The aims of the postgraduate programmes in public health and primary care are to:
- Provide students with the core knowledge necessary to develop competence in the academic underpinning of public health, with special emphasis on the critical appraisal of the evidence base (Cert, Dip, MPH, MRes);
- Produce graduates who understand the theory underlying the practice of public health and thus to equip them to proceed, should they wish, into further professional training within one of the diverse settings to which the public health perspective contributes (e.g. many clinical and related management disciplines) or where public health per se (e.g. a specialist in public health post) is practised (Dip, MPH, MRes);
- Teach students the rudiments of research methods and critical appraisal within the discipline so that on a life-long basis, they will be able to apply this knowledge to assess evidence that comes before them (Dip, MPH, MRes);
- Equip students to gain employment in public health (Dip, MPH);
- Obtain practical experience of designing, analysing and writing up a research project to enable the transition towards undertaking a research degree or to doing research in other settings (MRes).
We offer two main awards, the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Master of Research (MRes), as well as a PG Diploma, a PG Certificate and stand-alone CPD units known as Public Health Professional Development (PHPD). The core requirements for these courses are different and are outlined below. However, students from all these courses choose their units from a common pool, use the Blackboard learning environment, and share the same online discussions.
Philosophy of the programmes
All of the courses offered in this programme share the same philosophy.
Evidence
Developing skills in the collection, synthesis and implementation of evidence is central to this programme. Each course unit will be based on this approach wherever possible, and will use the evidence cycle as it applies to the population as a theme.
This can be summarised as: Collection, Synthesis (and/or Appraisal), and Implementation/Application.
Skills
The programmes emphasise the acquisition of skills so that you can put into practice what you learn. Many Masters level courses teach attitudes and knowledge, while our emphasis will be more focused on the development of skills to use in professional life. These skills also translate into the ability to perform and appraise research projects as well as developing the skills necessary to pass the professional examinations of the Faculty of Public Health.
Students will also be guided and encouraged to develop new and further refine their existing communication skills. Clear, precise, well presented and referenced writing is essential. Students will be required to present their assignments in styles which reflect models used in public health and research. Students should access study skills materials for academic writing and presentation skills which can be found on Blackboard – please see the Course Units available in 2016 – 2017 under section 2.5 for more information.
Self-directed study
The programmes encourage self-directed study around clearly identified learning outcomes for each course unit, rather than the provision of lectures or just web-based lecture notes.
Implications
The implications of emphasizing self-directed study and skills are that the course will largely involve active learning methods using case-scenarios, exercises, etc., in a problem-based approach. Hence, examples and exercises will use real-world examples from appropriate settings, for example from primary/secondary care, public health practice, etc.
The programmes include a visionary aspect, so course units will cover the latest developments in the field and horizon scan for new and emerging topics and policies.
2.1 Master of Public Health (MPH), PG Diploma and PG Cert Programme
This programme has six streams: Public Health, Primary Care, Health Protection, Health Promotion, Global Health, and Global Health and Emergency Humanitarian Assistance.
The programme aims to provide an entrance to research development, mainly for those currently in the workforce who wish to become researchers, through a combination of coursework and research training in public health and primary care.
MPH course outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Assess the evidence that underlies health practice
- Develop a population focus to health issues
- Develop research skills necessary to research and answer population health questions
- Be able to work under supervision in a research capacity
- Be able to enter higher degree (PhD) research training
- Understand and develop skills in order to carry out research in the primary care and public health settings
Specific public health learning outcomes
On completion of the Master’s programme you will be able to demonstrate competencies in:
- Surveillance and assessment of the population’s health and well-being (including managing, analysing and interpreting evidence)
- Promoting and protecting the population’s health and well-being
- Understanding quality and risk management within an evaluative culture
- Collaborative working for health
- Developing health programmes and services for reducing inequalities
- Policy and strategy development and implementation
- Working with and for communities
- Strategic leadership for health
- Research and development
- Ethically managing self, people and resources (including education and continuing professional development)
Those of you that complete either the PG Certificate or PG Diploma will be expected to have met a subset of these objectives, the mix depending on individual professional requirements. The items above are adapted from the core public health competencies detailed by the Faculty of Public Health.
2.1.1 Programme Structures and Core Course Units
A list of the units offered in 2016/17 can be found on our website under ‘Course Details’ & under the ‘My Course’ tab in My Manchester:
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health
Total: 4 course units = 60 credits
- One core course unit Evidence-Based Practice (15 credits).
