Dissertation
30 ECTS
Dissertation
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Module Description
The dissertation is a compulsory element of the Master of Science in Public Health.
The aim of it is to produce an original piece of research work on a clearly defined topic. Additionally, it enables the student to develop deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities and attitudes in the context of the programme of study.
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
This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 22,000 words and no longer than 25,000 words to be submitted via an online portal.
Final, MSc Public Health qualification grade is a weighted score of:
- Final Modular Grades – 60%
- Final Dissertation Grade – 40%
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:
1: Establish a Research Territory
- Showing that the general research area is important, central, interesting, problematic, or relevant.
- Presenting and reviewing items of previous research in the area.
- Being conscious and responsible for the ethical aspects of research and development work.
2: Create a Niche
- Indicating a gap in the previous research, or extend prior knowledge in some way.
- Contributing to research and development work.
3: Occupy the Niche
- Outlining purposes or state the nature of the present research.
- Complying research questions or hypotheses.
- Announcing principal findings.
- Stating the value of the present research.
4:Conduct independent research and critical inquiry.
- Formulating research questions and hypotheses relating to public health challenges.
- Critically analysing scientific evidence.
- Applying appropriate research methodologies.
- Complying with research integrity standards.
- Communicating research findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers and the general public.
Knowledge:
Students will be able to critically analyse the rationale, significance and implications of the following topics:
- Quantitative Research Methods.
- Qualitative Research Methods.
- Mix Methods.
- Sampling strategies.
- Data collection, analysis and interpretation methods.
- Topic Selection.
- Research Questions and Hypothesis.
- Structure of research paper.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Identify a research problem related to the subject area of this programme.
- Formulate the research problem precisely.
- Critically review and synthesise the relevant literature on the subject area in order to construct a conceptual framework to underpin research.
- Apply an appropriate methodology for collecting and analysing primary and secondary data with due regard to ethical considerations.
- Interpret and present data clearly and critically discuss the findings.
- Appraise the implications of the research outcomes to managerial professional practice.
- Be able to communicate verbally and in writing the acquired knowledge, understanding, ideas and research findings with a high level of clarity, organisation and coherency in the build-up of an argument
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding in relation to the agreed area of study.
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.