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The aim of this programme is to provide students with an enhanced preparation for continuing academic study or Part A of the Membership of the Faculty of Public Health (UK) examination. A wider range of skills and expertise than can be covered in the standard MPH is often requested by employers and individuals who want to be knowledgeable about a wider range of topic areas.
This programme provides a broader version of the current MPH programme (230 instead of 180 credits). By being formally assessed and accredited in more modules, the MPH (SEAL) allows students to demonstrate their wider competency range.
Online Chat Opportunity -
Dr Annette Wood, Public Health programme lead, will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the programme. Just click on the link below, create a username and password and then login at the specified time to start chatting.
Wednesday 15th May, 13.00-15.00, Public Health Online Chat
Type of Course: Taught, continuing professional development
Study Options: Full time, part time
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time or up to 5 years by credit accumulation
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Programme Administrator
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 7577 Email: mph@contacts.bham.ac.uk
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Please note the taught MPH (Seal) programme starts on 30th September 2013 with an introductory week to Public Health. This is a compulsory non assessed week where a variety of eminent researchers and teachers from the School of Health and Population Sciences will explore the key issues for public health in the 21st century.
As well as practising clinicians, the course may be of considerable value for you if you are involved (or thinking about becoming involved) in senior management in health services, as it covers most aspects of population health including epidemiology, statistics, health economics and health service management. Its modular nature allows the flexibility for you to shape the programme to fit your needs in a way that ensures maximum utility with minimum disruption. Moreover, the course is delivered in an environment that combines the pragmatism and ‘can do’ spirit of a modern dynamic health service with the rigour, discipline, and high standards of a premier Russell Group University. The course covers many of the areas necessary for sitting the Part A examination of the Faculty of Public Health. You can study the MPH (Seal) programme either full-time, part-time or up to five years by flexible learning. Overseas students may only study the MPH (Seal) full-time. Teaching takes place in one-week blocks. The course curriculum has been amended to enable you to take 230 credits rather than the usual 180 (as far as is practical) without compromising your choice of modules.
In addition to the University Application Process the Masters in Public Health Programme requires that an application test is passed before an application can be reviewed and a place offered. Please visit http://www.mph-selection.org.uk to take the test. Please note that a mark of 18 or higher is required in the multiple choice section. Applicants may attempt the test as many times as they wish. If you have any queries or concerns please email the MPH Administrative Officer on m.tuttle@bham.ac.uk
Our programme is an internationally recognised qualification in Public Health. It equips you with a broad range of skills that are invaluable for:
The course also covers many of the areas necessary for sitting the Part A examination of the Faculty of Public Health. Modules mainly take place in the Public Health building which is on the beautiful campus of the University of Birmingham and close to the University railway station. Student Quotes "I thoroughly enjoyed the MPH at Birmingham University, and found the course really fascinating. I would recommend it to anyone considering a highly rewarding career in Public Health." Hamira Sultan, Speciality Registrar in Public Health and MPH graduate. I feel that the MPH experience was very important. The writing skills that I acquired, the knowledge in epidemiology, statistics, and the insights in the critical appraisal of the literature will help me in any field of medicine or research. I also feel that it is worth studying medicine at the population level." Christos Mousoulis, Director and MPH graduate.
For full details of all modules click on the module title below.
Core modules
Introduction to Public Health (not assessed)
Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods (20 credits)
Practical Epidemiology and Statistics (10 credits)
Health Information and Health Informatics (10 credits)
Option Modules (Tier 2)
You will choose four modules from the list below:
Health Technology Assessment - Principles and Practices (10 credits)
Health Economics (10 credits)
Public Health Management 1 (10 credits)
Health Care Evaluation and Commissioning (10 credits)
Health Protection 1 (10 credits)
Sociology and Social Policy (10 credits)
Health Promotion 10 (10 credits)
Option Modules (Tier 3)
You choose modules to a total of 90 credits from the list below or any other Tier 2 module not already claimed:
Public Health Management 2 (10 credits)
Methodological Basis of Health Technology Assessment (20 credits)
Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)
Clinical Trials (MPH) (20 credits)
Health Protection 2 (20 credits)
Advanced Statistical Methods (20 credits) - (ESRM and ESHI must be passed first)
International Health Protection (10 credits)
Advanced Applied Epidemiology (10 credits) - (ESRM, ESHI and ASM must be passed first)
Oral Health and Dental Services (20 credits)
This is the module list for 2013-14, but the programme continues to evolve and you should check the website regularly for any changes for next year.
2013/2014 course fees
UK/EU students
MPH - £10080
Non UK/EU
Full-time £19300
Applicants will need to pay a £500 non-refundable deposit at the point of accepting an offer to study on a public health programme. The deposit is put towards payment of fees when students join the course.
Learn more about fees and funding.
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.Visit our website for information about scholarships for international students
For general scholarship enquiries email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
This programme is open to those with a good first degree in any subject of relevance to public health; this includes most biological sciences. Applications are also welcome from UK medical students who wish to intercalate. For the diploma, applications are also accepted from those with a relevant professional qualification or sufficient Public Health experience at the appropriate level without a primary degree, e.g. registered nurses. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the course administrator.
Please note:
Learn more about entry requirements
International students:
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements
Standard English language requirements apply
IELTS - 7.0. overall with no less than 6.5 in any band.
TOEFL - Internet based 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band.
Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
English to IELTS 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) or TOEFL Internet based 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band.
All applicants for the Master of Public Health, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health must complete the online MPH selection test at www.mph-selection.org.uk
When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages
Apply now
As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself. Teaching takes place in one-week blocks, and you will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc. You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.
Assessment is via a mixture of examination and assignment. If a module is assessed by assignment you will usually have approx 4-5 weeks to complete it after the module has finished. If a module is assessed by examination these will take place at the end of May except for the module 'Epidemiology and Statistics' which takes place before Christmas. MPH Students complete their Master's degree by also undertaking a research project and writing a 10,000 word dissertation. This provides an opportunity to pursue a specific area of public health in depth, and to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. It is therefore undertaken only once the taught part of the course has been successfully completed.
Careers Support for Postgraduate Students Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. Here are just a few ways in which we can help postgraduates to get ahead: Careers Networking opportunities Effective careers strategy toolkit Year planner for all postgraduate students Masters Career Coaching Workshops One to one careers guidance The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. They also have a dedicated careers website for international students where you can find useful resources and information. Quotes “We have hired some fantastic Birmingham graduates and postgraduates in the past, and believe that they have the experience and intelligence to understand the challenges of working with Procter and Gamble.” In an independent survey, over 75% of employers regarded a postgraduate Masters-level qualification as ‘essential’ or ‘preferred’ when recruiting. ‘Talent Fishing: What Businesses want from Postgraduates’ A CIHE Report for Department of Business Innovation and Skills, March 2011. For more information visit the Careers Network website.