Master of Public Health (online) (MPH/PG diploma/PG certificate)
For general enquiries about this course contact us at scharr-mph-online@sheffield.ac.uk or call (+44) 0114 222 2973. You can contact the course director, Angie Rees, for course-specific enquiries at a.rees@sheffield.ac.uk or call (+44) 0114 222 0725 The online Master of Public Health course (MPH-online) has been designed to provide high quality education in Public Health. At Sheffield, we focus on providing research, evaluation and analytical skills relevant to understanding the social determinants of health in a rapidly changing environment. The MPH-online is suited to both clinical and non-clinical professionals who aspire to be leaders in their health care organizations, either in the UK or in their own country. The form of delivery, using innovative, online learning materials and methods is suited to those with busy work commitments. We also offer the programme as a face-to-face full time course here at ScHARR. About the course
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Code | Title | Led by | Semester |
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HAR6053 | Dissertation (Online) (60 credits) | Angie Rees | Year long (Sept-Sept) |
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 Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn.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.
The programme is informed by three key elements:
- Authentic learning
- Social learning
- Flexibility
Authentic learning
This is a key element that drives the content of all modules. It means that we use real-world, real-life, up-to-date case studies, examples and scenarios. Students can immediately see how their learning is "authentic" and applicable to their own working life, now and in the future. The focus is therefore not only to impart or communicate to students fundamental concepts, ideas and critical understandings of Public Health, but to contextualise this with real life examples. This way, students can see exactly how what they are learning can be applied in their own work.
Social learning
Learning is social. We learn from each other as much as from purely independent study. The sharing of ideas and the opportunity to debate and discuss has been demonstrated to enhance the learning process, and is a key means of developing, refining and challenging our own evolving ideas. This course uses multiple tools to deliver content and facilitate interaction with and between tutors and students, including screencasts, discussion tools, wikis, blogs, webinar software for live discussion and collaboration. The online tools used in the programme enable and support such reciprocal learning.
Variety and flexibility
The majority of the online reading materials are heavily supplemented, where appropriate, with videos, screencasts, internet-based materials, and the use of interactive online tools.
Materials are provided in blocks or "sessions" of usually 2-3 weeks duration. We have found that this approach enables flexible learning and encourages the student group to work collaboratively through each module.
The idea for delivering materials in this flexible manner, employing such diverse methods, is based on large part on published research conducted by core staff, which is described here. We want to ensure the development and delivery of the programme is evidence based
The core staff for this course are listed below:
- Course Director: Angie Rees
- Deputy Course Director: Fiona Campbell
- Course Administrator: Lynne Thompson
- Strategic Lead for Academic Studies: Prof. Elizabeth Goyder
- External Examiner: Nick de Viggiani, UWE Bristol
- Email: scharr-mph-online@sheffield.ac.uk
In addition to these core staff members, the course draws on the expertise of a wide range of internal and external staff, all of whom are actively engaged in Public Health teaching and research. This reflects the commitment of the School to ensuring the excellence of the programme and enhances the depth and breadth of the available learning for students by exposing them to a full range of experience, expertise and specialist knowledge, as well as different voices and perspectives.
The module leaders can be found on the course structure section.
Our students are an international body who live and work all over the world, from Jordan to Nigeria, Canada to Tanzania. They are seeking to develop key skills to begin or enhance their career in public health.
Internationally, students have found excellent opportunities in governments, health departments, universities, hospitals, as well as non-governmental organisations, undertaking leadership roles, public health programme interventions and evaluations, research, and policy-making.
Our public health masters graduates go on to work in very diverse areas, although many find work in a health or public health setting. Of particular note is that a significant percentage go on to undertake further doctoral/PhD study or to work in research or academic settings, which we feel reflects the quality of our research-led teaching in preparing and inspiring students.
Who will benefit from studying this course?
