Postgraduate Programmes in Public Health Prospectus

Transcription

1 2014 Postgraduate Programmes in Public Health Prospectus University of Otago, Wellington University of Otago, Christchurch University of Otago, Dunedin POSTGRADUATE YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD

2 1 Postgraduate Programmes in Public Health Prospectus 2014 UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, WELLINGTON UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, DUNEDIN

3 2 BACKGROUND We welcome your interest in the Diploma and Master of Public Health programme. Public health has been defined as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. Our programme is designed to meet the education and training requirements of a wide range of people working in, or with an interest in, health. It is designed to develop public health skills, as distinct from those gained in biomedicine and therefore encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, disciplines and approaches. The course is taught within a broad health and social science framework although delivered within a medical faculty. The University of Otago has had a long tradition of academic training in public health. A Diploma in Public Health (DPH) course was established by the University in There has been a resurgence of interest in public health in recent years. Reasons for this include the increasing value being placed upon health by individuals and communities, a shift towards health status outcomes as goals for health services, increasing environmental awareness, an increasing focus on Mäori health, concerns about inequalities in health, inequity in access to care and issues in the provision, distribution, and financing of health services. We believe that continuing changes in the health sector will lead to an expanding need for people with public health skills. Over the last years an increasing workforce has had formal training in public health at either the certificate, diploma or masters level. We are confident that the Certificate, DPH and MPH courses being offered have been a major step forward in the development of these much-needed skills and warmly welcome applications for our courses for Several of the public health papers provide support for other disciplines such as health management, health research and environmental studies.

4 3 UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO DPH/MPH PROGRAMME The DPH is taught as an internal (on campus) programme in the three medical schools. Programme arrangements may differ from paper to paper, but will include combinations of block teaching and weekly or fortnightly sessions. Students should anticipate spending approximately 20 hours per week on each paper, including study time, assignment preparation, and class attendance. Course content has been agreed between the three teaching departments. Resource material will include set texts and comprehensive course books. Four papers are required for completion of the DPH, of which two are compulsory. Two others may be selected from six options. Students may also substitute, with the approval of the Public Health Academic Committee, one paper from another related university postgraduate degree or diploma.

5 4 DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC HEALTH GRADUATE PROFILE DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC HEALTH The course is designed to develop public health skills at the postgraduate level. Graduates will have: ~ an understanding of health and the factors which influence the health of the community and the provision of health services, the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi to the health status of Mäori populations and to health service development, how health status may be measured and monitored, the societal actions required and being taken to promote and protect health, and to provide services, how to evaluate the outcomes of these actions. ~ skills in critically interpreting data, presenting information on disease, health and health services, including the ability to communicate effectively in a group setting, planning, implementing and evaluating public health initiatives, a knowledge and appreciation of the sensitive political, economic, ethical and Mäori health issues surrounding the health needs and problems of the community. ELIGIBILITY The course is open to those with a wide variety of backgrounds and qualifications. Overseas perspectives are a rich component of the course and we welcome applications from international students. Selection may have to be made from qualified applicants if demand exceeds the available places and resources for the course. Admission to the course shall be subject to the approval of the Public Health Academic Committee which must be satisfied that previous training and experience fit the candidate to undertake the course. Every candidate for the DPH shall have fulfilled one of the following conditions: (i) have been admitted to a degree or diploma of a university in New Zealand; (ii) hold an appropriate professional qualification approved by the Board of the Public Health Academic Committee; (iii) have been admitted ad eundem statum as entitled to proceed to the diploma.

6 5 As guidance a general requirement for entry into postgraduate public health courses is a good undergraduate degree, diploma, or professional qualification, which would normally equate to a B average overall. The University of Otago expects those proceeding to the MPH to have attained a good B grade average overall (73%) for the DPH. APPLYING FOR ADMISSION/ENROLMENT Application to this programme must be made online. Follow the Apply online link on the University of Otago s homepage: For all University closing dates, please refer to the following link: DURATION The course duration is one academic year of full-time study. Full-time students will complete the course by undertaking two papers in each of the two semesters. However, it is recognised that most students will be part-time and will complete the Diploma over two or more years. Part-time students may take a maximum of two papers in any one year, one in each semester, but may change to full-time status mid year.

