Course content

The Master of Public Health has been developed around a series of public health competencies derived from international reference points and covers a diverse range of contemporary issues in public health. You will explore approaches to reducing health inequalities and learn how to use evidence-based principles to enhance policy and practice in various settings. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key transferable skills in epidemiology, research methods and social science.

Core modules will give you a grounding in key subjects and skills.

Semester 1

Core

• Research Methods in Public Health
• Scientific and Professional Skills
• Public Health Policies, Programmes and Strategies

Semester 2

Core

• Scientific and Professional Skills
• Promoting Health and Improving Systems
• Outbreak Control and Health Protection

Optional

• Climate Change
• Applied Statistics for Health Research
• Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health
• Developing a Disease Control Programme

Semester 3

In your third semester, you'll have the opportunity to apply your new skills in a 60-credit research project focused on Humanitarian and Public Health Programmes. You can choose to do your project in the UK or abroad.

Study pattern

This one-year Master's is divided into three semesters. The first two taught semesters cover five core 20-credit modules and offer the opportunity to choose one 20-credit modules from a variety of options. All the taught modules are delivered in-person at our base in Liverpool, UK.

For each 20 credit module, you are expected to spend about 200 hours learning, which includes contact time, self-directed learning and assessments.

After the taught element, the third semester is dedicated to your 60-credit personal project, which can be either desk-based or fieldwork-based, and can be completed in Liverpool or overseas.

Delivery

You'll be taught by our international experts in public health, and benefit from the dynamic research-led environment we're so proud of at LSTM.

Up-to-date and topical content is informed by the cutting edge research and is delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, case-based learning, small group work and simulation scenarios. This is complemented by a culture of self-directed learning, that culminates in your personal research project in the third semester. You'll be mentored and supported by one of our academic staff throughout this phase, setting you up for a rewarding career of lifelong learning.

Outcomes

Once you've completed the Master of Public Health (Outbreak Control and Health Protection), you'll have a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge and skills to take your career further.

You'll develop knowledge and understanding of:

• Major global health threats, particularly the determinants of health in resource poor settings.
• Fundamental principles of epidemiology, public health and related research methods.
• The history, politics, policies and strategies that influence health.
• How health systems and services respond to health issues, including financing.
• Human rights, legal frameworks, and professional values.

You'll build cognitive skills and be able to:

• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a variety of sources to assess population health risks and wellbeing status.
• Use a holistic, problem-solving approach to analyse health issues and offer creative solutions to improve health.
• Apply critical thinking skills to the development and delivery of public policy for health and wellbeing.
• Critically appraise literature and other evidence to inform the development, monitoring and evaluation of interventions to improve health and health services.
• Learn independently through continuous professional development.

You'll add to your practical and professional skills and be able to:

Manage time and resources effectively.

• Take a leadership role in managing change and contribute effectively in response to population health issues.
• Apply appropriate governance frameworks to engage effectively with communities to improve health and wellbeing.
• Communicate and negotiate effectively, and act as an advocate to improve health for all – especially for disadvantaged groups.
• Design and undertake research investigations in a responsible and ethical manner, using appropriate technology.