- Any three course units (15 credits each)
PRE-September 2016 students
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Total: 8 course units = 120 credits
- Three core course units: Biostatistics (15 credits), Fundamentals of Epidemiology (15 credits) and Evidence-Based Practice (15 credits).
- Five optional course units (15 credits each)
Master of Public Health
Total: 8 course units + MPH dissertation = 180 credits
- Three core course units: Biostatistics (15 credits), Fundamentals of Epidemiology (15 credits) and Evidence Based Practice (15 credits)
- Five optional course units (15 credits each). NB Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits) is a prerequisite for any students planning a qualitative dissertation
- Dissertation/project (60 credits)
POST-September 2016 students
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Total: 8 course units = 120 credits
- Two core course units: Fundamentals of Epidemiology (15 credits) and Evidence-Based Practice (15 credits).
- Six optional course units (15 credits each)
Master of Public Health
Total: 8 course units + MPH dissertation = 180 credits
- Two core course units: Fundamentals of Epidemiology (15 credits) and Evidence Based Practice (15 credits)
- Six optional course units (15 credits each). NB Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits) is a prerequisite for any students planning a qualitative dissertation
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Specialist plans (MPH and PG Dip only)
The following specialist plans common to the PG Dip and MPH have an additional core course unit, except Public Health which does not require an additional core unit.
- Global Health specialist plan
Core unit: Health System Challenges in Low and Middle Income Countries
- Global Health + Emergency Humanitarian Assistance specialist plan
Core units: Emergency Humanitarian Assistance* and Health System Challenges in Low and Middle Income Countries
*Please note that Emergency Humanitarian Assistance incorporates a compulsory face-to-face element*
- Health Promotion specialist plan
Core unit: Health Promotion Theory and Methods
- Health Protection specialist plan
Core unit: Communicable Disease Control and/or Emergency Planning Response and Resilience
- Primary Care specialist plan
Core unit: Primary Health Care
- Public Health: no additional core unit
Please be aware that it is your responsibility to ensure that you complete the core units required for your stream. Should you wish to change stream or check the requirements for your programme at any time please contact mph.admin@manchester.ac.uk.
*For all PG Cert, PG Diploma, MPH and MRES (excluding MRES ACFs who will study Research Methods) students starting their study from September 2015 onwards, they will need to complete Evidence Based Practice in their first semester of study. This unit will automatically be added to their record.
2.2 Master of Research (MRes) Programme
The MRes has two streams, one in public health and the other in primary care. Distinction between the two is on the basis of the course units taken and the research topics chosen.
The programme aims to provide an entrance to research development, mainly for those currently in the workforce who wish to become researchers, through a combination of coursework and research training in public health and primary care.
An increasing numbers of Academic Clinical Fellows (ACFs) from around the UK are taking this programme. There are certain training requirements which are specific to this group of students. Rather than taking Evidence Based Practice (EBP) all new ACFs should instead take Research Methods (RM), which contains these features. Existing MRes students who have already taken EBP do not need to take RM.
MRes course outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Assess the evidence that underlies health practice
- Develop a population focus for health issues
- Develop research skills necessary to research and answer population health questions
- Be able to work under supervision in a research capacity
- Be able to enter higher degree (PhD) research training
- Understand and develop skills in order to carry out research in the primary care and public health settings
MRes (Public Health) core units
Total: 6 units + MRes dissertation = 180 credits
- Biostatistics (15 credits) PRE-September 2016 students only
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (15 credits)
- Evidence Based Practice (or Research Methods if an ACF) (15 credits)
- Three/Four additional units (15 credits each). NB Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits) is a prerequisite for any students planning a qualitative dissertation
- A research dissertation (90 credits)
MRes (Primary Care) core units
Total: 6 units + MRes dissertation = 180 credits
- Biostatistics (15 credits) PRE-September 2016 students only
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (15 credits)
- Evidence Based Practice (or Research Methods if an ACF) (15 credits)
- Primary Health Care (15 credits)
- Two/Three additional units (15 credits each). NB Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits) is a prerequisite for any students planning a qualitative dissertation
- A research dissertation (90 credits)
*For all PG Cert, PG Diploma, MPH and MRES (excluding MRES ACF’s who will study Research Methods) students starting their study from September 2015 onwards, they will need to complete Evidence Based Practice in their first semester of study. This unit will automatically be added to their record.
2.3 Academic Partnerships
The modular nature of the course allows us to offer some units from elsewhere within the university. You will need to contact the external unit’s administrator for any administrative issues. For units run by the Dental Division, the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) the administrators’ contact details will be in the Blackboard unit. On completion these units will be accredited to your final award within the MPH.
