Public Health MPH/PG Diploma/PG Certificate

This is a modular multidisciplinary programme in public health, which offers a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters in Public Health. It is designed to provide academic training to professionals currently working in, or who wish to work in, the public health field. Students attend compulsory modules then choose from a wide range of approved modules. From September 2012, students also have to attend a non assessed introductory week at the beginning of the course which provides an introduction to Public Health in particular in the context of health services in the UK.

 

The MPH (Health Technology Assessment) is a strand of the Masters in Public Health (MPH) programme for those students who wish to specialise in public health with health technology assessment. The MPH (HTA) is an exit qualification from the MPH programme.

 

We also offer an MPH (Statement of Extra Accredited Learning) programme - 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.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Continuing professional development, taught

Study Options: Full time, part time

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time or up to 5 years by credit accumulation

Start date: September 2013

Details

Please note the taught MPH 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.

This is a modular multidisciplinary programme in public health, which offers a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and a Masters in Public Health (180 credits). It is designed to provide academic training to professionals currently working in, or who wish to work in, the public health field.

As well as practising clinicians, the course may be of considerable value for those 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 participants to shape the programme to fit their 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.

The MPH programme can be studied either full-time, part-time or over up to five years by flexible learning. Overseas students may only study the MPH full-time. Teaching takes place in one-week blocks.

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.

Why study this course

Our programme is an internationally recognised qualification in Public Health. It equips students with a broad range of skills that are invaluable for:

  • planning, management and evaluation of health services, for disease prevention, health protection and for health promotion.
  • developing a career in a wide range of professional settings, both within and without Public Health and Epidemiology.

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.

Modules

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:

Principles of Health Technology Assessment (10 credits)

Health Economics (10 credits)

Introduction to Leadership and Management in Health (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)

Public Health in low and middle income countries (10 credits)

Option Modules (Tier 3)

You choose modules to a total of 40 credits from the list below or any other Tier 2 module not already claimed:

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) 

International Health Protection (10 credits)

Oral Health and Dental Services (20 credits)

NEW    Further Public Health in low and middle income countries (20 credits)

NEW    Research Ethics (20 credits)

NEW    Public Health Ethics (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.

Fees and funding

 

2013/2014 course fees

UK/EU students

MPH - £8400 / PGDip - £5600

Non UK/EU

Full-time £16770

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

Entry requirements

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:

  • Applications are considered as they are received throughout the year with places awarded to candidates meeting the entry requirements on a ‘first come, first served’ basis
  • Applications from overseas students need to be received by June to enable enough time for processing. Applications from UK students can be accepted until early August.

Learn more about entry requirements

International students:

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.

How to apply

Applying for this course is a two-step process.  You are required to complete the standard University online application form by clicking the Apply Now button below but you must also pass the application test for the Masters in Public Health programme before an application can be reviewed and a place offered.  To take the test please visit http://www.mph-selection.org.uk.  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.

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

Learning and teaching

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 methods

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.

Employability

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.