Master of Science in Public Health

Course Description

This Master of Science in Public Health is designed to equip students with the necessary competencies, knowledge, and skills to successfully operate within the public health sector.

This qualification is made up of 7 modules (and a dissertation) whose knowledge and skills are closely aligned with the UK The Faculty of Public Health Diplomate Examination (DFPH) syllabus, as well as that of the European Agency of Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).

The first module tackles the principles and basic concepts of public health and the domains of public health practice. Throughout this unit, students learn about the application of public health approaches in different settings.

The second module introduces students to specific concepts of research methods relating to epidemiology and statistical methods. Students will navigate the principles and methods of epidemiology and fundamental statistical concepts.

The third module of this master’s covers other aspects of research methods, specifically assessment and evaluation approaches and qualitative methods. Students will learn to apply various assessment and evaluation methods to inform public health practice and policy and gain the skills necessary to address complex public health issues from a qualitative perspective.

Students will then go on to cover the multifaceted aspects of disease causation and the diagnostic process in relation to public health, prevention, and health promotion. Here, the students are exposed to the fundamental principles of epidemiology and the determinants of health.

The fifth module tackles the collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of health information. The sixth module goes on to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how social, policy, and economic factors influence public health.

The last module of this qualification provides students with the knowledge and skills relating to principles and practices involved in the organisation and management of health care systems and public health programmes.

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

Modules

You are required to complete all 7 compulsory modules (60 ECTS), as well as the Dissertation (30 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this master’s degree.

How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

• 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:

• Modular Assessment
• Dissertation Assessment

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. 

Dissertation Assessment

Assessment of dissertations is primarily based on:

• Depth of critical understanding of the theoretical framework;
• Application of appropriate research tools;
• Critical approach to analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research findings;
• Depth and level of argumentation build-up;
• Original contribution to the generation of new knowledge/hypothesis/models;
• Scholarly presentation meeting academic standards