Public Health MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught / Professional
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Our Public Health Masters degree has been designed in response to contemporary international debates about the changing nature and shifting boundaries of multidisciplinary public health. It will allow you to develop an extensive knowledge of public health with a critical awareness of the philosophical, theoretical and method logical aspects of the discipline and following graduation you'll be enthused about the potential to act as change agents within multi-disciplinary public health settings. You'll also be able to adopt an independent and reflective approach to your learning and future careers.
What you’ll study
This contemporary course is informed by a social model of health crucial to understanding contemporary and global public health theory and practice. It focuses on the strategic and international elements of public health, environment and sustainable development that are critical to effective multidisciplinary practice in these fields, and with our optional modules it allows an element of specialisation. As a result it reflects cutting-edge, current developments.
The course provides you with the opportunity to engage with a wide and diverse curricula including:
- sustainable development
- social determinants of health
- politics
- ethics
- international public health
- health protection
- leadership
- epidemiology
- policy
- research.
It is suitable for recently qualified graduates or those already in employment.
Following graduation you will:
- be inspired about the potential to act as change agents within multi-disciplinary public health settings
- bring an extensive knowledge of public health with a critical awareness of the philosophical, theoretical and methodological issues to bear on the discipline
- adopt an independent and reflective approach to your learning and future careers
- demonstrate the awareness of, and approaches to, addressing local, national and international issues that challenge the public health field.
Core modules
Concepts of Health and Healing
In this module you will explore and engage with a range of discourses and theories around the contested concepts of health and healing in contemporary society. We will locate our analyses within both UK and international social, economic and political contexts. The module covers three main areas:
- contested concepts of health and healing exploring lay, traditional and professional discourses of health
- critical perspectives drawn from Marxist, political economy, post-modern perspectives
- and emerging discourses of social determinants and equity within what some have termed the third public health revolution.
Public Health, Sustainability and Community
This module allows you to situate and apply your skills and knowledge within an understanding of the place of sustainability within public health and regeneration; this understanding should inform the delivery of public health at the local community level both nationally and internationally.
The first part of the module encourages you to engage with a number of important sociological concepts that inform current policy in respect of sustainable community delivery, the wider socio-economic determinants of health and the concept of place poverty. Having enriched your theoretical understanding, and broadened your critical knowledge of the relevant policy fields, you will then apply yourself to real-life scenarios, analysing and evaluating policy initiatives and the potential for delivering sustainability in and through public health and regeneration and key issues in globalisation and the future of public health.
Policy and Practice in Multidisciplinary Public Health
You will integrate theory, policy and practice relating to multidisciplinary public health and explore in a critical way the broad skills necessary for effective professional activity in the field of multidisciplinary public health. You will gain a critical understanding of the broad strategic context of health within emerging policy agendas.
You will develop skills for professional practice in public health including Health Need Assessment and Health Impact Assessment, understand the requirement for evidence-based practice and appreciate how to effectively address health inequalities within multi-disciplinary partnerships. You will understand how to operate as a reflective practitioner.
Research Methods
This module aims to enhance your knowledge of epistemological and methodological issues in relation to social research in addition to expanding their repertoire and understanding in relation to research methods in the social sciences.
International Politics of Health
In this module you will study a range of current and emerging threats to human health and well-being, all of which are considered to be of global significance. Importantly, though, whether considering HIV / AIDS, food and water security, potential pandemic viral strains or the health effects of globalisation itself, in each case you will examine the wider global politico-economic and cultural context of disease and critique the intervention response of the global community and the activities of relevant international organisations.
Dissertation
This module will enable you to develop the ability to identify and apply appropriate research processes in the context of an identified research question. You will own and manage a significant academic research inquiry and produce 15-20,000 words in the form of a postgraduate dissertation
Or in place of a Dissertation, you can opt to take two 30 credit modules instead
Professional Practice in Public Health
You will undertake a period of practical experience within the Public Health field. This module aims to enhance your employability prospects by providing an opportunity to gain understanding through valuable work experience whilst at the same time allowing reflection on how a particular organisation operates.
Research Project
You will be required to critically reflect on practice in order to define and execute a research question appropriate to your specific professional area and organisational context.
Optional modules
Global Ethics and Public Health
The module is designed to engage you in critically thinking through the moral and ethical frameworks relevant to the complex issues facing public health practitioners.
Health Protection and the Effects on Society
This module will explore the health protection issues locally, globally and internationally, and how these are addressed with the evaluation of the outcomes of this. It incorporates a mixture of practical and theoretical sessions which allow you to explore and identify stressors which affect the public health outcomes of individuals and consider mitigating against these risk factors.
