describe screening: principles and methods; ethical and economic aspects, planning, operation and evaluation of programmes and the importance of quality assurance in population screening programmes
  
  
  (Economic Evaluation)
  10) Interpret and apply health economic concepts including opportunity cost and marginal analysis
  11) Differentiate between the main types of economic evaluation and discuss their strengths and weaknesses
  
  
  (Organisations, Teams, Individuals – leadership and effectiveness)
  1) Discuss organisational structure and function and inter-organisational relationships and how this may impact on services
  2) Undertake stakeholder mapping and understand the importance of collaborative working with stakeholders and advocacy approaches
  3) Reflect on models and theories for public health leadership and operational management
  4) Discuss approaches to effective communication and meetings
  5) Identify and use basic approaches to project management
  6) Discuss effective team working and skills required in influencing and negotiating
  7) Critically evaluate principles and frameworks for managing change
  8) Describe the application of the above skills to address a given health systems related issue

  Skills

  Critical thinking,
  Systematic approach to problem solving,
  Systematic approach to assessment or evaluation,
  Self-directed learning
  Written and verbal communication skills
  Information technology skills
  Time management.

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  SCM8166

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Systems thinking and complex systems in public health (10 credits)

  ×

  Systems thinking and complex systems in public health

  Overview

  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. Course contents include:
  
  Principles of systems thinking and complex systems;
  System mapping (with focus on causal loop diagram);
  Introduction to systems dynamics;
  Introduction to social network analysis;
  Introduction to agent-based modelling;
  Intervening in complex adaptive systems.
  Systems evaluation

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module, the successful student should be able to:
  • Apply systems thinking and complex systems principles and concepts to public health issues;
  • Describe the main features of systems dynamics, network analysis, and agent-based modelling and the application of these methods in public health;
  • Interpret and critically assess systems-based public health research work;
  • Build and interpret causal loop diagrams.

  Skills

  Subject-specific skills:
  • Systems-oriented perspective and approaches to interrogate, understand, and act in complex public health problems;
  • Creation and interpretation of causal loop diagrams.
  
  Cognitive skills:
  • Critical thinking;
  • Systems-oriented approach to problem-solving;
  • Communicate complex information effectively.
  
  Transferable skills:
  • Self-directed learning;
  • Written and verbal communication skills;
  • Researching and visually synthesising information;
  • Team work;
  • Information technology skills.

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8177

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  MPH-GH Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  MPH-GH Dissertation

  Overview

  Appropriate discrete academic or service (health improvement, health protection, or health and social care) public health research-based, analytical project – this may be based on a placement.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students should be able to:
  • identify, characterise, define, describe and communicate a public health issue or problem;
  • collect, generate, synthesise, appraise, analyse, interpret and communicate quantitative or qualitative information that relates to health status, health determinants, health outcomes, health risks or health needs of defined populations;
  • critically assess and interpret available health evidence, and formulate options for effective, efficient and equitable action;
  • make recommendations for policy and practice

  Skills

  Subject-specific skills: Apply rigorous research methodology to addressing a public health problem or issue
  
  Cognitive skills: critical and analytical thinking, systematic approach to problem solving, systematic approach to assessment or evaluation.
  
  Transferable Skills: self-directed learning, written communication skills, information technology skills, project and time management

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  SCM8178

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  15 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Noncommunicable Diseases (10 credits)

  ×

  Noncommunicable Diseases

  Overview

  In this module students will consider the following non-communicable diseases of global importance:
  
  Global Aspects of Cancer
  Global Aspects of Diabetes and Circulatory Disease;
  Global Aspects of Eye Health
  Global aspects of respiratory disease
  Mental health problems
  Violence and Injuries

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of the module, learners will be able to:
  
