Global Health

Overview

The MPH in Global Health is intended to provide candidates with a clear understanding of global health issues and how those issues affect public health policy and practice.



The MPH in Global Health programme will offer solid public health training and exposure to global health politics, policies, systems and practices through didactic teaching sessions, team-based research and presentations, and individual work-based projects or dissertations.



This interdisciplinary course will help students build skills and competencies including communication, teamwork and project management. Important links will be elucidated between strengthening health systems and key Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty reduction, gender equity, meaningful work and sustainable cities. Strategies for achieving universal health coverage and addressing inequity will be reviewed.



Students undertake taught modules over two semesters. Students will be required to submit a dissertation on a pre-approved global health topic. Successful completion of the dissertation and the assessments of the taught modules will lead to award of the MPH in Global Health.



Intercalated Medical and Dental Students

Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.



Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.



Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full time basis (1 year). Students undertake taught modules: Semester 1 (60 CATS) and Semester 2 (60 CATS).



The MPH in Global Health is awarded to students who have successfully completed all taught modules (120 CATS) and a dissertation (60 CATS).



Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.

Semester 1 Modules:

Introduce core concepts, methodologies and approaches, with an emphasis on critical thinking and the application of new knowledge:



SCM8165 Public Health Concepts and Methods (10 CATS)

This module provides students with the opportunity to learn fundamental skills in public health science.



SCM8167 Statistics in Public Health and Medical Research (10 CATS)

This module focuses on handling data, performing statistical analysis and interpreting statistical output.



SCM8166 Health & Social Care Systems (20 CATS)

This module discusses how health systems can be strengthened and covers the application of a public health approach and perspective to the assessment of the health needs of the population and planning, commissioning and delivery of high- quality evidence -based health and social care services and population screening programmes.



SCM8168 Determinants of Health & Health Improvement (20 CATS)

Students will identify the determinants relating to health problems experienced by individuals, populations and social groups in both a global and local context.



Semester 2 Modules

SCM8169 Health Protection (20 CATS)

This course will encompass a broad variety of public health interventions, aimed at protecting individuals, groups and populations from single cases of infectious disease, incidents and outbreaks, and non-infectious environmental hazards such as chemicals and radiation.



SCM8170 Global Health Development (10 CATS)

This module includes global health policy and politics; governance; players, payers and partners in international development; development, financing and politics of health systems in less developed countries; health and human rights; and health in humanitarian crises.



SCM8172 Maternal and Child Health (10 CATS)

This module includes the roles and functions of maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights services, and related public health threats in selected low and middle income contexts.



Students must choose 4 of the 5 optional 10 CAT modules available from the list below:



SCM8173 Practical Statistics for Medical Research (10 CATS) – optional

Learners will be able to demonstrate applied competence in advanced quantitative methods commonly encountered in Public Health research



SCM8174 Intensive Qualitative Methods (10 CATS) – optional

This module will focus on qualitative approaches and paradigms, and common research designs in public health including mixed methods.



SCM8175 Advanced Health Economics, Management and Planning (10 CATS) – optional



SCM8176 Non-Communicable Diseases (10 CATS) - optional

In this module students will consider the following non-communicable diseases of global importance: Cancer, Diabetes and Circulatory Disease, Eye Health, Respiratory disease, Mental health problem, Violence and Injuries.



SCM8177 Systems Thinking in Public Health (10 CATS) - optional

This module introduces students to the knowledge base and some of the methods in systems thinking and complex systems that can be used to interrogate, understand, and act in complex public health problems.



SCM8178 Dissertation (60 CATS):

Students are also required to complete a dissertation project under the supervision of an academic from the Centre of Public Health. The aim is to integrate and apply global public health-related knowledge and skills gained in earlier modules. Opportunities to conduct projects in under served areas of LMICs may be arranged.

Graduate

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a public health-related subject is required. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS BSc or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.



Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:

External:

An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:

a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.

b) they have achieved at least an overall Upper Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University.

c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

Assessment is by a variety of methods including written examination, written assignments and oral presentations. A 10,000 to 15,000-word dissertation is required. Opportunities to conduct projects in underserved areas of LMICs may be arranged.

1 year (Full Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

MPH in Global Health graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue global public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and with governmental bodies formulating policy and practice guidelines.