About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: BL9412
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Health and Applied Social Sciences
- Campus: Glenside Campus
- Duration: 12 or 18 months full-time, 36 months part-time
- Delivery: Part-time, Full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Nick de Viggiani
Introduction
Promote the health of the UK and global populations by studying public health at UWE
Public health is 'the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society.'
The course draws upon the skills of experts across the University's departments, in particular the Department of Health and Applied Social Sciences, the Department of Planning and Architecture and the Bristol Business School.
Am I a suitable candidate?
This course will benefit those who are working, or intend to work, in the fields of public health, health promotion or health protection in developed or developing countries. It will also be very relevant to those who work within the NHS, local government, regeneration, criminal justice or the third (voluntary and community) sector.
Why study public health at UWE?
- We are experts in our field and actively involved in researching key aspects of current public health issues.
- UWE was one of the success stories of the 2008 RAE with over a third (37 per cent) of research carried out at UWE considered to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
- We offer flexible learning including short course opportunities.
- We encourage student publication and progression to doctoral studies.
- The University's Institute for Sustainability, Health and Environment provides opportunities for professionals and practitioners to collaborate across subject boundaries with positive outcomes for society.
- A wide variety of students from a diverse range of disciplines and professional backgrounds creating a stimulating learning environment.
- A strong commitment and tradition of interprofessional learning within UWE.
- Your prior experience and academic achievements are recognised through the Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning scheme (AP(E)L). You may claim credit for learning and work-based experience gained in the past and thereby exempt yourself from specific modules.
- UWE has a strong reputation for teaching excellence and is rated amongst the top universities for teaching quality.
- A unique combination of experience in housing, social care, the built environment and environmental health within the university. For example, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Healthy Cities is within the Department of Planning and Architecture.
What benefits will you get from the course?
- You will gain knowledge of the many factors involved in improving the health of populations, communities and particular groups.
- You will build on your previous experiences to enhance your ability to develop your professional role, your effectiveness within your organisation, and your involvement with partners.
- You will benefit from a broadly based education at postgraduate level which will enable you to acquire core public health competencies, knowledge and skills relevant to the Public Health Skills and Career Framework.
- You will study with a diverse and stimulating group of UK and international students.
- You will learn in a supportive learning environment which will enable you to maximise your learning and facilitate your development as a self-directed and reflective learner.
Student's view
Rachel completed the Master's in Public Health and is now enjoying a fulfilling career in her chosen field. Read more.
Structure
Content
Flexible delivery
The course structure allows maximum flexibility, enabling you to exit at different levels of the course. Although the course is designed to run part-time over three years, it is also possible to complete it full-time in 12 or 18 months. You may also incrementally complete individual modules as CPD over a longer period to build up to the required credits for the MSc (180), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or the Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).
This course is organised into two semesters, running from September to January (with a break for Christmas) and from January to May (with a break for Easter). You can study full-time or part-time. Modules are timetabled to run on Thursdays (Year 1) and Fridays (Year 2). Full-time students attend on both Thursdays and Fridays. More exact timings are available upon request.
Core modules
| Understanding Public Health | 20 credits |
| Epidemiology and Research Methodology | 20 credits |
| Critical Appraisal Skills | 20 credits |
| Public Policy | 10 credits |
| Health Promotion | 20 credits |
| Communicable Disease Control | 10 credits |
| Research Project Skills | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | 40 credits |
Optional modules (20 credits required)
| Applied Epidemiology | 10 credits |
| Health Economics | 10 credits |
| Healthy Communities | 20 credits |
| Social Marketing | 10 credits |
| Understanding Statistics | 10 credits |
For further information about the modules please go to our Public Health webpage.
Short course opportunities
You can also choose to study single free-standing modules as part of a Continuing Professional Development programme and this may be a helpful way to gain expertise in specific areas where you need further professional development or to demonstrate 'knows how' and 'shows how' competence. Modules are now delivered in 'blocks' making them easy to attend, and can be accumulated over time to contribute to the programme award.
To find out further information on short course opportunities, please go to our Public Health Short Course webpage.
Teaching and learning
Teaching will include lectures, seminars, group discussions, action learning sets, case studies and self-directed learning.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used including essays, seminar presentations, project work and timed assignments. The methods used vary with each module.
Special Features
Study facilities
The Department is superbly equipped with an extensive range of teaching and learning resources. The library on the Glenside Campus is one of the best health care libraries in England with a huge selection of books, journals, an audio-visual materials including access to specialist health and social case software packages.
Research at UWE Bristol
The University regards research as a primary activity and has invested substantial resources to ensure research is developed and supported.
To find out further information about research within the Departments visit:
Department of Health and Applied Social Sciences
Department of Planning and Architecture
Bristol Business School
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants are normally required to have a good degree in a relevant subject area as well as appropriate experience. Applicants without a degree level qualification will be considered individually, and will usually be asked to complete a pre-course assignment.
International Students
International students are especially welcome on this course which reflects both UK and international public health perspectives. Dissertation study can be supported in home countries which can reduce student costs substantially.
International applicants will be required to demonstrate English Language competence.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarship information.
How to apply
Please apply online using the link on the right hand side of this page.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011