  • Critically appraise the latest information on the Global Burden of Disease releases and understand how these data fit with countries own noncommunicable disease (NCD) policies
  • Discuss global drivers of cardiovascular disease (including nutrition, physical activity, salt intake, and smoking)
  • Explain the global epidemiology of NCDs
  • Describe the strategies being used to prevent and control the major NCDs
  • Discuss how evidence can affect policy related to NCDs
  • Discuss the implications of the Sustainable Development Goals for noncommunicable diseases

  Skills

  Cognitive: Think critically, display a systematic approach to problem solving, assessment and evaluation
  
  Transferable: Engage in self-directed learning, demonstrate enhanced information technology skills and effective use of key global data bases, oral and written communication

  Coursework

  70%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  30%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8176

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Advanced Quantitative Methods (10 credits)

  ×

  Advanced Quantitative Methods

  Overview

  This optional module builds on the ‘Statistics of Public Health and Medical Research’ module. As well as continuing to use SPSS, Stata will also be introduced and used to handle some of the more advanced topics.
  
  Contents:
  1) Extensions to regression models (e.g. interaction, non-linear effects, correlated errors)
  2) Missing data (e.g. missing data)
  3) Agreement and prognosis
  4) Study design (randomisation, sample size)
  5) Generalized linear models
  6) Causal inference

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, learners should be able to:
  • Demonstrate applied competence in advanced quantitative methods commonly encountered in Public Health research by explaining and justifying methods used in specific situations
  • Perform advanced statistical analyses using a computer package (SPSS and Stata) and interpret the output from such analyses
  • Apply appropriate methods used to analyse data to answer a diversity of types of research questions in life sciences (e.g. medicine, pharmacy), epidemiology, and public health situations, and in choosing the most appropriate techniques
  • Appraise modelling of complex observational data sets

  Skills

  Subject-specific Skills :
  Reinforce basic statistical concepts, and their extension to more complex research questions. Learn further data structuring skills, both conceptually and practically.
  
  Cognitive Skills:
  Critical, analytical and creative thinking; systematic approach addressing analytically more complex research questions.
  
  Transferable Skills:
  Self-directed learning; study skills; research skills; information technology skills; time management; numerical and data handling skills; general IT skills; experience in the use of statistical software, SPSS and Stata.

  Coursework

  20%

  Examination

  80%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8173

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Health Work Based Research Placement Project (60 credits)

  ×

  Global Health Work Based Research Placement Project

  Overview

  The placement will take place in a global public health setting in the UK or overseas. Students will gain hands on experience of working in a Global Public Health environment and will develop skills that can only be learnt by practical experience, enabling them to reflect on their experiences and relate these to their academic work. Students will plan, develop and produce an in-depth written report on a real world problem.
  
  The placement report could be based on any of the following:-
  • Briefing papers
  • Literature reviews
  • Project progress reports
  • Field monitoring reports
  • Grant proposals
  • Annual reports
  • Policy documents
  • Field-based research outputs

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of this work based placement, students will be able to:
  
  1. Recognise the way in which Global Public Health principles, especially the WHO Health System Building Blocks and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, are translated into a work environment.
  2. Critically evaluate the purpose of their role within the context of the work place setting and the contribution it makes to the organisation as a whole
  3. Evaluate the structure of the organisation and the purpose and function of each department / unit within the organisation
  4. Differentiate between key individual roles within the organisation

  Skills

  This work based placement will allow students to develop
  
  Generic Skills in:
  • Project management
  • Collaboration and negotiation
  • Communication
  • Working to deadlines
  • Present ideas in a professional manner
  
  Cognitive Skills in:
  • Problem solving
  • Logical reasoning
  • Independent enquiry
  • Critical evaluation and interpretation
  • Generating and Articulating ideas
  • Self-assessment and reflection
  • Intellectual humility
  • Intellectual discipline
  
  Transferable Skills in:
  • Ability to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources
  • Preparation and communication of ideas - written and presentational forms
  • Ability to work both independently and in groups
  • Organisation and time management
  • Use of IT

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  SCM8155

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  15 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Intensive qualitative methods (10 credits)

