MSc in
Public Health Science

In this module, students will identify and examine the connections between the core areas of Public Health (e.g., Epidemiology, Global Public Health foundations, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Biostatistics, Health Policy and Politics, and others) and the various ways that ethics, economics, and culture influence them. The module will explore the determinants of health, analyse their impact on health disparities, and demonstrate how addressing these goals is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and interventions that promote equity for all.

Assessment: The first assessment is an individual case study focused on health, ethics, and research scenarios. Students analyse complex problems, apply ethical and legal frameworks, evaluate possible solutions, and demonstrate sound professional judgement. The second assessment is a group policy advocacy project. Students develop a policy-focused white paper and presentation, drawing on secondary data and current legislation.

The module provides a basic understanding of the epidemiologic method of identifying hypothesised associations between exposures and outcomes. The module will emphasise the generation of hypotheses based on descriptive epidemiologic data, the testing of hypotheses through analytical epidemiologic research, the determination of causality, and the value of epidemiologic research in developing and evaluating health-promoting and disease-preventing strategies. This module also provides a basic understanding of analysing health disparities across diverse populations.

Assessment: The module’s assessment involves a combination of group coursework in the form of a Class Preparation Assignment (CPA) and individual coursework, a CASP assignment to critically analyse a peer-reviewed paper based on the study design.

The module provides various approaches to effecting cognitive behavioural change and highlights the evidence supporting their effectiveness. Students will be equipped to design and implement effective health promotion programmes. This module is delivered primarily through lectures, which provide theory, evidence and techniques in behavioural science, change theory and health promotion campaigns. Seminars will be used to apply course concepts using case studies, best practices and outside experts in the field. In this module, we emphasise culturally appropriate interventions and community engagement, and the importance of tailoring health promotion programmes to the specific needs and contexts of diverse populations by focusing on culturally sensitive, community-driven approaches.

Assessment: The module’s assessment involves a combination of individual coursework in the form of the Journal for Reflection and group coursework in the form of a State of the research evidence for the community change.

The module aims to develop students’ knowledge and competence in the research design process, exploring both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and quality assurance tools for the application of research methods in Public Health and Healthcare Management. The module project is an extended piece of research on a relevant topic of interest to students, undertaken with the approval of the supervisor and Course Leader, and using a proposal for an MSc-level dissertation to be executed at a later stage. The module covers methods of critical evaluation, information gathering and analysis, and the preparation and planning of a research project proposal.

Assessment: The assessment involves submitting a research proposal to assess the associated learning outcomes and to allow students to demonstrate their initiative and ability to work independently.

The module is designed to develop knowledge and skills in statistical methods used for hypothesis testing to identify associations/causation in Public Health Science, Epidemiology, and other fields of Medicine, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. Students will acquire working experience with datasets, apply appropriate statistical methods, critically analyse research data, and interpret findings. In addition, students will develop statistical writing skills and learn how to critically evaluate published research papers and present study results in research publications.

Assessment: The module assessment consists of two individual components: an in-class test and a coursework project where students independently analyse a provided dataset and interpret results in a Public Health context.

The module aims to develop students’ knowledge and competence in the principles and practices of hospital management within modern healthcare systems. It explores the structure and governance of hospitals, financial management, policy frameworks, and operational challenges in healthcare institutions. Students will examine key areas including strategic planning, budgeting, cost control, quality assurance, risk management, and leadership in hospital settings. Through analytical exercises and collaborative learning, the module supports the development of decision-making and management skills required for effective leadership in healthcare organisations.

Assessment: The assessment involves an individual essay and a group business plan project with presentation, enabling students to demonstrate their ability to apply hospital management concepts to real-world healthcare challenges and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

The module introduces students to the key concepts, technologies and governance frameworks shaping modern digital healthcare systems. The module explores health information systems, national eHealth architectures, electronic health records, data standards, and interoperability, highlighting how digital platforms and data analytics support evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and public health. Students examine emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence, clinical decision support systems and telemedicine, while also critically analysing issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, digital ethics and governance.

Assessment: Through international case studies and practical learning activities, students develop the ability to assess digital health solutions and understand their role in improving healthcare quality, efficiency and accessibility.

The module provides students with an overview of the healthcare system, including the infrastructure, providers, policies and payment systems. Students will examine the health care system in terms of equity, the appropriateness and effectiveness of how health care services are delivered, and how we pay for them. The module focuses on long-term financing, capital investment, and corporate finance as applied specifically to health care organisations.

Assessment: The module will be assessed by a report and a take-home test.

The module is designed to deliver a broad approach to understanding nutritional issues, in which the perspectives of social science are explored alongside those of the more traditional disciplines of nutrition, epidemiology and statistics. This allows participants to acquire and apply advanced knowledge and skills in the identification, implementation, and evaluation of public health strategies to address nutritional problems, incorporating social, policy, and public health contexts.

Assessment: The module’s assessment involves a combination of an individual project in the form of a poster presentation, and group coursework.

This module is designed to introduce students to the field of health economics, which concerns how society allocates its health care resources among alternative uses, and to the economic evaluation techniques that underpin efficiency choices in health care. The module focuses on providing a fundamental understanding of how health care markets are organised, the objectives of health systems, how the choice of objectives may carry over to priority setting and how to measure the health status and cost of illness.

Assessment: The module's assessment consists of an individual project, which aims to assess students’ specialised knowledge in health economic theory concepts, health system and policy contexts, as well as apply them from the viewpoints of public health professionals; and a take-home exam.

The Health Policy and Diplomacy module explores how global health policies are developed, negotiated and implemented within international governance systems. Students examine the role of key organisations such as the WHO, United Nations, World Bank, Red Cross, GIZ, ADB and etc in shaping global health priorities and policy responses. The module focuses on major global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness, access to medicines, health security, and cross-border health cooperation. Students analyse international agreements, legal frameworks and diplomatic processes that influence national health systems and public health outcomes.

Assessment: Through policy analysis, case studies and negotiation simulations, students develop skills in health diplomacy, advocacy and evidence-based policy design.