7 6 MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH GRADUATE PROFILE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH The prerequisite for the Master of Public Health is the Diploma in Public Health. MPH graduates will therefore have the profile of a DPH graduate, but with a broader basis. In addition, an MPH graduate will have developed research skills that may be applied in public health policy, practice or research settings. The Diploma in Public Health is the normal recognised prerequisite for this programme. Students may also gain entry to the MPH if they hold a qualification equivalent to the DPH which includes comparable papers in public health. The MPH is a one-year full-time equivalent course and will comprise either a thesis or a dissertation and two papers, including DPH papers not already completed to gain that qualification. One of the papers from another postgraduate degree or diploma degree may be substituted, with the approval of the Public Health Academic Committee. Those interested in MPH study should contact their nearest Department: Department of Public Health (Wellington); Preventive and Social Medicine (Dunedin) or Department of Population Health (Christchurch), for further information and an enrolment form. Enrolments for the thesis option may be accepted at any time, but students must first have discussed their proposed thesis with a member of the academic staff of one of the departments. Faculty of Public Health Medicine registrars may be eligible for early entry to the MPH in order to meet the Faculty of Public Health Medicine training requirements to start the thesis or dissertation in the first year of their training. Such candidates must have achieved a standard satisfactory to the Public Health Academic Committee in the papers taken in the first semester of the DPH.

8 7 CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH The Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health was introduced for the first time at the University of Otago in The postgraduate certificate provides a University qualification in public health, with endorsed options. Some students, particularly those already working in the health sector, may wish to obtain a postgraduate qualification in public health, but do not wish to undertake a Diploma or Masters qualification. The postgraduate certificate provides such students with an appropriate qualification. The Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health comprises two papers from the existing PUBH papers offered by the University. It is an integral part of the postgraduate Public Health programme. If students decide to continue their studies after obtaining the postgraduate certificate, they can be exempted from two papers in the Diploma in Public Health (DPH), thus obtaining a DPH by undertaking two further papers (two of the four papers must be the compulsory papers for the DPH). Students are not permitted to undertake two postgraduate certificates. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Every applicant shall have fulfilled one of the following conditions: (i) have been admitted to a degree or diploma of a university in New Zealand; (ii) hold an appropriate professional qualification approved by the Public Health Academic Committee; (iii) have been admitted ad eundem statum as entitled to proceed to the certificate. As guidance, a general requirement for entry into postgraduate public health courses is a good undergraduate degree, diploma, or professional qualification, which would normally equate to a B average overall. APPLYING FOR ADMISSION/ENROLMENT Application to this programme must be made online. Follow the Apply online link on the University of Otago s homepage: For all University closing dates, please refer to the following link:

9 8 PAPER OPTIONS FOR THE POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH Endorsed Option Environmental Health Health Economics Health Promotion Health Services Policy Health Systems and Services Mäori Health Research Methods Law and Ethics Papers Required PUBH 703 and one other PUBH paper. PUBH 704 and one other PUBH paper. PUBH 705 and one other PUBH paper. PUBH 702 and one other PUBH paper. PUBH 706 and one other PUBH paper. PUBH 709 and one other PUBH paper. PUBH 701 and PUBH 708 (or one other approved research methods paper to the value of 30 points). PUBX 710 (distance taught) and one other PUBH paper. PAPER PRESCRIPTIONS FIRST SEMESTER PUBH 701: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (compulsory) (30 points) Lecturers Dr Phil Hider Christchurch Dr Patricia Priest/Professor Jennie Connor Dunedin (convenors) Dr Diana Sarfati Wellington The paper will introduce students to the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics. This includes the basic principles and methods of different types of epidemiological studies, the critical appraisal of published research, and the application of epidemiology to public health and disease prevention. Assessment will be by a final examination and in-course assignments dealing with principles, critical appraisal and development of a brief study protocol. Familiarity with basic mathematical concepts is essential, and selftesting and recommendations for upgrading mathematical skills will be available. PUBH 705: Health Promotion (30 points) Lecturers Dr Lee Thompson Christchurch Dr Richard Egan Dunedin (convenor) Dr Louise Signal Wellington The principles and practice of health promotion will be introduced in this paper. Historical factors, underlying values, key theories and concepts, practical frameworks, effective strategies, and programme planning and evaluation models will be introduced

10 9 and analysed. The course reviews health promotion interventions at community, national, regional and global levels. By the end of the course students will be expected to understand current theory-based and evidence-based health promotion models and strategies directed toward multiple levels of change. Practical work will focus on community consultation and programme development, implementation and evaluation. PUBH 706: Health Systems (30 points) Lecturers Dr Ian Sheerin Christchurch Prof Robin Gauld Dunedin (convenor) To be confirmed Wellington This paper aims to help students understand health systems and how they are organised and managed. The paper is divided into three sections. The first section introduces the concept of health systems and examines some of the global forces that influence national health systems. The second section covers the national context for the New Zealand health system, focusing on welfare state restructuring and health sector restructuring. The final section covers specific issues related to the organisation of health systems, including regulation, health policy, resource allocation and priority setting, primary health care, strategic planning and community participation. This part of the course also includes study of alternative ways of assessing the performance of health systems, using case studies from different countries. PUBH 707: Special Topic (30 points) Not offered in 2014 PUBH 708: Social Research Methods (30 points) Lecturers Dr Gillian Abel Christchurch (convenor) Dr Richard Egan Dunedin Dr Hera Cook Wellington This is a broadly based paper covering a range of social research methods. It aims to give an understanding of the strengths of the different methodologies available for use in public health research from different disciplinary perspectives. We look at the range of social science methods available to public health and their theoretical underpinnings. Specifically we examine methodological and applied issues relating to the use of survey techniques and other quantitative methods, and a range of qualitative methods. The ethical, policy and strategic issues which relate to the context of public health research are discussed and New Zealand based research which illustrate multi methods applications to research questions are presented via particular case studies.

