Public Health

This programme is offered via a modular framework, with a combination of compulsory and designated modules which commence in October, February and June. Students may access the programme at any of these points, if completing it as a part-time student. If enrolled as a full-time student this will normally be completed over a one year period.

Attendance varies depending on the modules accessed, and further information is available from module leaders.

This postgraduate award prepares students for a career in public health at both strategic and operational levels.

The full MSc consists of five compulsory modules, and up to 40 credits of designated modules, or 20 credits of designated and 20 credits from an elective module.

• Compulsory modules are those which every student must undertake
• Designated modules are those which have been identified as offering a range of public health topics which students can choose dependant on their speciality (see examples below)
• An elective module is an opportunity to undertake any postgraduate module within the University's provision. This gives students an opportunity to access learning which may be particularly relevant to their roles and responsibilities if currently employed

• Develop and enhance current knowledge and skills regarding public health practice
• Extend and apply both knowledge and practical skills to current circumstances
• Identify learning needs and develop independent learning skills to meet these needs
• Inter-professional learning

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

The five compulsory modules include:

• Epidemiology
• Principles and Perspectives of Health Promotion
• Research Methods in Health and Social Care
• Leading Public Health Practice
• Dissertation

Choices for designated modules:

• Comparative Health Systems
• Leading People in Health and Social Care Organisations
• Ecosystem Services
• Substance Use and Misuse
• Therapeutic Communication Interventions
• Nutrition in a Global Context

Examples of modules which could be considered for elective modules:

• Sustainable Urban Environments
• Mental Health and Social Exclusion
• International Environmental Management Policy and Control
• Managing Change
• Developing Cross-Cultural Capability
• Bioethics
• Environmental Psychology

Gillam S. Yates J. Badrinath P (2009) Essential Public Health theory and practice. University Press. Cambridge

This programme comprises of a range of assessment strategies which enables students to demonstrate knowledge, synthesis and analysis in a variety of forms. Assessment strategies include critical reflection, reports/proposals, essays, presentations and examinations.

The University offers a wide range of facilities to support your learning, and these can be seen on the University website http://www.northampton.ac.uk/.

The programme is offered via a full-time or part-time route. The part-time programme is via flexible modular delivery which enables part-time students to access modules at a pace that suits individual needs. The full-time programme is more structured in order to enable students to complete within a one year time frame.

There are a range of teaching and learning methods used within this programme including core lectures; action learning and group work; online activity; tutorials and workshops. It is anticipated that students will have some background within public health environments and will therefore bring some knowledge and skills to this learning experience. Students will be encouraged to debate, discuss and reflect on contemporary public health issues in order to enhance learning.

Public health is a growing field of study, and therefore there is an abundance of job opportunities to suit a variety of interests and skills. A Master's degree will help career advancement within a variety of organisations and professions such as, health and social care, local authority, and voluntary organisations.

It is anticipated that some students will access these modules on a part-time basis and use personal work environments to support learning. Those students who are not currently working will have the opportunity to undertake voluntary work as a member of The University of Northampton's volunteering service.

This award, whilst offering an academic qualification, does not lead to a professional qualification.

All students will be supported by an academic tutor/advisor who will offer guidance and support in identifying the most appropriate designated/elective modules to meet personal learning needs/work environments.