Epidemiology and Statistics for Public Health
Postgraduate
MSc
Public Health
School of Health and Society
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
September 2023
In a nutshell
Please note applications for this course for September 2023 entry are closed for international students but still open for UK students.
On this course, you'll receive instruction in core public health skills including epidemiology, statistics and research methods, as well as having the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of a range of topics, including evidence-based public health and 21st Century Global Public Health Challenges. The focus of our curriculum is on the social determinants of health, which makes it unique among the other Greater Manchester universities.
This course aligns to the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2016). In this regard, the course will equip you with the core skills you'll need to to effectively interpret and understand key areas of health research and how this can be used to inform and drive policy. You'll also learn how to use this insight to inform and drive public health.
During your time with us, you can tap into the expertise and skills of our partners, who include external public health practitioners and research staff from across the University. Whilst the programme does not include a placement, or work experience, students have the opportunity to work on external or internal applied research projects as part of their dissertation.
The University of Salford’s School of Health and Society is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).
You can read more about the Public Health team and activities on our blog: http://hub.salford.ac.uk/salfordpublichealth/
For international students - The application window for 2023 entry is between 14th November – 20th January at 5pm. Please note that you may not hear about the outcome of your application until after the closing date for applications. If you submit your application after the closing date, we may not be able to consider your application.
You will:
- Gain a public health qualification that explores the social determinants of health
- Be exposed to a range of important issues that are recurrent in public health practice both nationally and globally
- Develop a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach to public health
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You want to understand the social determinants of public health issues
2.
You want to help shape government policy
3.
You want to work internationally
All about the course
The MSc Public Health adopts a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach, focusing on the social determinants of health.
The taught modules will give you core public health and epidemiology knowledge and skills, research methods and quantitative analysis skills, and give a focus on health inequality and the social determinants of health. You will also be exposed to a range of important issues that are recurrent in public health practice both nationally and globally.
This course runs full-time over one year or two/three years part-time, giving you the chance to exit with the following awards:
Full-time:
- Postgraduate Diploma: four modules over eight months
- Masters: four modules plus a dissertation over one year
- There is no option to complete the PgCert on a full-time basis
Part-time:
- Postgraduate Certificate: two modules over eight months
- Postgraduate Diploma: four modules over two years
- Masters: four plus a dissertation over two or three years
Four of the modules on this programme are available as standalone for the purposes of continuing professional development:
21st Century Global Public Health Challenges
Modules
You will gain advanced knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and statistics in public health along with how to design a simple epidemiological study and understand the key concepts of the study protocol. You will develop the capability to thoroughly and critically assess health status, health needs and analyse the biopsychosocial factors that determine a person's health.
Research Methods Applied to Public Health
In this module you will learn about contemporary issues and debates in research, the nature, role and context of research in health and social care and the theoretical issues and approaches to research. You will master developing research questions and hypotheses, search for evidence and information and form a critical review of existing research.
Evidence-Based Public Health
You will develop an understanding of the key determinants of health and an awareness of the social context of public health and the importance of using the current best evidence in making decisions in the areas of health protection, disease prevention, health maintenance and promotion.
Study Skills for Public Health
This module will help you to develop the academic skills you will utilise throughout the course, together with providing you with a deeper understanding of research and how it applies to public health. Undertaking this module will help you to develop the personal and professional skills needed for study and your future careers and provide you with practical examples of innovative research projects, both external and internal. This non-credit bearing module is highly recommended for all students on the programme and is compulsory for international students on a Tier 4 visa.
21st Century Global Public Health Challenges
This module will allow you to increase critical awareness of the key global public health challenges for the 21st Century and develop a critical understanding of approaches to improving global public health, including the role of systems, policy and practice, and the use of digital and media technology.
Dissertation
Students will have the opportunity to choose a dissertation topic of their choice, with tutorial assistance from the public health team. This will enable you to tailor your own research to your own needs. This dissertation will allow you will allow you to showcase critical knowledge and application of research/inquiry methods, critical knowledge of salient professional and clinical organisational issues and other issues relating to your practice. You will need to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of research/inquiry techniques applicable to your area of practice to enhance research and advance scholarship.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
Staff profiles
The Public Health team comprise:
- Dr Alex Clarke-Cornwell (Programme Leader)
- Dr Anna Cooper-Ryan (Programme Leader)
- Dr Cathy Ure
- Dr Joshua Pink
- Nilam Prinjha
- Robyn McCarthy
What about after uni?
Professionals who wish to develop the skills and knowledge to take a lead role in areas such as prevention, promotion, protection and international health.
With this qualification, you'll be well placed to apply for public health roles in local or national government health departments. The range of jobs varies widely, and can include health promotion, health policy development, research or health advocacy.
Full time students on this course can apply for student membership with The Royal Society of Public Health. Upon completion of the course students are eligible to apply for a fellowship membership with The Royal Society of Public Health.
Career Links
Lecturers on the MSc Public Health have close links with a range of national and international agencies and community partnership, most through research, with an ‘applied’ focus. Examples of these links include: The World Health Organisation’s Collaborating centre for Research in Oral Health in Deprived Communities; The Royal Society for Public Health; The NHS; Department of Health; Strategic Health Authority; and The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The benefits of these links to students include: research informed teaching; a strong applied focus to the programme; the opportunity to engage with key public health professionals and practitioners; and access to an exciting seminar series, including speakers of international renown.
What you need to know
The application window for 2023 entry is between 14th November – 20th January at 5pm. Please note that you may not hear about the outcome of your application until after the closing date for applications. If you submit your application after the closing date, we may not be able to consider your application.
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course is suitable for you if you want to develop an understanding of public health problems and intelligently appraise the debates over contemporary public health issues.
We are looking for applicants who are passionate about working towards improving public health and reducing health inequalities.
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
We will accept an Honours degree, normally a 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject.An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
Explore our International Scholarships.