Course Structure

Entry point – chose at least one module from
Semester 1: Public Health Concepts (10 CATS) – 12 weeks or
Semester 1: Statistics in Public Health (10 CATS) – 12 weeks

Chose at least one module from
Semester 1: Health & Social Care (20 CATS) – 12 weeks
Semester 1: Determinants of Health (20 CATS) – 12 weeks
Semester 2: Health Protection (20 CATS) – 6 weeks
Semester 2: Public Health in the Health Sector (20 CATS) – 6 weeks

Chose as many modules as needed to make up to a total of 60 CATS from all modules studied
Semester 2: Practical Statistics for Medical Research (10 CATS) – 12 weeks
Semester 2: Intensive Qualitative Methods (10 CATS) – 12 weeks
Semester 2: Advanced Health Economics, Management & Planning (10 CATS) – 6 weeks
Semester 2: Non Communicable Diseases (10 CATS) – 6 weeks
Semester 2: Systems Thinking (10 CATS) – 6 weeks

Introduction

This Postgraduate Certificate has the choice of the following modules over a period of 3 years.

Semester 1 modules

Entry point – students choose to do either SCM8165 or SCM8167
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.

Students choose either SCM8166 or SCM8168

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:

Students must choose from the options below to make up 60 CATS points
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.

SCM8173 Practical Statistics for Medical Research (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.

Teaching Times

9.00am to 5:00pm on scheduled teaching days Students on the Certificate programme will join the full time MPH students for the specific module(s) they are undertaking in that academic year.

Learning and Teaching

Introduction

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

At Queen’s, we aim to provide 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.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• Assessment is by a variety of methods including written examination, written assignments and oral presentations (group or individual)

Modules

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

Postgraduate Certificate graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

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	£2,434
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£2,434
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£3,083
EU Other 3	£8,600
International	£8,600

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

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 to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's 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.

Download a prospectus