Course overview
We are keen to share our vision by reaching out to students worldwide with full support, interactive resources and experienced team members.
Whether you are studying for career development, part time or full time, or from a specific professional interest in the discipline, the MPH and DPH courses offer a distinguished, broader-based learning experience aligned with the growing worldwide interest in public health development. You focus on core concepts and principles underpinning public health practice and policy development, applying these in a variety of settings, including your own area of practice or interest through assessments.
Supporting information for applicants
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
This module provides you with an understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis employed in public health research. The content covers both theoretical and practical aspects of data analysis, ranging from basic exploratory analysis to more complex multi-variable analysis.
Develop the knowledge and skills you need to design and manage primary or secondary research, audit or evaluation project relevant to your practice, preparing you for dissertation. You also cover research governance and ethics, to prepare you to apply for ethical approval or release.
You are assessed through a written 4,000-word proposal for a research, audit or evaluation study, which is worth 100% of the module marks and should be submitted in week 13.
Here you consolidate and develop further skills and knowledge from previous modules. More specifically you synthesise learning as you apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study. You use a range of different methodologies for your study, such as quantitative, qualitative or systematic review.
You explore the role of epidemiology in the understanding of health and disease, policy development and service provision. The module includes an introduction to the basic principles of epidemiology and the most commonly used research methods. Emphasis is placed on the strengths and weaknesses of various study designs with regard to confounding, bias and validity. You review measures of disease occurrence, and sources of routinely collected data. Key concepts in epidemiological methodology are explored, and you develop skills in the evaluation of epidemiological research.
You examine the key public health principles and factors that contribute to an international public health discipline and develop a good understanding of the public health spectrum. These key principles include an in-depth examination of global health, exploring health and health inequalities globally, taking into account international health systems and economies as well as the key public health principles such as health protection, disease notification, collaborative working and management of major public health incidents nationally and globally. Specific areas covered include:
• globalisation and the impact on international public health policy
• communication in public health
• principles of global health
• cultures and society
• health protection
• overview of molecular biology of disease
• environmental health
• health economics.
Leadership and Management in Public Health
You are provided with a detailed understanding of the role of public health leadership and management in improving population and community health. You critically explore key strategic drivers, collaborative working for health and wellbeing outcomes; as well as critical professional reflection and ethical conduct in leadership. You are supported in cultivating leadership and management skills and knowledge. This module is ideal for those who are existing, emerging leaders or aspire to be future leaders in public health, as well as those working in a health and social care context or those wanting to gain knowledge and understanding of the role of leadership and the strategic challenges related to public health practice. Specific areas covered include:
• types of leadership: styles and theory
• resource allocation in health care
• using health data to inform strategic direction
• use of an ethical framework in decision making/priority setting
• evaluating public health interventions
• organisational culture
• public health law
• how to use reflection for continued professional development
• report writing.
This module is designed to enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the context of public health. It is aimed at students who have a role or partial role in public health, or are wishing to move into the field.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through recorded lectures and structured open learning materials. You are encouraged to participate in online discussion and activities, and there are key points when you must be available through online web technology as part of the assessment framework. Individual tutorial support is available to you throughout the course.
How you are assessed
You are assessed through a range of methods to provide a variety of learning experiences and to challenge and extend your knowledge. These include written reports and essays, defended poster, case study, research proposals, and a dissertation. You are given written feedback on all assignments to outline your progress and encourage further development.
Entry requirements
An honours degree (2.2 and above) or equivalent in a subject related to social sciences, health and health sciences, life sciences, or public health.
Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credits for previous study or related work experience which can be credited towards the course you want to study. Find out more about RPL.
Requirements
You must have access to a multi-media computer (PC or laptop) with broadband connection to the internet, and recent versions of the following applications/programmes (generally available on most computers):
• a suitable internet browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Chrome)
• Java
• Adobe
• Flash Player.
This allows you to handle the University’s online access points, follow the information of the virtual learning environment (VLE) sites and download essential software for the course.
If you are an online learner you can access all the same materials as attendance students, including recorded lectures, blogs, webinars and online materials through the VLE.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
Successful completion of this programme provides opportunities for career progression for those already working in public health and opportunities for others to embark on a career in the field. It also serves as preparation for those wishing to take the Faculty of Public Health Part A examination.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
