Public Health (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)

IN BRIEF:

• Gain a public health qualification that explores the social determinants of health
• Learn the skills which match the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2013)
• Develop a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to public health
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

On this course, you'll receive instruction in core public health skills including epidemiology, statistics and research methods. As well as giving you the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of a range of topics; evidence-based public health and 21st Century Global Public Health Challenges. The focus  of the curriculum is on the social determinants of health (which makes it unique among the other Greater Manchester universities).

This course aligns to the 9 key competencies of the UK Faculty of Public Health Curriculum. In this regard, the course will equip you with the core skills you'll need to to effectively interpret and understand key areas of health research and how this can be used to inform and drive policy. You'll also  learn how to use this insight to inform and drive public health.

During your time with us, you can tap into the expertise and skills of our partners, who include external public health practitioners and research staff from across the University. Whilst the programme does not include a placement, or work experience, students have the opportunity to work on external  or internal applied research projects as part of their dissertation.

One of our strengths is the small class size (typically less than 30 students per year) which enables close liaison between students and the leading research staff who will be teaching and mentoring students.

The University of Salford’s School of Health Sciences is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).

TEACHING

To accommodate different learning styles and prior student experiences, a combination of teaching and learning strategies are used throughout the course. These include:course comprises a structured teaching programme within which a variety of teaching methods will be used, to include lectures, case studies, individual and group work, independent learning, student led presentations/discussions, seminars.

• Lectures
• Case studies
• Individual and groups work
• Independent learning
• Student led presentations/discussions
• Seminars

You will also have access to the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard, where you can tap into online resources including discussion boards and wikis.

Teaching is over 10.5 hours per week across two days.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be based on a variety of strategies to include:

• Written assessments
• Examinations
• Project reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project/dissertation

EMPLOYABILITY

Professionals who wish to develop the skills and knowledge to take a lead role in areas such as prevention, promotion, protection and international health.

CAREER PROSPECTS

With this qualification, you'll be well placed to apply for public health roles in local or national government health departments. The range of jobs varies widely, and can include health promotion, health policy development, research or health advocacy.

Full time students on this course can apply for student membership with The Royal Society of Public Health. Upon completion of the course students are eligible to apply for a fellowship membership with The Royal Society of Public Health.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

Lecturers on the MSc Public Health have close links with a range of national and international agencies and community partnership, most through research, with an ‘applied’ focus. Examples of these links include: The World Health Organisation’s Collaborating centre for Research in Oral Health in Deprived Communities; The Royal Society for Public Health; The NHS; Department of Health; Strategic Health Authority; and The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The benefits of these links to students include: research informed teaching; a strong applied focus to the programme; the opportunity to engage with key public health professionals and practitioners; and access to an exciting seminar series, including speakers of international renown.

Visit the Public Health (MSc/PGDip/PGCert) page on the University of Salford website for more details!