Public Health

MSc

This programme is suitable for non-medical and medical graduates who are currently working in public health or health improvement roles, or for those who wish to move into this field.

Campus Riverside
Course MSc
Length 1 Year (up to 6 years Part-time) Full-time
Start date October 2012

The programme aims to develop a broad understanding of public health by developing knowledge, understanding and skills in the core disciplines of epidemiology and statistics.

The programme is flexible, so students can study for interim awards (Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma) as well as the full Master of Science award. Students can also study single modules for continuing professional development purposes.

Why study this course?

The programme is flexible, so students can study for interim awards (Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma) as well as the full Master of Science award. Students can also study single modules for continuing professional development purposes.

Next: Modules

Programme Structure:

The programme is modular, with each taught module worth 20 credits at Level 7 (Masters level). Students will have 200 hours of learning per module, which includes approximately 30 hours of face-to-face tutor contact through lectures, seminars and workshops.

Students will need 180 credits at Level 7 to gain the award of MSc in Public Health. 60 credits are needed for a Postgraduate Certificate , and 120 credits are needed for a Postgraduate Diploma.

Core taught modules for the MSc award are:

  • Contemporary issues in public health
  • Population health: epidemiology and statistics for public health
  • Improving and protecting health and wellbeing: concepts, principles and strategies
  • Evidence-based public health: concepts, principles and methods of evaluation
  • An introduction to qualitative research

Students studying for a Diploma will also take a 20-credit Level 7 'option' module, which can be something more specific to their interests and background.

Students studying for an MSc must complete a research dissertation worth at least 60 credits.

This can either be an 80-credit equivalent dissertation, or students can choose to do a 60-credit equivalent dissertation plus one 20-credit Level 7 'option' module.

Students studying for a Certificate will study three core modules:

  • Contemporary issues in public health
  • Population health: epidemiology and statistics for public health
  • Evidence-based public health: concepts, principles and methods of evaluation
Next: Assessment

A variety of methods will be used to assess students' understanding of the work covered. Summative assessment will include the submission of essay-type assignments, analysis of case studies and oral presentations.

Formative assessment will include self, peer and tutor assessment of seminar/workshop presentations.

Assignments will be equivalent to 4,000-5,500 words in length, and will be marked by tutors according to the published guidelines within the University of Chester's Modular Framework for Taught postgraduates, and in line with the programme-specific learning outcomes.

All written assignments are submitted electronically, unless otherwise stated. Submission dates are normally four weeks after the last taught session of the module.

Next: Careers

Normally students should have an appropriate university degree or equivalent qualification (with a minimum of 50% pass), or equivalent professional qualifications. Alternatively, students with relevant experience and who can demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level may be able to apply through the University's Accreditation of Prior/Experiential Learning (APEL) route.

Applicants should have fluent writing skills and be numerate. Overseas students whose first language is not English will need to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; TOEFL of 575 (written version), 250 (computer version) or 90 (internet version) - gained within the last two years; or equivalent English language qualifi cations. The British Council can provide information about taking the IELTS test overseas and the availability of suitable English language courses.

Beginning: Overview

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