Course summary

This course is for those who wish to pursue a career in Public Health in the UK, internationally with the UK National Health Service (or its equivalent abroad), local government, the voluntary sector or academic health care. The Masters in Public Health (MPH), together with service training, is suitable as preparation for the Part A examination of the Faculty of Public Health. You will study: •the factors that can influence the health of populations •the provision of health and health care •research skills •how to apply research findings to improve health and the delivery of health care services. One third of the MPH involves a research project, which is developed in collaboration with staff in the Institute of Health and Society. Your research project will focus on a topic in public health. You can choose from a wide range of projects put forward by our academic staff, or propose your own research area. Projects vary and can involve: •primary data collection (quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods) •secondary analysis of a wide range of available datasets •systematic review. You receive thorough grounding in introductory and advanced research methods, and are provided with regular research supervision throughout the course. You are encouraged to present your research at conferences and publish in peer reviewed journals, for example the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Delivery: The course consists of taught modules and a supervised project and dissertation. Your project and dissertation are an extremely valuable opportunity for you to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills learnt in the taught component of the course. Teaching is via a mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. We encourage active learning through discussion, problem-solving and group work. Some teaching sessions may involve student presentations, and preparatory or further reading. Individual study is required for other sessions. Some of our modules are taught in three day blocks over three weeks. Others are taught in three hour blocks. Placements: You are encouraged to complete work experience placements, which the university's careers service can help arrange. This experience helps to increase your transferable skills and enhance your CV. Previous placements have included: •literature searching and reviewing •interviewing •collaboration with National Energy Action (Newcastle based non-governmental organisation). Facilities: You will be based in the Institute of Health and Society in the Baddiley-Clark Building, adjacent to the main Faculty of Medical Sciences site. You will have access to: •open plan workspaces •meeting rooms of all sizes •'breakout' areas for informal discussion •a dedicated audio-visual room for analysing both audio and video information.