Course Structure
Introduction
This MPH comprises two taught semesters plus one research-based component. Semesters 1 and 2 involve a mixture of formal lectures, tutorials and group work and Semester 3 focuses on the dissertation. Programme content is based on the Diploma (part A) Examination Syllabus for Membership of the UK Faulty of Public Health.
Semester 1 modules
Introduce core concepts, methodologies and approaches, with an emphasis on critical thinking and the application of new knowledge:
Public Health Sciences (25 CATS)
This module discusses the collection of demographic data, demographic analysis techniques and health effects of population characteristics. It also demonstrates understanding of epidemiological concepts and methodologies, and the appropriate interpretation of descriptive and analytic epidemiological study findings. The basic principles of theory and practice in qualitative health research are discussed and critical assessment and appropriate interpretation of published health evidence demonstrated.
Determinants & Improvement of Health (15 CATS)
This module explores the factors that underlie health and disease and will examine variations and inequalities in health; lifestyles and behaviours that impact on health and how our social and physical environment impacts on health. Students will also be given an introduction to health promotion and the planning of health improvement programmes.
Medical Statistics (20 CATS)
This module examines how to formulate research problems in statistical terms, to design informative experiments, to apply appropriate statistical methods and to correctly interpret results. The module provides the skills necessary for the planning and execution of research projects using quantitative techniques to develop evidence.
Semester 2 modules
Focus on public health practice within the three principal domains/modules:
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.
Health Protection (20 CATS)
This module examines the role and functions of health protection bodies, how they identify communicable disease incidents, collect baseline data, assess risk and develop appropriate responses. It allows the student to develop skills in outbreak investigation and management, to demonstrate a systematic approach to environmental hazard risk assessment, investigation and communication for a defined population and how to apply the general principle of integrated emergency management.
Public Health Skills in Practice (20 CATS)
This module uses a systems approach to examine health and social care service provision, exploring issues of prioritisation, funding strategic planning. It discusses the application of frameworks for the measurement and assessment of service quality and examines individual and organizational accountability and systems of governance to safeguard quality as well as exploring frameworks for managing change.
Semester 3
Students are also required to complete an appropriate, discrete, academic or service public health dissertation project to integrate and apply public health-related knowledge and skills. There may be opportunities to work with local public health organisations.
Comment
Public Health highlights
There has been a Medical School at Queen's University Belfast since 1849
World Class Facilities
•In collaboration with the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and other key local stakeholders, Queen's hosts one of five UKCRC Public Health Research Centres of Excellence to encourage multidisciplinary working and increase capacity to address complex population-level health issues.
Student Experience
•One of our strengths is the small class size (typically around 30 students per year) which enables very close liaison between staff and students. You will be based in the Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Northern Ireland, which is one of five UKCRC Public Health Research Centres of Excellence in the UK, and you will be taught and mentored by world-class researchers.
•You will be exposed to a wide range of public health leaders and practitioners who are working in the field of Public Health, making real changes to benefit the health of populations.