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    MPH PG Certificate
    2025 start September 

    Public Health (Online)

    School of Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Health

    Develop your research, evaluation, and analytical skills to understand the social determinants of health with our online course. Accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA), this program offers a flexible approach to advancing your expertise in public health.
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    Course description

    This course has been developed to provide you with the essential skills needed for effective public health practice on a global scale. 

    Throughout the course, you will explore key national and international public health issues from various disciplinary perspectives. You will gain a better understanding of epidemiological measures, promoting health and research methods, along with several other module options.  

    This course is offered entirely online, allowing you the flexibility to study from anywhere. However, to ensure you stay on track for graduation, students are required to complete each module within the designated semester.

    Our online Public Health MSc is ideal for those who want to advance their knowledge without compromising their current professional or personal commitments. By joining this program, you will benefit from the expertise of a Top 100 research university. 

    Do you have a question? Talk to us

    Book a 15-minute online meeting with our course lead to find out more information and ask further questions.

    Book an appointment with Angie Rees

    Accreditation

    This curriculum has been validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). The University of Sheffield is an APHEA-accredited institution.

    Modules

    A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Continuing Professional Development

    All modules in this course can be studied as standalone CPD modules. It is possible to complete standalone modules and then apply to transfer to an MSc/PGCert qualification. Any time spent on the CPD route counts toward the time limit a student has to complete their chosen qualification.

    You will take 180 credits, including all six core modules listed, the 60 credit dissertation and two optional modules. You can also choose to study one or more individual modules as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) student.

    Core modules:

    Critical Reflections in Global Health - Online

    Global health has been described as the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society, with the goal being the attainment of biological, physical, and mental well-being of all members of society. In this module, which is delivered online, we take an inter-disciplinary approach to explore these themes. We will consider some of the key concepts of global health, explore some of the determinants of health, and consider some of the key functions and methods applied to address global health issues. We will then reflect on these themes in relation to the practice of global health through the lens of specific health challenges. Throughout the module themes such as inequalities in health, complexities in our response, and the political, social, and economic context within which we work will be repeatedly raised and discussed.  The module will explore a diverse range of subjects that include socioeconomic and health inequalities, health intelligence, and sexual and reproductive health. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to develop and use a reflective learning approach to consider shifts in your perception and understanding of the issues raised.

    15 credits
    Epidemiology Online

    As one of the core disciplines of Public Health, epidemiology is concerned with the methods of studying health related states and events to control health problems. The module, which is delivered online, covers epidemiological measures, main study designs, screening and surveillance. The primary objective is to introduce students to the principles, tools and applications of epidemiology and to help develop their practical skills through a range of activities.

    15 credits
    Health Promotion - online

    The module aims to elaborate on the theoretical background of health promotion with the aim of developing a critical awareness of the key concepts, debates and methods. The module aims to evaluate a range of health promotion strategies in different fields.

    15 credits
    Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal Online

    The unit, which is delivered online, introduces students to basic concepts and techniques such as hypothesis testing and confidence interval estimation in statistics. Students will learn some simple statistical methods and the principles behind some advanced methods such as regression. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and critically appraise statistics in research literature.

    15 credits
    Introduction to Research Methods Online

    This module, which is delivered via online learning, provides students with an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods and to the types of skills necessary for the planning, data gathering and dissemination stages of health-related research. Topics covered include: -Research Design; -Methods of Data Collection; -Approaches to Analysing Data and Writing a Research Proposal. The course provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods. It is primarily designed for new students beginning Masters courses in the Division of Population Health and there is an emphasis on research techniques used in public health and health services research (HSR).

    15 credits
    Systematic Approaches to Evidence Assessment Online

    This module , which is delivered online, provides the skills and knowledge required to conduct rapid assessments of the evidence base and then to apply these assessments to health management and/or clinical practice. It introduces and explains rapid review methodologies that seek to optimise the balance between rigour and relevance, ensuring the timely and judicious use of evidence that is both user sensitive and context dependent. This module will also address the growing demand for knowledge translation of research findings, specifically within the context of developing countries. A key feature is production of a culturally-sensitive action plan that takes into account local feasibility and implementation issues.

    15 credits
    Dissertation Online

    The unit, which is supervised online, enables students to develop an understanding of the processes and the skills required to undertake a supervised research project in health care. Having successfully completed the unit, a student will be able to: demonstrate researcher skills commensurate with the achievement of a Master's degree; demonstrate independence of inquiry; produce a cogently argued piece of writing that demonstrates researcher competence and the ability to operate independently; address issues of research design, methodology, ethics and theoretical arguments, and locate their own research in relation to these issues.

    60 credits

    Optional modules - two from:

    Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers Online

    The module will cover fundamental statistical concepts, including both simple statistical methods and the more widely used advanced methods of multiple linear regression, survival analysis and generalised linear models. It will be a practical module, including the teaching of the statistical software SPSS, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and analyse a study to answer specific research questions; to understand and critically appraise the literature more thoroughly; and to present research findings in a suitable fashion.This is a Distance Learning version of the face-to-face HAR6045 module.

    15 credits
    Communicable Disease Control Online

    The control of communicable diseases is a key function of public health. This module covers the core principles of communicable disease control including infectious disease surveillance, outbreak management, immunisation programmes, as well as the prevention and control of infectious diseases. It will also present a broad range of common infectious disease topics including HIV, tuberculosis, meningitis, diarrhoeal illnesses and hospital acquired infections. Students will gain a firm foundation in both factual knowledge and an understanding of how to apply this knowledge for the control of infectious diseases at the population level. This module will be delivered by online learning.

    15 credits
    Leading and Managing Health Services Online

    This module integrates the principles of managing health care services and leading on rapid changes and advances in regional, national and international contexts. Principles of health management will be demonstrated through case-based teaching, in order to enable students to understand how to solve common management problems. Cases will be used to illustrate the complexity of the operating environment for health systems and health services. Students will be supported in developing critical thinking about the relative effectiveness of different approaches to management by analysing their own health care services within a broader cultural, political and policy context.

    15 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
    Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    • MPH: 2 years, part-time
    • PG Certificate: 2 years, part-time

    Teaching

    All of your teaching will take place online. You will learn through videos, podcasts and online lectures.

    Our teaching combines three key elements:

    • Authentic learning: We use real-world, real-life, up-to-date case studies, examples and scenarios. You can immediately see how your learning is applicable to your own working life
    • Social learning: We learn from each other as much as from purely independent study. This course uses multiple tools to deliver content and facilitate interaction with and between tutors and students
    • Flexibility: The majority of the online reading materials are heavily supplemented with videos, screencasts, internet-based materials, and the use of interactive online tools. Materials are provided in blocks usually lasting two or three weeks.

    Assessment

    You will be assessed through coursework and online exams.

    Your career

    Graduates of our Public Health online program enjoy diverse and rewarding careers in health and public health.

     Many of our students have continued with PhD studies, or transition into research and academic roles, which we think highlights the quality of our research-led teaching.

    Recent graduates are excelling as information analysts, senior public health managers, health promotion specialists, university researchers, and public health experts in the UK, including roles within local authorities and the NHS. 

    Internationally, our alumni lead public health programs, conduct evaluations, and influence policy in governments, health departments, universities, hospitals, and NGOs.

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject or a Medical degree.

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

    The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only.  Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.