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Why study a Master of Public Health?

Date

31st Mar 2021

Category

Health

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A Master of Public Health (MPH) is an incredibly versatile qualification, demonstrating your knowledge and suitability to enter a wide range of different healthcare professions.

One of the key aspects of this course is the opportunity to discuss and debate contemporary issues within the sector. You’ll learn about a variety of theories and how these can be practically applied within your own area of responsibility.

This programme is highly attractive to professionals from all walks of life, including from different communities, sectors and varying levels of seniority.  Most applicants who apply to study on this course are already working as a health professional, hold a degree in a related field, or both.

But that is where the similarity between our applicants ends! Their future career plans often differ greatly from one another. The reason for this is that graduates will have acquired technical skills in a wide range of health-related disciplines, as well as collaborative team working, communication and research abilities. This varied skill set means you can go on to have a transformative impact on the level of health within your local community or on a more global scale.

 

What is the course structure and what will I learn?

This course has been structured to empower students with the knowledge and skills to help transform people’s health and wellbeing. The modules focus on developing a student’s critical understanding of the key concepts underlying global public health. You’ll learn from both the course material and your fellow classmates about how this is managed across different parts of the globe. This will improve your adaptability, enabling you to apply your knowledge to the wide variety of different scenarios in which you might find yourself throughout your career.

During the course you will explore contemporary models and strategies which you can use as a way of guiding your design of effective health promotion initiatives, overcoming sector challenges. This will include learning about the theory that underpins these frameworks and the techniques linked to health assessment. You’ll also examine the principles and methods of epidemiology with a particular focus on public health perspectives.

Following graduation, you will be eligible to apply for the Fellowship of Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). As a member, you will be able to access up-to-date knowledge and exclusive resources. As well as potential careers and opportunities, networking with like-minded people, and be recognised as a committed public health professional.

 

Why study this course?

Public health is highlighted with increasing regularity within the media as an area of concern, particularly when it comes to matters such as obesity and a lack of nutrition. As this issue continues to grow in significance, politicians are turning to public health professionals, requiring their assistance with policy setting and the implementation of targeted contingency plans. This means that, as a graduate possessing both health experience and a well-regarded qualification, you will be well suited to thrive within this type of role.

The areas highlighted above transcend both international borders and industry segments, holding significant influence across much of modern society. However public health is managed differently across different parts of the world. That is why an academic background is important, broadening your knowledge of different frameworks and how to select the most suitable one to use. A Masters in this well-regarded subject can allow you to make a real difference within your local community while improving your career prospects and progression opportunities.

What is studying online like?

Like our other programmes, our Master of Public Health is delivered 100% online and part-time. You will access all course materials through our cutting-edge virtual learning environment (VLE), which contains multimedia lecturecasts, a broad eLibrary, engaging discussion forums and the portal for you to upload assignments. There are no exams – the course is assessed entirely through assignments.

You will be supported by a dedicated Student Support team throughout your studies, and you will also receive academic support from our module tutors who are subject matter experts and industry leaders in the field. Our students come from all around the world, and you will be able to interact regularly with them through live Q&As and discussion forums.

 

How long does it take to complete?

The Master of Public Health has an indicative duration of approximately 2 years and is worth a total of 180 credits at level 7.

If you would like to study something shorter, our PG Dip has an indicative duration of 16 months and the PG Cert 8 months. These are both respected stand-alone qualifications which have been designed to enhance your ability to assess priorities, promote public health and consider the wider determinants of population health. They can be a useful way to meet your requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) if that is something necessary for your job. It is also easy to continue your studies and progress to the full degree in the future if you decide that this is right for you.

 

Where can it lead?

Public health professionals focus on the wider population and communities as opposed to individual patients. There are many sectors where your skill set would be beneficial including within national and international Non-Government Organisations, multinational agencies and National Health Services. This could include taking roles as a Public Health Assistant, Health Communication Officer, Health Visitor and Public Health Consultant. Thanks to the more general skillset you will have developed you can also look at positions within data analysis and managing projects.

 

Okay, I’m interested. How do I apply?

Just click right here or you can download a prospectus to find out more details.