Division of Dentistry – run the four dental units that we offer; Oral Health and Disease in Populations, Implementing Strategy in Dental Services, Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews, and Guideline Development & Implementation
HCRI – Emergency Humanitarian Assistance unit
2.4 Continuous/Public Health Professional Development (CPD/PHPD)
We also welcome students who are taking single units for their own continuous professional development (CPD). They can choose from the same course units, except the dissertations, and they study in the same way as other students in the Blackboard learning environment.
You can take unlimited numbers of CPD units, but on completion of 3 units, we would recommend you use these credits towards one of our award bearing programmes. If you wish to do this you will need to complete an application for a Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, MRes or MPH before 1 August.
You can enrol on CPD units via the ‘Student Center’ before the deadline, which will be communicated to you throughout registration. Any queries can be sent to the MPH Administration team on:
2.5 Course Units Available in 2016/17
| Unit Title | Subject | Course Number |
| Semester 1 Units | ||
| Evidence Based Practice (CORE) | MEDN | 60041 |
| Fundamentals of Epidemiology (CORE) | MEDN | 60991 |
| Research Methods (10 week) MRes (ACF Students only) | DENT | 61010 |
| Primary Health Care | MEDN | 63111 |
| Communicable Disease Control | MEDN | 62051 |
| Health Promotion Theory and Methods | MEDN | 60021 |
| Oral Health & Disease in Populations | DENT | 76061 |
| Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews | DENT | 68001 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | MEDN | 63121 |
| Semester 2 Units | ||
| Practical Statistics for Population Health (formerly Biostatistics) | MEDN | 60982 |
| Health System Challenges | MEDN | 62212 |
| Emergency Planning, Response and Resilience | MEDN | 64132 |
| Advanced Epidemiology | MEDN | 60112 |
| Health Economics | MEDN | 60092 |
| Impact, Information and Evaluation | MEDN | 64422 |
| Emergency Humanitarian Assistance | SALC | 62212 |
| Implementing Strategy in Dental Services | DENT | 76072 |
| Guideline Development and Implementation | DENT | 68012 |
| Working with Communities | MEDN | 60072 |
| Implementation Sciences | MEDN | 64552 |
| Health Services Management | MEDN | 64662 |
| UK Leadership and Public Health Strategy | MEDN | 64442 |
Course Subjects & Codes
| Subject Area | Description |
| DENT | Dentistry |
| MEDN | Medicine |
| SALC | Arts, Languages and Cultures |
| Administered by: | MPH admin | Dental admin |
| SALC admin |
You can view detailed course unit information through the University of Manchester portal, through this link:
Please view the ‘My Course’ tab and click on the ‘Course unit information’.
The Dissertation Unit
Full time students register for their dissertation with the rest of their units.
Part time MPH students can only register for their dissertation after successfully completing 8 units.
Part time MRes Students can only register for their dissertation after successfully completing 6 units.
| MPH Dissertation | MEDN63140 |
| MRes Dissertation (Public Health) | MEDN63160 |
| MRes Dissertation (Primary Care) | MEDN63130 |
Study Skills Units
The following skills based units can be found within Blackboard and can be taken at any time. There is no cost for any of these units.
| Public Health & Primary Care Programme Resources* | PGT Online Skills Training Resource includes* | Blackboard course unit |
| On-Line Skills and Resources
|
MHS Essential Research Skills
RSCH88030 |
MPH/MRes Dissertation Skills
MEDN62130 (for M level students) |
| MPH/MRes Personal Development
|
Presentation Skills
MEDN64110 |
Health and Safety
(compulsory in Year 1) MEDN67800 |
| Understanding Academic Malpractice | Introduction to Public Health & Primary Care MEDN67770 (compulsory in Year 1) |
*Please note: The ‘Public Health & Primary Care Programme Resources and the ‘FBMH PGT Online Skills Training Resource’ can be found under the ‘My Communities’ heading (below your course units) when you log into Blackboard.
