Courses

Programme Specification

MPH Public Health

Academic Year 2025/26

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

MPH Public Health

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Masters of Public Health

Programme Code

MED-MPH

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

101317 - Environmental and public healt - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

Full Time - 1 Academic Year

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 7
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/the-frameworks-for-higher-education-qualifications-of-uk-degree-awarding-bodies-2024.pdf	N/A
Accreditations (PSRB)
No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Programme Specific Regulations

Awards, Credits and Programme of Learning Outcomes

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.

1) Students must pass all taught modules and the Research Project to be awarded the degree of Master of Public Health.

2) In the case of failed modules, students will normally be permitted one resit attempt in each module. Students who fail any module twice will normally be required to withdraw.

3) Any student who fails 60 credits or more of taught modules will not be able to proceed to the Research Project module until the taught modules are successfully completed. Students can then choose whether to graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma or re-enrol to take the Research Project in the next academic year.

4) Students will not be permitted to submit the Research Project until all taught modules have been successfully completed.

5) Students who pass all the taught modules but who fail to submit an Academic Paper and Oral Presentation, or fail the Academic Paper following resubmission, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health (dependent on their chosen pathway).

6) Students who have failed to pass all taught modules but who have accumulated a minimum of 60 CATS points will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate.

It is a requirement for full-time postgraduate taught students to attend timetabled teaching sessions for the SCM8163 PGT Learning Development module. Sessions on writing and referencing techniques, plagiarism, and critical thinking are mandatory. Any student not attending the mandatory teaching sessions may be required to complete a formative reflective personal review at the end of the first semester delivery of the module.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
NO Students who are taking this programme as an intercalated degree and whose primary programme is a regulated programme (eg. medicine, dentistry) that is subject to Fitness to Practise (FTP). Also, students who are a qualified professional registered with a regulated professional body (eg. GMC, GDC, etc) are subject to Fitness to Practise regulations.

Educational Aims Of Programme

To introduce the breadth of the public health approach and perspective:
Population based;
Collective responsibility for health, its protection and disease prevention.

The key role of the state, linked to a concern for the underlying socio-economic and wider determinants of health, as well as disease.

A multidisciplinary basis, which incorporates quantitative, as well as qualitative methods; and partnerships with all of those who contribute to the health of the population.

To introduce the 'science of public health' practice which requires a robust, systematic, and evidence-based approach to define and understand population health issues and problems, and to identify optimal solutions for health gain within available resources.

To introduce the 'art of public health' practice which requires interpersonal and organisational skills to work in partnership with others, influence decisions, support implementation of policy, programmes or interventions, and effect real change.

To provide learners with a public health knowledge and skills base, as a foundation for further training and career opportunities in public health practice or academic research.

To facilitate learners in the integration and application of public health related knowledge and skills to:

Identify, characterise, define, describe and communicate public health issues or problems.

Collect, generate, synthesise, appraise, analyse, interpret and communicate quantitative or qualitative information that relates to health status, health determinant s, 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 actions and interventions.

Support and influence health policy, health system, and individual health decisions; and Implement, manage and evaluate agreed public health solutions.

Specifically for the MPH (Global Health) pathway
To introduce the breadth of the global public health approach and perspective:
Population based, with a focus on improving health and achieving health equity for all people worldwide, and the overarching aim to “leave no-one behind”

A vision of global health as promoting equitable access to health resources in all communities, those dwelling in areas of both high and low resources, in both Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs) and high income settings.

Collective responsibility for health, its protection and disease prevention.

The key role of the state, often with the support of multi-national and non-governmental organisations, linked to a concern for the underlying socio-economic and wider determinants of health, as well as disease.

A multidisciplinary basis, which incorporates quantitative, as well as qualitative methods; and- partnerships with all of those who contribute to the health of the population.

To provide learners with a public health knowledge and skills base, as a foundation for further training and career opportunities in global public health practice or academic research, with a focus on health equity problems and solutions in low-resource areas.

To facilitate learners in the integration and application of public health related knowledge and skills with a focus on low resource settings, to:

Identify, characterise, define, describe and communicate public health issues or problems.

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.