Students seeking the following roles will find the course highly appropriate: information analyst roles, senior public health management positions, health promotion activities, researching in universities, as public health specialists in the local authority and in the NHS and in a broad range of clinical public health roles
(3 years, all ScHARR courses, response rate 58.5%) data available in full at http://www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/studentgems/external/graduate.php
(choose MPH/... in the course dropdown menu)
Online education is quite challenging but exciting. The teaching platform offers you all the materials you need for fulfilling self-study. The teaching support is excellent as all module facilitators are ready and willing to support each student. Personally, my dissertation supervisor was extraordinary and guided me through my work. The MPH has enhanced my knowledge, broadened my scope of career options, my critical thinking abilities and has given me the foundation for further academic work in public health. I enjoyed every bit of the journey." Dr Dan Armooh, Master of Public Health (online learning) 2015 graduate. Dan's full testimony is available here. |
I particularly enjoyed our discussions around health inequalities and the live webinars with students from all around the world. Throughout the course, we had excellent support from our tutors who gave us regular feedback on our coursework assignments. As a mature student, completing the MPH has given me confidence and a great sense of achievement. I am indebted to all the teaching staff at ScHARR and the University of Sheffield for their help and support over the past two years." Richard Vis, Master of Public Health (online learning) 2016 graduate. Richard's full testimony is available here. |
*All students consented to the use of their comments in this publicity material.
Programme evaluations are run frequently to assess and improve the programme. We work constantly to develop and enhance the learning experience of our students.
FAQ
When does the course start? |
The course starts in September each year. |
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Do I get academic credit for taking a single module? |
Yes. Each module is accredited by the University of Sheffield. You will receive credits from the University, which you can use towards gaining the full Certificate, Diploma or MPH later, if you wish. Single modules can only be taken in the Semester in which they are to be delivered. Please see the CPD pages for more information. |
What is the course structure? |
Please see the Course Structure for details. |
How long will it take me to complete the MPH-DL programme? |
The programme can be taken in a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. From our experience of other online learning Masters courses at the University, we expect that most participants on the course will take 2-3 years to complete the full MPH-DL. |
What experience do staff who teach on the course have? |
The course will be taught by academic staff from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, mainly coming from within ScHARR (the School of Health and Related Research). We have been teaching many of the materials on the face-to-face MPH at Sheffield (with over 100 students a year) and other Masters programmes for many years. All staff involved in developing and delivering this course are active in public health teaching and/or research within the UK and other high-income countries. Several staff also have experience of teaching and conducting research in low and middle-income countries. The core interest of the teaching team is in improving the health of the public at local, regional, national and international levels, through research informed teaching, applied research and close involvement with the National Health Service and other health care organisations. Students will be taught by staff coming from a wide range of disciplines including: clinical public health specialists, epidemiologists, psychologists, sociologists, information scientists and systematic reviewers, policy and management specialists, international health specialists, public health nutritionists, pharmacists, health visitors and health services researchers. |
Do I have to come to Sheffield at all? |
No. The course is delivered entirely online, and all materials are made available via the internet. So, for international students there are no visa, travel or residential requirements. However, we envisage that many students will choose to attend the final degree graduation ceremony in Sheffield. |
How will the course be taught? |
Please see the Studying online page for more information. |
How much does it cost? |
Please see the Fees and funding page for more information. The fees are the same for home and overseas applicants. |
What equipment will I need to be able to participate in the course? |
Please see the Studying online page for more information. |
What do I need to be accepted on the course? |
Usually, a good first degree (2:1 equivalent or better) is needed. However, applicants without this may be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent on other qualifications and work experience. This is outlined on the How to apply page If English is not your first language, ScHARR requires an IELTS of 6.5 with 6.0 in each component or equivalent gained within the last 2 years will be required. Please note this is higher than other University of Sheffield courses. See the page on English language requirements for information on other acceptable English language qualifications. Most of all, you need to be enthusiastic: to be keen to develop your knowledge and skills in public health, to learn from your fellow students and the faculty, and to share your own learning and knowledge with us. |
How do I apply? |
Master of Public Health, Diploma or Certificate Single Modules |
When can I apply? |
Master of Public Health, Diploma or Certificate Single Modules |
When would I register and begin my studies? |
If you are pursuing the Master of Public Health, Diploma or Certificate programmes, you will be sent the information on how to register online prior to commencing the course in September. If you are taking single modules or the certificate, then you could begin your studies at the beginning of either semester (September or February). |
Can I talk to someone about the course? |
Yes. Please email the Course Administrator (Lynne Thompson) at scharr-mph-online@sheffield.ac.uk or on (+44) 0114 222 2973. Alternatively, for academic enquiries, you can contact the Course Director, Angie Rees at a.rees@sheffield.ac.uk. |
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