MSc Public Health

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop and apply public health skills in practical settings. Students will engage in hands-on projects, collaborating with public health professionals to design, implement and assess interventions aimed at improving population health. The module focuses on critical analysis, evidence-based practice and the application of theory to address real-world public health challenges. It is designed to enhance students’ capacity for professional practice, policy development and the evaluation of public health programmes in diverse environments.

The Health Research Methods module guides you through the entire research process, from identifying a question to collecting and analysing data, writing reports, and preparing for presentations and publication. It aims to inspire you about public health research and helps you develop your own project proposals. You'll learn both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a deeper focus on quantitative research in the second-term module Epidemiology and Health Measurement. A key part of the module is building your skills to critically assess and confidently evaluate existing research.

This module explores the complex factors shaping global health, focusing on how larger social processes—like climate change, globalisation, and corporate influence—affect public health. Sociology helps us understand why health inequalities exist by examining both the social structures and individual behaviours involved. Its methods are crucial for studying health at a population level, shedding light on the root causes and ongoing processes that sustain these inequalities.

Building on the Applied Research Methods and Project Management module, this module helps you develop your research skills through a dissertation project. The project will be practical, relevant to your current role (if applicable), and aligned with your career goals. You’ll focus on research directly impacting healthcare practice or public health policy, emphasising its relevance and practical application. You must justify your project’s usefulness, ethical considerations, and design methodology.

By tracing the history of epidemiology, from Jon Snow’s cholera investigations in Victorian London to modern methods used in public health research and practice. You will gain a strong understanding of different study designs, including how to implement and evaluate screening tests, and learn about key types of economic evaluation. You'll also focuses on effectively using health data from both routine and non-routine sources, with specific sessions on communicable diseases, life-course, and social epidemiology.

This module introduces you to key management and leadership theories in healthcare. You’ll explore how leadership shapes culture and drives high-quality, safe, and compassionate care. Key topics include the differences between leadership and management roles, managing change and innovation, and the importance of building effective relationships. You’ll also look at leadership traits, cultural intelligence, coaching, mentoring, talent management, and decision-making strategies. The module covers ethical management, globalisation, and leading equality and diversity in healthcare organisations.