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Public Health

MPH or PGDip or PGCert

Key facts
Overview
How to apply
Tuition fees
Learning and assessment
Research
After you graduate

Key facts

Start dates

September 2020

Location

Headington (Marston Road site)

Course length

Full time: MPH: 12 months (September start only)

Part time: MPH: up to 3 years. For PGDip and PGCert, please contact the Programme Administrator

Department

Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development

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Overview

Our successful and innovative MPH in Public Health welcomes UK, EU and international applicants from a wide range of professions.  It is ideal if you are seeking to broaden your knowledge and skill set, or are preparing for advancement in your field or career. 

The course focuses on the health of communities as a recognised concern to a wide group of professionals. We will show how good health can be a right, not a privilege. And you will discover how health is related to:

  • individual biology
  • genetics
  • behavioural factors
  • social factors
  • environmental factors. 

This course is suitable for those seeking a career in public health, people from clinical backgrounds and allied health professionals. If you have a non-health-related degree but have relevant work experience, you are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

We offer a range of opportunities to gain work experience with local public health organisations.   

We also offer a similar course through distance learning.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

You will need a UK or overseas degree from a recognised institution. 

You will need at least six months work experience in a public health related field.

See also our English language requirements.

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.5 in Reading and Writing, and 6.0 in Listening and Speaking) is required.

Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

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English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Pathways courses for international and EU students

We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.

Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.

If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Application process

International applicants will need to apply early to allow enough time for obtaining visas.

If you are offered a place you may be asked to pay a deposit of £1,000 to secure a place on the course.

Applications are dealt with on a first come, first served basis, so please act early to avoid disappointment.

Apply now

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home/EU full time
£9,180
Home/EU part time
£1,020 per single module
International full time
£14,050
Home/EU full time
£9,360
Home/EU part time
£1,040 per single module
International full time
£14,500

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2019/20
Home/EU full time
£9,180
Home/EU part time
£1,020 per single module
International full time
£14,050
2020/21
Home/EU full time
£9,360
Home/EU part time
£1,040 per single module
International full time
£14,500

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.

Financial support and scholarships

Please contact the Programme Administrator to find out whether funding is available to assist with costs. Self-funding applicants are also welcome to apply.

General sources of information about finance and financial support for international applicants can be found at: www.brookes.ac.uk/international/finance

All applicants (UK, EU and international) will be required to provide details of their funding arrangements prior to enrolment on the course.

For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.

Learning and assessment

You will study the following modules:

  • foundations in public health
  • data analysis and interpretation
  • applied research methods
  • epidemiology.

Part-time students can start in either September or January.

If you enter the programme in January, you will start the programme with the epidemiology and applied research methods modules. You'll study foundations in public health and data analysis and interpretation in September.

 

Female student studying on a laptop

Study modules

PGCert

Compulsory modules

Foundations in Public Health (20 credits)

This module explores historic and current trends in public health, with an emphasis on the reduction of health inequalities and the causes of premature death through pre-emptive action. Weekly units will examine the key determinants of health including environmental, behavioural, socio-economic, cultural and disease factors. Global perspectives are integrated into each unit providing knowledge and skills that demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, and valuing human diversity. 

Epidemiology (20 credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts and methods of epidemiology and its application in primary and community health. It covers the principles of epidemiological research, provides an overview of different study designs and when each design is indicated, drawing on real-life examples. It also covers the interpretation of results of epidemiological studies, explains sources of bias and confounding and different methods of statistical measurements used in epidemiology. No prior statistical experience is required, however familiarity with quantitative data would be an advantage.

Data Analysis and Interpretation (20 credits)

This module allows you to understand and evaluate statistical data using SPSS software. You will also gain an understanding of how appropriate statistical techniques are chosen for a particular context and present and interpret statistical information in a report. You will need to participate in the workshop / lectures and gain a minimum of 50% in the coursework submitted at the end of Semester 1 of each academic year.

