Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSPUHETFAD
/
MSPUHETPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full time 2 Years Part time
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Steve MacDonald
Email: mph@ul.ie Web: /medicine/mph

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Brief Description

Application Deadline: 1st May 2024 - Non EU Visa Required applicants, 1st July 2024 – EU applicants

Please note that the MSc in Public Health is an early-start programme which commences in September 2024. Applicants should be prepared to arrange travel and accommodation, and apply for visas if required, to be ready to start their studies in September.

The Master of Science in Public Health Programme will facilitate students to acquire a marketable and transferable skillset and competencies, to enhance their career in public health or other health-related disciplines both locally and internationally. These skills are applicable to a variety of careers in healthcare, government, private, and non-profit organisations. The MSc in Public Health curriculum is flexible, using a competency-based and blended learning format, featuring case methods approaches and real-life scenarios. It is also practical, including both a practicum and a research project. Each of the five core modules run for six weeks and include mandatory in-person tutorial sessions that take place on a Friday during weeks 1-3 of each module and a five-day skills-building workshop on campus. The programme focuses on providing an affordable and high-quality educational experience.

Please note the next session of the MSc in Public Health commences in September 2024/5. 

Important note for applicants who require a visa to study in Ireland

  1. Applicants from visa-required countries are responsible for securing their own student visa in order to travel to Ireland.
  2. All students must reach Ireland on, or before, Sunday September 1st 2024 to attend orientation on Monday 2nd September.
  3. Students who are unable to reach Ireland by Sunday September 1st 2024 will be deferred until the next academic year (2025-26).

Cost of Living

Please be aware that the cost of living in Ireland may be higher than anticipated. The link below contains important information, including estimation of costs. Specifically, your attention is drawn to the “What is the cost of living” question, in the “Fees” section: https://www.ul.ie/gps/international-student/frequently-asked-questions

The focus of the MSc in Public Health programme is to move from the traditional public health teachings into a competency-based and applied public health way of learning. The programme is exceptional in the strength of its modules in global health and sustainable development, the social determinants of health and health systems, public health research and data analysis, and design, monitoring, and evaluation of public health interventions. From this MSc, any graduate irrespective of their professional background will be able to investigate, design, evaluate, and address public health challenges. The MSc in Public health also provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary study and work. Students will also reflect critically on their own and others' learning styles and practice.

The programme is made up of five core modules with online lectures, on-campus face-to-face skills building and group-collaboration workshops, a practicum, and a research project. Students can register on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time programme runs for one academic year, with the part-time running for 2 academic years. The first five core modules are taken at the same time for both full-time and part-time students.

 

Learning Outcomes:

1.1. Knowledge - Breadth and Kind:

  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the complexity of public health and health systems in different contexts.
  • Investigate problems that hinder health nationally and globally, and identify the challenges facing the achievement of the sustainable Developmental Goals

Knowhow and Skill - Range and Selectivity:

  • Utilize various approaches, tools, and metrics to design, deliver, monitor, and evaluate public health interventions.

Competence - Context and Role:

  • Develop quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis skills to critically appraise and design different methodological approaches to address public health issues.

1.2. Competence - Learning to Learn:

  • Develop analytical and professional skills in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating health services, policies, programmes, projects and initiatives.
  • Apply design thinking approach to identify, test, and implement creative public health solutions to improve global health issues.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary issues in healthcare leadership, and examine trends and developments in strategic management related to public health organizations.

1.3. Competence - Insight:

  • Engage in meaningful reflection to identify, interpret, improve and evaluate personal, cultural, and professional competencies to guide their career.

Each module will run in five-week blocks. During the first three weeks, students will work individually on case studies and will receive a series of self-directed learning lessons that will cover the content areas of the module. Students will be required to answer a series of multiple-choice questions based on each lecture and case study. Students will also be required to attend an on-campus tutorial session scheduled every Friday during the first three weeks of each module. On the fourth week of the module, students will engage with each other and tutors in workshops and group assignments on-campus. Week five will be dedicated to individual projects where students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in applying the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the module.

The practicum module is an 8-week competency-based, planned, supervised, and evaluated practical experience. This module introduces the students to the real-world practice of public health, as a way to translate the competencies acquired during the MSc in Public Health into action to gain professional experience.

