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Queen's University Belfast

Public Health

Overview
A MPH is an internationally recognised qualification opening up many employment opportunities throughout the world.
The course equips students with the knowledge and skills base to pursue a career in public health or other health-related leadership roles.
The curriculum for the MPH at Queens is aligned very closely to the syllabus for the professional exams for the UK Faculty of Public Health.

The MPH is designed to introduce students to:
The 'science' of public health practice: a robust, systematic and evidence-based approach to define and understand population health issues and problems.
The 'art' of public health practice - interpersonal and organisational skills to work in partnership with others; influence decisions; support implementation of policy, programmes or interventions; and effect real change. It aims to identify optimal solutions for health gain within available resources.
A global perspective on public health, including the health of underserved areas in Lower and Middle Income Countries (LMICs)

Why Queen's?
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 in the UK to encourage multidisciplinary working and increase capacity to address complex population-level health issues.

One of our strengths is the small class size (typically around 20 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 also 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. There is an emphasis on global aspects of public health and emerging threats and challenges and the course attracts students from all over the world.

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or above in a health-related subject degree or equivalent recognised qualification. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants may be required to undertake an interview.

International Qualifications
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

Additional Information for International Students
International students (for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their studies. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see:

go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner

INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this programme.

For additional information, please visit our website.
English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level.
Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English
See Also The Into Graduate Diploma In Finance Which Combines Academic Study, Intensive English Language Teaching And Study Skills To Prepare You For Entry Into A University Masters Degree.

Duration

1 year full-time for award of MPH. Students may gain a PG Diploma on successful completion of Semesters 1 and 2 (approx. 8 months).

Learning and Teaching
At Queens, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On this course we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Classes are in the morning and afternoon through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and Self-directed study to enhance employability.

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects
MPH graduates will have the skills and knowledge foundation to pursue public health career opportunities in the health and social care sector, health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and in both teaching and research departments in universities.

On completion of the course graduates are well placed to undertake the professional examinations of the UK or Irish Faculty of Public Health and may go on to pursue a career in Public Health.

Throughout the course students will have the opportunity to network with prospective employers.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Further enquiries

School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Whitla Medical Building
Tel: (028) 9097 2615
Email: pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk
www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/Study/PostgraduateTaught/

Subjects taught

Programme content is based on the Diploma (Part A) Examination Syllabus for Membership of the UK Faculty of Public Health, 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.

Semester 1 modules
Introduce core concepts, methodologies and approaches, with an emphasis on critical thinking and the application of new knowledge:
Determinants of Health and Health Improvement (Pt 1)
Medical Statistics
Public Health Sciences

Semester 2 modules
Focus on public health practice within the three principal domains/ modules:
Determinants of Health and Health Improvement (Pt 2)
Health and Social Care Systems
Health Protection
Optional Modules:
- Advanced Public Health Practice
- Global Health

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 and opportunities to conduct projects in underserved areas of LMICs can be arranged.

Comment

Did you know?
There has been a Medical School at Queens University Belfast since 1849!

Classes are in the morning and afternoon through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and Self-directed study to enhance employability.

Assessment method

Assessment is by a variety of methods including written examination, written assignments and oral presentations. A 10-15,000 word dissertation is required.

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
In general, there are no closing dates for the majority of courses (those with closing dates will be highlighted in the Course Finder). However we advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

Postgraduate Research
There is no standard closing date. You should however check both the Universitys website and refer to the relevant School/Institute webpage for information on deadline dates for postgraduate funding applications, as these will also determine when your application for admission should be submitted.