MPH and PGDip

Compulsory modules

Public Health Policy (20 credits)

This module considers the context and techniques involved in global public health policy development, the factors influencing evidence-based public health policy and its impact on the health and wellbeing of specific populations and groups. It explores ideological frameworks that impact on organisation perspectives and policy making, with an emphasis on the policy process and assessment of policy impacts. 

Advanced Health Promotion (20 credits)

This module explores theoretical and practical aspects of health promotion, including how to develop action plans for health promotion. You will be introduced to behavioural theory as it relates to changes in health behaviour and lifestyle, as well as looking at the larger social dimensions related to lifestyle. The module will also provide you with tools for assessing community health needs, planning health promotion activities, and considering the advantages and disadvantages of engaging communities in developing their own healthy lifestyles.

Applied Research Methods (MPH only) (10 credits)

This module focuses on research as part of a body of evidence used for professional practice and provides you with an overview of methodologies and methods currently used in research in health and social care working environments. It equips you with skills to locate, appraise and apply research, and to plan and execute a piece of research work. It seeks to prepare you to develop a suitable research question as a basis for identifying an appropriate research methodology for a small-scale research-based literature review. By the end of the module, you will be able to prepare a rationale for your chosen research project.

Optional modules

Communicable Diseases and Public Health (20 credits)

This module helps you to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the complexity of communicable diseases in the context of public health. This practice-focused module examines the history, causes and epidemiology of communicable diseases from a broad public health perspective. Associated morbidity and mortality, nationally, internationally and globally are considered together with trends in established and emerging infections. Methods to prevent and control infection are explored including outbreak management, using surveillance, screening and vaccination strategies. 

Evidence-Based Social Intervention (20 credits)

This module asks you to explore the research literature on evidence-based and developmentally appropriate psychosocial interventions with children and adolescents, and to identify their strengths and limitations. It also looks at the role of cognitive-behavioural and other brief therapies in meeting identified need.

Leadership in Health and Social Care (20 credits)

This module gives you the opportunity to develop and apply the knowledge, conceptual and practice skills needed to be an effective leader within health and social care environments, both in the public and private sector. Through a range of assessment and learning opportunities such as coaching, seminar/group work and guided personal study, you will deepen your awareness of key theories and the research evidence on leadership practice and its application at a personal, organisational and inter-organisational level.

Final project

Compulsory modules

Dissertation (MPH only) (50 credits)

The aim of this module is to draw together and enhance your ability to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed previously across the whole programme (especially Applied Research Methods) in a piece of investigative or literature-based research. You will be expected to demonstrate the ability to define a clearly focused research issue, as well as a wide appreciation of the context of the chosen topic. Research methods may vary considerably and you will work with an individual supervisor to evolve a methodology appropriate to the chosen topic. The subsequent inquiry should be based on systematic reading and data collection (as appropriate) and be accompanied by an awareness of the direct implications of the research to Professional Practice and Policy as well as other research in the area.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Learning and teaching

You will learn through the following methods:

  • lectures
  • directed reading
  • workshops
  • seminars 
  • virtual learning environment activities
  • project work.

Many of the core competencies identified in the UK Public Health specialist training curriculum from the UK Faculty of Public Health are met through this study programme.

You will be taught on a module-credit basis, through blended learning or face-to-face contact. Each module requires 200 hours of study. 

You will learn to work at an advanced level within public health and interprofessional teams. Focus on developing critical self-reflection and interpersonal skills. 

Effective use of blended learning will help you to achieve digital and information literacy. 

You will be taught by staff actively engaged in public health research. And receive insight from visiting lecturers within key domains of public health, including: 

  • health improvement (NICE) 
  • health protection (Oxfam)  
  • service improvement (Local Authorities). 

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

You will be assessed through the following methods:

  • written work
  • design work
  • verbal presentations 
  • essays
  • seminar papers
  • verbal presentations
  • workshop exercises
  • practical exercises.

Research

Researcher using a laptop in a quiet space

After you graduate

Career prospects

You will be expertly equipped to move forward in assessing health impact, planning appropriate interventions and understanding public health policy in general. Our modular based system allows you the flexibility to study at a pace to suit you and your current professional commitments, enabling you to open up the boundaries of your career without taking a break.

Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.

For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.