You'll explore the role of the public health professional in several different health protection scenarios, explore of the impact of these, and consider the short and long-term implications.
Public Health Leadership
This module is designed to ensure practitioners have the knowledge and skills to lead and manage public health issues, interventions and services in a global field. It will enable service review, improvement and project development and management. Leadership theories, change, and quality management will be explored and applied to the global public health arena to enable the development of skills and knowledge to ensure the effective application of leadership to professional, policy and legal frameworks.
Epidemiology
You'll be introduced to where epidemiology sits within the public health arena, with particular focus on the measurement of social determinants of health. It emphasises the importance of distribution of health issues and surveillance in order to study and extract statistical data which will influence your knowledge and skills. This will further enable you to understand cause, and develop and deliver key public health interventions and outcomes.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Study and support
The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, group work and presentations, and one-to-one supervision. You'll receive support throughout your studies from committed and enthusiastic teaching staff, who are also involved in research activity.
You may also get the opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers and alumni who have worked or volunteered internationally.
Assessment methods
The course employs a varied assessment regime, which includes essays, reports, a business plan, reflective pieces, a portfolio, individual and group presentations, and an exam. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to design, implement and present a significant piece of research relevant topic of your choice.
In-sessional academic writing support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) and UK students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes as this is a compulsory module within the programme.
Careers and employability
The course cultivates intellectual and research skills, experience and knowledge suitable for effective practice in a wide range of multidisciplinary public health sectors. You will be equipped to progress into policy, research and practice roles in the public, private or voluntary arenas in the UK or internationally. For those already employed it provides transferable skills such as independent critical thought, analysis and evaluation, partnership working skills and self-directed learning, linking the theory to practice.
Previous graduates have gone onto roles* including:
- Senior Care Assistant
- Research Associate
- Project Coordinator
- Mental Health Care Assistant / Healthcare Assistant
- Community Manager (Care)
- Academic Adviser
- Charity Director
*Data extracted from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, surveying graduates 15 months after finishing their degree.
Volunteering opportunities
You may also have the opportunity to become involved in volunteering opportunities via a project currently running in Uganda. This will provide you with excellent practical experience and transferable skills which you can apply within future careers.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
Facilities
The purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre is home to our world-class teaching, practice, research and scholarship in the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP).
Entry requirements
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above) in a related subject.
- Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences in the multidisciplinary public health territory (e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience - either paid or unpaid) and knowledge and skills would enable them to study this course at masters level in their Personal Statement.
Such experience and skills are likely to include a range of the following:
Previous study
You should provide any history of previous study that suggests that you are likely to cope with a course of study at postgraduate level.
Work experience
You should be able to demonstrate a clear appreciation of your role, function and relevant achievements within employment, and an awareness of how the course of study may assist your future career aspirations. The work experience should be in a public health field for at least six months and you should have undertaken some training that you can evidence during that time that links to this field of study.
Personal skills
You should be able to demonstrate the ability to work independently and in teams, to solve practical problems, to plan work and manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines, and to show perseverance and initiative when required.
Communication
You should be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate ideas effectively in both verbal and written forms.
Motivation
You should be able to provide a clear reason for applying for the course and have a demonstrable commitment to pursue study in the field of multidisciplinary Public Health. No references are required when applying for this course.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
For this course, you need one of the following:
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above) in a related subject.
- Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences in the multidisciplinary public health territory (e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience - either paid or unpaid) and knowledge and skills would enable them to study this course at masters level in their Personal Statement.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Such experience and skills are likely to include a range of the following:
Previous study
You should provide any history of previous study that suggests that you are likely to cope with a course of study at postgraduate level.
Work experience
You should be able to demonstrate a clear appreciation of your role, function and relevant achievements within employment, and an awareness of how the course of study may assist your future career aspirations. The work experience should be in a public health field for at least six months and you should have undertaken some training that you can evidence during that time that links to this field of study.
Personal skills
You should be able to demonstrate the ability to work independently and in teams, to solve practical problems, to plan work and manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines, and to show perseverance and initiative when required.
Communication
You should be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate ideas effectively in both verbal and written forms.
Motivation
You should be able to provide a clear reason for applying for the course and have a demonstrable commitment to pursue study in the field of multidisciplinary Public Health. No references are required when applying for this course.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2024-25 entry
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £8,600 |
| Part-time (cost per year of study) | £4,300 (for Year One*) |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for 2024-25 entry
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £16,500 |
| Part-time (cost per year of study) | £8,250 (for Year One*) |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can contact us at Ask NTU or phone us at +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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