During the research project module, students will identify a gap in public health research, formulate their research questions, and design and conduct a research project. At the end of the module, students will be expected to submit their final report in journal article format. All modules are listed in the table below, including the semesters in which the modules run:

Year 1 Full time - Autumn Year 1 Full time - Spring Year 1 Full time -Summer
  • Public Health & Health Systems (9 ECTS)
  • Public Health Interventions (9 ECTS)
  • Public Health Research & Data Analysis (9 ECTS)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation in Public Health (9 ECTS)
  • Global Health & Sustainable Development (9 ECTS)
  • Public Health Practicum (15 ECTS)
  • Research Project (30 ECTS)
Year 1 Part time - Autumn Year 1 Part time - Spring Year 1 Part Time -Summer
  • Public Health & Health Systems (9 ECTS)
  • Public Health Interventions (9 ECTS) 
  • Public Health Research & Data Analysis (9 ECTS)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation in Public Health (9 ECTS)
  • Global Health & Sustainable Development (9 ECTS)
 
Year 2 Part time - Autumn Year 2 Part time - Spring Year 2 Part time - Summer
  • Public Health Practicum (15 ECTS)
  • Research project (30 ECTS)
 

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

There are 6 mandatory face to face workshops that will take place on the following dates:

30 Sept - 04 Oct 2024
04 Nov - 08 Nov 2024
09 Dec - 13 Dec 2024
27 Jan - 31 Jan 2025
03 Mar - 07 Mar 2025
Research Workshop Week TBC

15 mandatory face to face tutorials that take place during the first 3 weeks of each module

Programme Delivery

Week 1-3 (Self-directed learning & On Campus) - Week 4 (On Campus) - Week 5 (Individual Assignment)

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5-6 
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 5 days skills-based workshop

  Individual project (Product)                       

5 in depth lessons (self-paced online learning) 5 in depth lessons (self-paced online learning) 5 in depth lessons (self-paced online learning) Complex Case Scenarios  
Case Study Case Study Case Study Group Project  
On Campus Tutorial On Campus Tutorial On Campus Tutorial    
25 MCQs exam 25 MCQs exam 25 MCQs exam Presentations  
Marks: 10% Marks: 10% Marks: 10% Marks: 20% 50 %

 

Who can apply?

  • Graduates of any undergraduate degree can be accepted into the Public Health MSc. 
  • Applicants must hold a minimum 2.1 (second-class honours grade 1) result in their first honours bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8 or other internationally recognised equivalent). Awards of 2:2 or less may be considered if applicants demonstrate significant public health work experience.

The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary. Candidates who are deemed to appropriately meet the above requirements will be invited to take part in on online interview as part of the application process, after which successful candidates will be offered a place on the programme.

What to include with your application?

  • A personal statement detailing why you wish to undertake the programme and the area of research that you are interested in doing (maximum length two pages A4, 11-point font size, 1.5 line spacing).
  • Qualification transcripts and certificates.
  • Curriculum vitae
  • A copy of your birth certificate/passport (showing your legal name)
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
    • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
    AND
    • English language competency certificate

    For more information Click Here

Please ensure that you include all necessary materials with your initial application as this will help with the processing of each application.

 

EU - €7,500 Full-time / €5,000 Part-time Per Annum

Non- EU - €14,400 Full-time / €9,000 Part-time Per Annum

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

This programme will set graduates up for a successful career in the field of public health, depending on their previous experience and individual competencies developed during the MSc. Example roles might include: Academic researcher, Data analyst, Epidemiologist, Health policy officer, Project manager, Health economist, Public health nurse, Public health dentist. Graduates would be likely to go on to work in settings such as health, research, business, government, and national or international non-governmental organisations. 

This MSc programme is recommended to students who are looking to acquire marketable and transferable skills, those wishing to further their academic achievements, and those who would like to move in positions of leadership in healthcare. The programme will equip students with differentiated competencies including tangible skills that will not only be marketed to future employers, but also prepare our graduates for self-employment and consultancy roles.

Here is what some of our current students are saying about the Public Health MSc:

“I have been able to improve my communication and presentation skills through workshops and advice from experts. I have been able to explore tools, frameworks, and theories to target and tackle public health challenges.”

“This master's programme has been a lovely mix of self-directed learning and group projects with colleagues of different backgrounds from all over the world. I have wanted to pursue a master's in public health for several years and am delighted to have started this programme. The content is extremely interesting and challenging and already has ignited a passion and desire for a career in public health after the programme has ended.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the full-time and part-time?

Students of the full-time and part-time options will take the first five core modules together in year 1. Following this, part-time students will conduct their research project and practicum in year 2, whereas full-time students will continue with these in year 1.

Will I be able to work while I do this programme?

Yes, you will certainly be able to work while attending the Public Health MSc. However, as tutorial sessions and module workshops are mandatory to attend, it is important that students schedule these days off from work as full cooperation and attention is required during these weeks. Exact dates will be made available closer to the beginning of the programme. Please note that students who require a visa to study in Ireland are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time