Principles of Public Health
6 ECTS
Principles of Public Health
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Module Description
The first module of this Master of Science in Public Health will introduce the learners to the basic concepts of public health and the domains of public health practice, encouraging the exploration, from their end, of the underpinning values of this field.
Learners will navigate the multi-disciplinary nature of public health and the type of evidence which can be applied to public health problems.
This introductory module will allow the learners to consider the breadth of determinants of health and the application of public health approaches in different settings, such as:
- Local Community Settings
- Workplace Settings
- Hospital and Clinical Settings
- Governmental and Policy Settings
- Vulnerable Population Settings
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:
- Level 6 Degree related to the subject area of the programme.
OR
- Level 6 degree not related to the subject area of the programme and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board)
OR
- Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to the subject area of the programme and 2 years of work experience in a position related to the subject area of this programme (subject to interview by admissions board).
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the sector of public health.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the public health industry.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate public-health related information.
Career Paths
This programme aims to equip target audience with the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in this application. The programme prepares for positions such as:
- Consultant in Public Health
- Leadership, management and administrative roles of health services, programmes or facilities
- Epidemiologist/biostatistician
- Health promotion and communication specialist
- Health Policy Analyst/Planner
- Global public health professional
- Environmental health scientist
- Public health educator/researcher
How you’ll be assessed
The module comprises of:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of key principles and values of public health.
- Evaluate the principal population-based approaches to health and distinguish them from individual-based approaches.
- Critically apply an understanding of concepts and principles in public health to address public health challenges.
- Identify and critically assess relevant and appropriate sources of data and evidence in public health.
- Identify the key components of a health system and critically analyse the relative importance of different health system elements in different settings and contexts.
- Critically appraise modern advances in public health and discuss challenges and possible responses to emerging health problems locally and globally.
- Engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teamwork.
Knowledge
By the end of the module/unit, the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of key principles and values of public health.
- Evaluate the principal population-based approaches to health and distinguish them from individual-based approaches.
- Critically apply an advanced understanding of concepts and principles in public health to address public health challenges.
- Identify and critically assess relevant and appropriate sources of data and evidence in public health.
- Identify the key components of a health system and critically analyse the relative importance of different health system elements in different settings and contexts.
- Critically appraise modern advances in public health and discuss challenges and possible responses to emerging health problems locally and globally.
- Engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teamwork.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Adhere to the ethical frameworks relevant to public health practice.
- Identify and assess the determinants of health affecting individuals’ and populations’ health.
- Thoroughly appraise data and evidence sources in the field of public health.
- Analyse and devise potential solutions to emerging health problems, both on a local and on a global scale.
- Critically apply the necessary tools to find, evaluate and use relevant information.
- Acquire a personal and intellectual autonomy.
- Construct persuasive arguments and be able to debate relevant issues in a well-informed manner.
- Communicate complex public health concepts effectively with diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
- Demonstrate the acquisition and application of important soft skills including peer working, a strong sense of responsibility, a professional work ethic, critical thinking, autonomy, and problem-solving skills.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and proficiently both verbally and non-verbally, as well as in written form, to different kinds of audiences.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.