Support and influence health policy, health system, and individual health decisions; and
Implement, manage and evaluate agreed public health solutions.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critical thinking: Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate complex ideas, arguments, and evidence to form well-reasoned and independent judgements.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
group discussion
problem based learning
self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Analytical skills: Apply analytical techniques to deconstruct complex problems, interpret data, and draw insightful conclusions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Demonstrated computer-based practicals in statistical methods
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Systematic approach to problem solving: Employ a structured and evidence-based approach to identify, analyse, and resolve complex problems using appropriate frameworks.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Systematic approach to assessment or evaluation: Apply a structured, evidence-based approach to critically assess or evaluate public health programmes, policies, or interventions, using appropriate criteria to inform decision-making and improve population health outcomes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Research skills: Independently plan and carry out research by selecting appropriate methods, critically analysing information, and effectively communicating findings in a clear and structured format.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Self-directed learning: Demonstrate the ability to independently identify learning needs, set goals, and manage personal study using appropriate resources and reflective strategies.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Written and verbal communication skills: : Communicate ideas clearly and effectively in both written and spoken formats, adapting style and structure to suit different audiences and contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Information technology skills: Use a range of digital tools and platforms to locate, analyse, and present information effectively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures, demonstrated computer practicals and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Manage Time: Effectively: Plan, prioritise, and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Team work: Collaborate effectively within a team by contributing ideas, respecting diverse perspectives, and working towards shared goals.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and interactive seminars
Group discussions
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Discuss the collection of demographic data, demographic analysis techniques and health effects of population characteristics;
Apply public health research concepts and methodologies, and the appropriate interpretation of descriptive and analytic study findings;
Describe the basic principles of theory and practice in qualitative health research
Critically assess and interpret published health evidence.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures, demonstrated computer practicals and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations

Select appropriate statistical methods for summarising data, for testing statistical hypotheses, for describing relationships and for assessing confounding. Perform statistical analyses using a computer package and interpret the output from such analyses.
Appraise the assumptions required for these statistical methods and their limitations.
Define the important role played by statistics in science and medicine

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures, demonstrated computer practicals and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Describe and discuss the main social, environmental and political determinants of health within a bio-psychosocial model; the lifecourse approach; inequalities in health; approaches to public health policy, theory and practice. Compare psychological and sociological concepts of health and ill-health

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Identify methods of improving the health of the public through evidence-based policy and strategy development and implementation, using collaborative working and public health leadership skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Recognise key threats to public health from communicable diseases, environmental hazards, major incidents and outline the key elements of responding to such threats.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Discuss health and social care systems within the UK and globally and how these can be strengthened.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Identify health needs of population groups and describe the key processes involved in planning, commissioning and delivering high quality healthcare and population screening services.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Gain more in-depth knowledge and skills in relation to quality improvement, team working and health impact assessment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply a general public health approach and perspective to relevant issues, including appropriate research methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Apply appropriate statistical approaches and perspectives to medical and public health research; to the surveillance and assessment of the population's health and well-being; in planning, analysing, and assessing the evidence of effectiveness of medical, health and healthcare interventions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Use public health methods to consider the determinants of health at population level; and in the planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based interventions to address lifestyle and behavioural choices

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Use appropriate risk assessment and risk management processes for public health incidents;
Apply epidemiological and statistical knowledge to real world situations including processes for infection prevention and control, and for the control of environmental hazards

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Apply the concepts of health economics and economic evaluation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Specific to the MPH (core) pathway:
Use public health intelligence for assessment of the population's health and well-being, and for assessing the evidence of the effectiveness of health and healthcare interventions; programmes and services

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Group discussion
Problem based learning
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper and Oral Presentation

Specific to the MPH (GH) pathway:
Identify key health challenges in low- and middle-income countries
Critically appraise global health policy on a range of issues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper and Oral Presentation

Specific to the MPH (GH) pathway:
Describe the principles for providing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) services specifically in resource constrained settings
Discuss the design and implementation of effective primary and
secondary MCH/SRHR services
Appraise evidence for interventions used to improve maternal and child health

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Specifically for MPH (GH) pathway
Describe the principles for providing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) services specifically in resource constrained settings
Discuss the design and implementation of effective primary and
secondary MCH/SRHR services
Appraise evidence for interventions used to improve maternal and child health

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments
Oral presentations
Academic Paper

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Intensive Qualitative Methods	SCM8174	7	10	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Research Project	SCM8179	7	60	--	YES	15 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Health Protection	SCM8169	7	20	--	YES	6 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Noncommunicable Diseases	SCM8176	7	10	--	YES	6 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Public Health in the Health Sector	SCM8171	7	20	--	YES	6 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Determinants of Health and Health Improvement	SCM8168	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Public Health Concepts and Methods	SCM8165	7	10	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	0%	0%	100%
Health and Social Care Systems	SCM8166	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Practical Statistics for Medical Research	SCM8173	7	10	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Advanced Health Economics, Management and Policy	SCM8175	7	10	--	YES	6 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Systems Thinking and Complex Systems in Public Health	SCM8177	7	10	--	YES	6 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research	SCM8167	7	10	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	20%	0%	80%

Notes

Core modules add up to 160 CAT Points with students needing to choose an additional 2 optional modules to equal 180 CAT Points