Public Health (Global Health) MPH/Diploma/Certificate

The MPH (Global Health) is a strand of the Master in Public Health programme and is aimed at professionals already working in low-and middle-income countries or those aiming in the future to work in health care in such setting.

The MPH (Global Health) is an exit qualification from the MPH programme. Candidates access this strand by applying for the Master in Public Health programme.

This modular multidisciplinary programme in public health offers a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or a Master in Public Health. It is an exciting and engaging programme developed in response to Public Health professionals around the world and delivered by global academic and field experts in public health and health systems. The Masters builds upon the well-established and successful Master in Public Health through the addition of modules which contextualise and apply public health topics and skills in terms of low- and middle- income countries

We also offer the following Public Health programmes:

  • The Master in Public Health, 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.
  • The MPH (Health Technology Assessment)is a strand of the Master 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.
  • The 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.  

Important Notice - changes to our English Language requirement

The English Language requirement for this programme has changed. We now require IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any band).

 

Postgraduate Open Day - Saturday 23rd November

open-days

Our Postgraduate Open Day will give you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our Masters, Diploma, Certificate and Research opportunities. 

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Blog - Master in Public Health 

To give you a taste of day to day life on the Master in Public Health programme at the University of Birmingham we have created a dedicated MPH blog. You can read student profiles, module reviews, research highlights and find out more about our academic staff in our MPH blog. 

  Read the MPH blog  

Course details

The MPH (Global Health) degree is an internationally recognised qualification in public health. This course aimed at professionals already working in low- and middle-income countries or those aiming in the future to work in health care in such setting.

It attracts people with a wide range of professional backgrounds, from those who want a career in Public Health to those who just want to learn more about epidemiology and statistics for research or health service evaluation. It is increasingly accessed by students who have completed a primary degree in a related subject and are wondering what to do next.

This is a modular multidisciplinary programme in public health, which offers a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and a Master in Public Health (180 credits). The course follows the same structure as the normal MPH but has extra compulsory modules. As well as the three core MPH modules, you will study two additional core modules:

You will also carry out a dissertation based upon research conducted on low and middle-income country health or health systems topics. These can be based in Birmingham, such as systematic reviews and data analysis of large data bases, or based upon original data collection in the field in immigrant communities living in the UK or in low and middle-income countries (either a candidates own country or where a supervisor has links). Field trip work might be covered by supervisor grants but in most cases must be supplied by the students or their sponsors as course fees do not include travel and field work expenses. Supervisors are experts in a range of internationally relevant public health topics with projects in numerous low and middle-income countries.

The MPH (Global Health) programme can be studied either full-time, part-time or over a maximum of five years by flexible learning. Overseas students may only study the MPH (Global Health) full-time. Teaching takes place in one-week blocks. The course covers many of the areas necessary for sitting the Part A examination of the Faculty of Public Health.

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. 

Video
Dr Derek Ward, programme lead, talks about the suite of Master in Public Health programmes at the University of Birmingham.

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.

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* (20 credits)
Health Information and Health Informatics* (10 credits)
Global Health* (10 credits)
Further Global Health* (20 credits)

Option Modules (Tier 2)

You will choose 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 (MPH)* (10 credits)

Option Modules (Tier 3)

You choose modules from the list below or any other Tier 2 module not already claimed:

Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis* (20 credits)
Qualitative Research Methods* (20 credits)
Clinical Trials (MPH)* (20 credits)
Advanced Statistical Methods* (10 credits) 

*These modules are available on a stand-alone basis. For more details click on the module title.

Related staff

Fees and funding

Fees

2019 entry:

Home/EU
MPH: £9,250 FT, £4,625 PT
PGDip: £6,167 FT, £3,083 PT
PGCert: £3,083 FT, £1,542 PT

Overseas
MPH: £21,690 FT
PGDip: £14,460 FT
PGCert: £7,230 FT

Please note: there is a £50 non-refundable application fee for the full time course. 

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.

Self funding students can choose to pay in instalments by direct debit.

Learn more about fees and funding.

Postgraduate Loans for Masters students

As a UK resident you can apply for a government loan for postgraduate Masters study. This is a contribution towards the costs of study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs will be at the discretion of the student. Find out more about the  Postgraduate Loan.

Scholarships

Global Scholarships for Excellence

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is offering a number of   Global Scholarships for Excellence for outstanding students on our postgraduate taught programmes. The value of each award is £2,000 to be off-set against tuition fees, is tenable for one year only and cannot be deferred to a later year. The deadline for applications to the scholarship programme is the 1 May 2019. 

Overseas Research Scholarships

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 information about all Home/EU and International funding opportunities please visit the  Postgraduate Funding Database.

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 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component). 

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available. 

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the University, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Find out more about the English for Academic Purposes Presessional course.

How to apply

International students requiring visas

Monday 1 July 2019 is the application deadline for international students who require a visa to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2019 made after this date - a new application should be made for September 2020. Applications will reopen for 2020 entry in early October 2019.

Before you make your application

You may wish to register your interest with us to receive regular news and updates on postgraduate life within this Department and the wider University.

Making your application

Applications must be made through the general Masters of Public Health programme.

OverviewLearning 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.

Related research

Course detailsEmployability

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. 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. For more information visit the Careers Network website. 

Learning and teachingStudent life

Birmingham is one of Europe's most exciting cities. If you are already based here you know what this vibrant, forward-thinking, international city has to offer. If you are moving here you are going to have great fun finding out. It is more than somewhere to study; it is somewhere to build a successful future.

Living in Birmingham

Whether you are looking for university accommodation or a rented property in the private sector, our accommodation services team, 'Living', can help you find the right place.

Postgraduate and Mature Student Association (PGMSA)

If you are a mature student it's worth considering joining the Postgraduate and Mature Student Association (PGMSA). This voluntary, student-led group has an active Facebook group where you can keep up with all the events and activities on offer.

Are you an International Student?

The University of Birmingham has one of the largest international student communities within the UK. The mix of nationalities and cultures on campus greatly enriches our learning and teaching environment and will help you feel at home during your time with us. Find out more at our international student website

Accommodation

University accommodation for postgraduates is located across the University's three student villages, all of which are within walking distance of the main campus. We have a range of accommodation types, including flats with study bedrooms, sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities; flats with ensuite study bedrooms; and studio apartments where you have exclusive use of both kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The City of Birmingham

One of Europe's most exciting destinations, Birmingham is brimming with life and cultures, making it a wonderful place to live, study and work. Our students fall in love with the city - around 40% of our graduates choose to make Birmingham their home.

Employability