Skip to Content

detail

Certificate in Public Health

Academic Year 2017/18

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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.

Programme Title

Certificate in Public Health

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

Postgraduate Certificate

Programme Code

MED-PC-PH

UCAS Code

JACS Code

A900 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

For current general University entry requirements for this pathway go to:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/ado

Candidates cannot apply for entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health; it is only available to those who have successfully completed at least 60 CATS from the modules available and who are not able to achieve the Diploma or Masters awards.

For further Information refer to:
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Postgraduate and Professional Development
Whitla Medical Building,
97 Lisburn Road
Belfast BT9 7BL
www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9097 2615
Email: pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

1 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

60

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

N/A

Accreditations (PSRB)

REGULATION INFORMATION

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

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Awards, Credits and Programme of Learning Outcomes
Examinations
The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.

Examinations
1. The Certificate in Public Health is only available to those who are enrolled for the Masters in Public Health and who are not able to achieve the award of Diploma or Masters.

2. Candidates who achieve 60 CAT points from the available taught modules will be eligible for award of Certificate.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
No (with the exception of students who are taking this as an intercalated degree and whose primary programmes are subject to FTP 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 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

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Critical thinking

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Analytical skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Systematic approach to problem solving

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Systematic approach to assessment or evaluation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Self-directed learning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Written and verbal communication skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Information technology skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Time management skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Team work

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Source, and appraise public health scientific literature which will draw on the key methodologies involved in the science of public health
a) epidemiological concepts and methodologies
b) demography
c) qualitative health research

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

Apply a range of medical statistical 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

Describe the determinants of health and disease and critically appraise the literature relating to these determinants

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

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

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

Students will be able to identify health needs of population groups and describe the key processes involved in planning, commissioning and delivering high quality healthcare and population screening services. Students will be able to interpret and apply health economics concepts to decision making.

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

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Interpret and use demographic data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Interpret descriptive and analytic epidemiological study findings

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Discuss the basic principles of theory and practice in qualitative health research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations

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
Oral presentations

Demonstrate critical assessment and appropriate interpretation of published health evidence.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Apply critical, analytical and creative thinking to a range of public health issues

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Demonstrate numerical and data handling skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment
Oral presentations

Demonstrate familiarity with use of Statistical Software Packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Interactive lectures and seminars
Problem-based learning
Group discussion
Self-directed learning
Use of statistical packages via practical sessions

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Written assignment

Explain observed variations in health and disease, categorising factors that influence or determine individual and population health;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Summarise the concepts of inequalities and inequities in health, outlining possible explanations for the observed association between socio-economic disadvantage and poor health outcomes;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Discuss the concept of healthy choices and summarise current evidence for the health effects of lifestyle choices such as nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco smoke on health.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Outline sociological perspective, explanations, processes and constructs for observed patterns and experiences of health and disease; describe observed and potential effects of the physical environment on individual and population health.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Outline the epidemiology of the major preventable diseases and discuss evidence based approaches to prevention

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Discuss the implications of current genetics knowledge and research for disease risk reduction and treatment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

Discuss the advocacy role of public health practitioners as agents of policy change; describe the process of policy-making through the inter-relationship of context, process and actors; illustrate the principles of policy analysis, strategy development and local implementation; discuss the relative importance of individual and society decisions for health and ethical issues relating to health improvement; summarise the theory and principles of health improvement interventions directed at individuals, community groups, marginalized groups, and large populations; outline a systematic model for planning, implementation and evaluation of a health promotion intervention in a defined group of individuals or population; discuss approaches and barriers to multi agency working in public health; and apply basic models and theories for public health leadership, operational management, team working, organisations, and collaborative working in the context of health improvement

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

apply a systems approach to health and social care service provision; discuss approaches to prioritising, funding, strategic planning, and commissioning of services; apply frameworks for service quality measurement and assessment; interpret measures of service utilisation and performance appropriately; discuss individual and organisational accountability and systems of governance to safeguard quality; outline the generic steps in a quality improvement project and apply this to a specific context;; outline the evidence for population screening programmes, using established criteria; and discuss the organisation and quality assurance of screening programmes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Oral presentations

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
-Oral presentations

MODULE INFORMATION

Programme Requirements

Module Title

Module Code

Level/ stage

Credits

Availability

Duration

Pre-requisite

 

Assessment

 

 

 

 

S1

S2

 

 

Core

Option

Coursework %

Practical %

Examination %

Medical Statistics for Postgraduate Students

SCM7044

7

20

YES

11 weeks

N

YES

20%

0%

80%

Determinants of Health and Disease and Health Improvement

SCM8102

7

15

YES

5 weeks

N

YES

0%

0%

100%

Public Health Sciences

SCM8103

7

25

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

20%

0%

80%

Health Protection

SCM8104

7

15

YES

8 weeks

N

YES

0%

0%

100%

Health and Social Care Systems

SCM8105

7

20

YES

4 weeks

N

YES

0%

20%

80%

Global Health 1 : Non- communicable diseases

SCM8107

7

20

YES

4 weeks

N

YES

0%

30%

70%

Public Health Skills in Practice

SCM8135

7

20

YES

8 weeks

N

YES

0%

20%

80%

GlobalHealth 2: Maternal and Child Health

SCM8136

7

10

YES

4 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Global Health 3 - Development

SCM8137

7

10

YES

4 weeks

N

YES

0%

20%

80%

Notes

Compulsory Modules
Students must take all compulsory modules which comprises
Semester 1 – 3 modules: Medical Statistics (SCM7044); Determinants of Health & Disease & Health Improvement (SCM8102); Public Health Sciences (SCM8103) and Semester 2 – 1 module: Health & Social Care Systems (SCM8105)
Optional Modules (Semester 2 only)
Students must take either:
i) Public Health stream - 2 optional modules (SCM8104-20 CATS) and (SCM8135 – 20 CATS) or;
ii) Global Health stream - 3 optional modules in Global Health 1 non Communicable Disease (20 CATS), Global Health 2: Maternal and Child Health (10 CATS) and Global Health 3: Development (10 CATS)