11 10 PUBX 710: Public Health Law and Public Health Ethics (30 points) (Distance based) Lecturer Louise Delany This paper will enable students to understand and assess the framework, scope and content of public health law in New Zealand. Students will learn about key concepts in public health ethics and apply them to public health topics. The first three modules will analyse general themes and approaches that underlie public health law and ethics. These approaches differ from medical law, and more clinically oriented bioethics, by an emphasis on population and prevention objectives. Students will develop skills in using statute-based law and case-law, will analyse the concept of risk in public health law, and understand the impact of international law in public health. The remaining modules will apply these ideas to specific topics including communicable disease, screening, immunisation, environmental health, public health emergencies, quarantine, tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, food and radiation. Students will analyse existing law from public health and ethical perspectives, and also assess proposals for new law. The paper will run in the second semester of The paper is distance based, with two block courses at the Wellington campus, each of two days. This paper will be of interest to health workers, public health practitioners, policy staff in government agencies (central and local) and non-government organisations, as well as those lawyers keen on extending their skills in the health sector. Access to a computer will be required to enable access to Blackboard (through the web). Blackboard participation will not be real-time. SECOND SEMESTER PUBH 702: Society, Health and Public Policy (compulsory) (30 points) Lecturers Dr Lee Thompson Christchurch (convenor) Dr Sarah Lovell Dunedin Prof Philippa Howden-Chapman Wellington This paper analyses who in society stays well and who gets sick. The distribution of health and illness within society is largely determined by social variables. Social class, gender, culture and ethnicity are highlighted as key factors. We look at the policy implications of these factors and how health care providers organise to promote and maintain health and to respond to ill health. The effects of different local and international patterns of organization for the users, funders and providers are examined. In particular, the changing role of the state in public health policy is examined. Assignments will focus on the analysis of particular cases in health related public policy.

12 11 PUBH 703: Health and Environment (30 points) Lecturers Not available in Christchurch Dr Alexandra Macmillan Dunedin (convenor) Dr Paul Blaschke Wellington This paper examines the relationships between health and the environment with particular reference to New Zealand. Conceptual and analytical approaches used within environmental health are explored including the ecological approach, sustainability, and health impact assessment. Specific topics covered include the health effects of global environmental changes and emerging issues, waste production, water and air quality, communicable disease control, the built environment, transport and health and food safety. The paper includes local site visits and case studies. By the end of the course students should have an understanding of the principles of environmental health, and the frameworks for assessing and managing risks. PUBH 704: Health Economics (30 points) Lecturers Dr Ian Sheerin Christchurch (convenor) Dr Sarah Baird Dunedin To be confirmed Wellington This paper commences with an introduction to economics as a social science, outlining its nature and scope. The conceptual and analytical approaches that economists bring to understanding the forces shaping health systems and to improved decision-making in the health sector are then explored. Specific topics include the market system and how it works, efficiency and equity considerations, ethical issues in resource allocation, aspects of market failure in health and alternative means of health care funding and provision, principles of costing and key cost concepts, formal economic evaluation and its role in promoting an efficient allocation of resources, and selected labour market issues. By the end of the course, students should have an appreciation of the economic issues and problems encountered in the health field, in particular public health, and how economic analysis can assist in their solution. PUBH 709: Hauora Mäori Health Issues (30 points) Lecturers Christina McKerchar Christchurch Dr Emma Wyeth Dunedin (convenor) Keri Lawson-Te Aho Wellington A prerequisite for this paper may be required. Intending students should discuss this with their local lecturer(s). This paper will review key issues which affect Mäori health outcomes. It aims to give an understanding of issues in Mäori health from a public health perspective given diverse Mäori realities. An overview of Mäori health will be considered together with historical commentary, models for analysing and describing health, intervention strategies, research, ethical and policy issues. By the end of the