Further details about this resource can be found in section 3.5
2.6 Student Timetable 2016/17
| Week Beginning | Teaching Week | Key Dates for Students |
| 5 September | – | Registration opens (1 September – 30 September)
Public Health Residential (5 – 8 September) UK Leadership final marks & feedback (on or after 13:00 5 Sept) |
| 12 September | – | Online Induction (13 September @ 12:00) |
| Semester 1 | ||
| 19 September | 1 | Semester 1 starts (19 September)
UK Leadership Resit question released (22 September @ 17:00) |
| 26 September | 2 | Registration closes 30 September |
| 3 October | 3 | Last date to enrol on semester 1 units (7 October @16:00) |
| 10 October | 4 | |
| 17 October | 5 | UK Leadership Resit submission (17 October @ 12:00 noon)
Midterm Assignment posted (20 October @ 17:00) |
| 24 October | Assignment Working Time – Midterm | |
| 31 October | Assignment Working Time -Midterm | UK Leadership Resit marks & feedback (on or after 13:00 31 October)
Students may be liable for a £200 fine if they have not completed registration by this point. |
| 7 November | 6 | Midterm Assignment submission (7 November @ 12:00 noon) |
| 14 November | 7 | |
| 21 November | 8 | |
| 28 November | 9 | Midterm marks and feedback (on or after 13:00 28 November) |
| 5 December | 10 | Final Assignment posted (8 December @ 17:00) |
| 12 December | Assignment Working Time – Final | Winter Graduation Ceremony (12 December – 16 December) Exact date TBC |
| 19 December | Assignment Working Time – Final | University closed (23 December – 3 January) |
| 26 December | Christmas Break | University closed (23 December – 3 January) |
| 2017 | ||
| 2 January | Assignment Working Time – Final | University closed (3 January) |
| 9 January | – | Final Assignment submission (9 January @ 12:00 noon) |
| 16 January | – | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| 23 January | Welcome Week | Semester 1 ends (29 January) |
| 30 January | 1 | Semester 2 starts (30 January) |
| 6 February | 2 | Semester 1 final marks & feedback (on or after 13:00 6 February)
Last date to enrol on semester 2 units (10 February @ 16:00) |
| 13 February | 3 | EHA face to face sessions 1 (16 – 17 February) |
| 20 February | 4 | Semester 1 Internal Exam Board (22 February) |
| 27 February | 5 | Semester 1 External Exam Board & Programme Committee (1 March)
Midterm Assignment posted (2 March @ 17:00) |
| 6 March | Assignment Working Time -Midterm | |
| 13 March | Assignment Working Time -Midterm | Semester 1 Resit question posted (16 March @ 17:00) |
| 20 March | 6 | Midterm Assignment submission (20 March @ 12:00 noon) |
| 27 March | 7 | |
| 3 April | 8 | |
| 10 April | Easter Break | University Closed (14 April) |
| 17 April | 9 | University Closed (17 April)
Midterm marks and feedback (on or after 13:00 18 April) Semester 1 Resit submission (18 April @ 12:00 noon) |
| 24 April | 10 | Final Assignment posted (27 April @ 17:00)
EHA face to face sessions 2 (27 – 28 April) |
| 1 May | Assignment Working Time – Final | University closed (1 May)
Semester 1 Resit marks & feedback (on or after 13:00 2 May) |
| 8 May | Assignment Working Time – Final | |
| 15 May | Assignment Working Time – Final | |
| 22 May | – | Final Assignment submission (22 May @ 12:00 noon) |
| Summer Semester | ||
| 29 May | – | University Closed (29 May) |
| 5 June | ||
| 12 June | UK Leadership module residential (14 – 18 June)
UK Leadership group presentations (18 June) |
|
| 19 June | Semester 2 final marks & feedback (on or after 13:00 19 June) | |
| 26 June | ||
| 3 July | Semester 2 Internal Exam Board (5 July) | |
| 10 July | UK Leadership Assignment 2 submission (10 July @ 12:00)
Semester 2 External Exam Board & Programme Committee (12 July) Summer Graduation (10 – 21 July) Exact date TBC |
|
| 17 July | Semester 2 Resit question posted (20 July @ 17:00)
Summer Graduation (10 – 21 July) Exact date TBC |
|
| 24 July | ||
| 31 July | UK Leadership assignment 2 marks and feedback ( on or after 13:00 31 July) | |
| 7 August | ||
| 14 August | Semester 2 Resit submission (14 August @ 12:00 noon) | |
| 21 August | ||
| 28 August | University Closed (28 August)
Semester 2 Resit marks & feedback (on or after 13:00 29 August) |
|
| 4 September | Dissertation Submission (8 September @ 17:00) | |
Assignment submissions are at 12.00 midday local UK time (this varies throughout the year as GMT or BST – see World Clock).
Submission of assessed work
All assignments must be submitted electronically via Blackboard (through the Turnitin link) on the date and time specified above. Please see instructions in your course unit assessment pages. Assignments e-mailed to tutors or administration will not be accepted. Some units have additional assessed discussion board or group activities; details of these can be found in the course unit outline as well as the unit itself. Dates for these assessments can be found on the unit timetable in the course ‘overview’.