  ×

  Intensive qualitative methods

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics:
  Qualitative approaches and paradigms
  Common research designs in public health, including mixed methods
  Applying the ‘Decision Matrix’ when designing a qualitative study
  Developing a qualitative research question
  Sampling and recruitment issues
  Qualitative data collection (generic and approach-specific) methods
  Qualitative data analysis (generic and approach-specific) methods
  Qualitative reporting
  Evaluating a qualitative study for rigour

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students should be able to:
  
  (Knowledge and Understanding)
  1. Explain paradigms used in qualitative research and how they affect study design
  2. Describe how methodological considerations influence the research process.
  3. Apply the Decision Matrix when designing a mock qualitative letter of intent
  4. Compare and contrast qualitative data collection methods, with an emphasis on interviews and focus groups.
  5. Compare and contrast qualitative data analysis methods, with a focus on thematic and qualitative content analysis.
  6. Demonstrate interviewing and transcription skills
  7. Compare and contrast thematic and qualitative content analysis methods
  8. Critically appraise, review and report on a qualitative research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal
  9. Describe various ways to increase rigour (Trustworthiness) in a qualitative study
  10. Model the contents of a qualitative audit trail
  11. Explain criteria used to ensure a qualitative study is ethical (design and conduct)

  Skills

  Subject Specific (Intellectual and Research Skills)
  1. Develop research questions appropriate for use in a qualitative study or the qualitative component of a mixed methods study
  2. Design a rigorous qualitative study based on interview/focus group data .
  3. Analyse, interpret and present research findings appropriately.
  4. Critically appraise qualitative studies.
  5. Write a potentially fundable qualitative research proposal.
  
  (Transferable and Generic Skills)
  1. Manage and analyse qualitative data.
  2. Be able to discuss the ethical considerations that relate to different types of qualitative research.
  3. Justify how to present research ideas.

  Coursework

  80%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  20%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8174

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Advanced Health Economics, Management and Policy (10 credits)

  ×

  Advanced Health Economics, Management and Policy

  Overview

  This module will cover the following topics:
  
  Economic evaluation methods
  Economic evaluation practice
  Behavioural economics applied to health
  Health and healthcare disparities
  Management
  Policy analysis

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module the successful student should be able to:
  
  • Appraise the fundamental theoretical and practical concepts and tools of economic evaluation
  • Critically appraise a published economic evaluation
  • Use decision analysis to estimate the cost-effectiveness and represent uncertainty around threshold willingness to pay
  • Demonstrate understanding of the use of behavioural economics to further public health goals in practical situations
  • Appraise the incorporation of equity into health system goals
  • Critically engage with the key global health policy questions of care system finance and delivery, and access to interventions and/or technologies
  • Explain alternative systems of healthcare finance and delivery and their relationship with performance

  Skills

  • critical thinking,
  • systematic approach to problem solving,
  • systematic approach to assessment or evaluation,
  • self-directed learning
  • written and verbal communication skills
  • information technology skills
  • time management.
  • Application of applied quantitative techniques

  Coursework

  80%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  20%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  SCM8175

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Normally a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a public-health related subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants must have completed (and passed at equivalent of UK 2:1 standard) a subject/module from any of the following groups:
• Statistics
• Quantitative Methods (e.g. operations research, econometrics, mathematics or biometrics)

Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants

i) QUB

Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if they have successfully completed the third year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree standard. Intercalating applicants should also ensure they 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 must have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Dental Education or equivalent from their home 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 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 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.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lativa Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

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.

Career Prospects

Introduction
MPH in Global Health graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue global public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and with governmental bodies formulating policy and practice guidelines.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards

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.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£8,360
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£8,360
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,360
EU Other 3	£19,100
International	£19,100

¹ EU 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 are for the academic year 2023-24, and 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

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.

Global Health costs

Students have the option to hire a locker, at a cost of £5 per student, per year.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

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.

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Download Postgraduate Prospectus