13 12 course, students will be expected to have a working knowledge of factors which affect Mäori health outcomes. Assessment will focus on the development of an analytical overview and its practical application. PUBH 721: Advanced Epidemiology (15 points) Lecturers Dr Patricia Priest -Dunedin(convenor) Professor Tony Blakely - Wellington A prerequisite for this paper may be required. An in-depth study of epidemiological ideas and methods used in the conceptualisation, design, analysis and interpretation of studies of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations. PUBX 722: Conducting Epidemiological Studies in Developing Countries (15 points) (Distance based) Lecturer/convenor Prof John Crump/Prof Philip Hill This postgraduate research methods paper is focused on conducting epidemiological research in developing countries. Such studies have unique challenges including the development of the research question, the methodologies that are used, and the conduct of the research project. This paper will specifically prepare students who would like to do an MPH thesis or dissertation in international health that will include a research project in a developing country. It is expected to be of interest to other postgraduate students who will be doing a research project in a developing country as part of their Masters or PhD, or who anticipate conducting research in a developing country in the future. PUBX 731: Applied Social and Health Research in the Pacific (not offered in 2014) (15 points) Taught in Samoa January/February Professor Philip Hill (convenor) PUBX 731 Applied Social and Health Research in the Pacific, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine (taught at the National University of Samoa Papaigalagala campus, Vaivase,Upolu, Samoa). This paper provides graduate students with practical insight into the challenges of doing applied health and social research in a Pacific Island setting, utilising key qualitative and quantitative research methods. Indigenous research approaches from the Pacific are examined and applied alongside social science and epidemiological methods using classroom group and individual activities and structured village-based fieldwork. Students will be expected to critically engage with these indigenous and social and health science models of research. Group and individual assessment work is involved. The course is based in Samoa and draws on the research knowledge and expertise of staff from the Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, and the National University of Samoa.

14 13 OTHER INFORMATION COSTS Tuition fees are prescribed by the University Council. Inquiries should be directed to the Registry, University of Otago, or one of the departments. In addition to course fees, students will be required to meet the costs of textbooks, and travel and accommodation expenses for any block period of instruction, if this is at one of the other Otago campuses. SEMESTERS The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester will commence on 24 February 2014 and finish on 20 June The second semester will run from 7 July 2014 until 7 November A provisional timetable will be available from November ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY All graduates from a non-new Zealand university for whom English is not their first language are required to provide evidence of adequate proficiency in both spoken and written English. This evidence will normally be a satisfactory pass in a standard examination in English language proficiency. Applicants must obtain this before they can be considered for entry to the postgraduate papers for the Diploma in Public Health. This process enables applicants to be aware of the level of proficiency needed to do this course, and allows staff to assess the suitability of students to undertake the course. The recommended examination is the academic module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), for which we require a score of 7.5 or above. This examination is held locally at the following places: Dunedin: Otago Language Centre, Level 2, St David 2 Building, 75 St David Street, PO Box 56, Dunedin. Tel (03) You should contact the Centre for further details. Christchurch: Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, CPIT, PO Box 540, Christchurch. Tel You should contact the CPIT for further details. Wellington: The English Language Institute at Victoria University. Tel (04) You should contact the secretary of the English Language Institute for further details.

15 14 Graduates of non-new Zealand universities for whom English is not their first Language should provide the results of their English proficiency examination at the time of submitting all their other application documents. In exceptional circumstances the requirements for applicants to sit the IELTS may be varied. Applicants should discuss this with their local DPH co-ordinator well before the deadline for applications. BOARD OF STUDIES The DPH and MPH courses are planned and managed by a Board of Studies. Present membership of the Board is as follows: The Chair Heads of Departments (3 Schools) Course Directors (3 Schools) STAFF INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION AND TEACHING OF THE COURSE The programme brings together the teaching resources of the three departments. This offers a much wider range of expertise than could be offered by a single department. Disciplines represented include biostatistics, public health medicine, economics, epidemiology, environmental health, psychology, health promotion, management, social sciences and humanities. A wide range of resource persons with specialist skills from outside the departments involved will contribute to the teaching programme.

16 15 FURTHER INFORMATION Those seeking further information should contact their nearest Department. See contact details for course administration staff on back cover.

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18 for further information contact: Rebekah Higgs Department of Population Health University of Otago, Christchurch PO Box 4345 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand Tel rebekah.higgs@otago.ac.nz Debbie Payne Department of Preventive and Social Medicine Dunedin School of Medicine University of Otago PO Box 913 Dunedin 9054 New Zealand Tel debbie.payne@otago.ac.nz Mary Anderson Department of Public Health University of Otago, Wellington PO Box 7343 Wellington South 6242 New Zealand Tel mary.anderson@otago.ac.nz October 2013