PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION Programme Title/ Subject Title: Master of Public Health Award title and Interim awards: Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Master of Public Health Final Award title: Master of Public Health Interim Awards: Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Mode of Study The MPH course will be delivered full-time and part-time on campus at the Kedleston Road site Programme start date/review date Start date: September 2012 Period of validation: Continuous Awarding Institution University of Derby Faculty Managing the Programme The MPH sits in the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences Institution(s) Delivering the Programme University of Derby Relevant external subject benchmark statement(s) The MPH programme has been mapped up to Level 7 of the Public Health Skills and Career Framework, 2008 produced by the Public Health Resource Unit and also partially against the syllabus for the Part A examinations of the Faculty of Public Health. External Accreditation/Recognition None JACS Code(s) B910 Programme specification last updated May 2012 1
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS Overview The Master of Public Health is aimed at developing public health workers into public health practitioners, who can lead, develop and evaluate public health projects in a multidisciplinary environment. The teaching team is made up of public health specialists, environmental health, nursing practitioners and psychologists, reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of this subject. In addition, specialists from Derby City Public Health will mentor and support students through the course and their research. Graduates will be able to understand and evaluate the wider determinants of health and will be able to critically evaluate a full range of interventions which are available to prevent or mitigate the stressors and thereby protect human health. Programme Aims By adopting a community based practitioner approach, progression through the programme will develop critical thinking and analytical skills; culminating in the ability to think strategically across the breadth of public health. The programme aims are to produce graduates: 1. With the skills and knowledge to become public health practitioners able to lead, develop and evaluate public health projects in a multi- disciplinary environment. 2. With a detailed, comprehensive and critical understanding of the wider determinants of health and the necessary intervention strategies. 3. With the ability to conduct public health research from primary data collection to analysis/ evaluation and conclusions. 4. With a deep conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate critically current research, scholarship and application and to communicate this in a clear, concise way. 5. With the ability to demonstrate self direction, originality and critical evaluation in utilisation of complex tools in novel situations. 6. With the ability to work confidently and effectively, both autonomously and in groups. 2
SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES The programme learning outcomes are designed to provide coverage of the Level 7 skills and knowledge outcomes of the Public Health Skills and Career Framework, 2008 produced by the Public Health Resource Unit and partial coverage of the syllabus for the Part A examinations of the Faculty of Public Health. Post Graduate Certificate On completion of the Post Graduate Certificate you will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:- Knowledge and Understanding A critical understanding of qualitative and quantitative sources and methods for measuring, analysing and interpreting health and wellbeing, needs and outcomes. Subject Specific Skills The ability to express in a critical and reflective manner your understanding of of public health in a multidisciplinary, professional context. Transferable Skills The ability to communicate appropriately with a range of people and organisations using suitable language and means of delivery. Post Graduate Diploma Ian addition to the learning outcomes for the Post Graduate Certificate above you will also be able to demonstrate:- Knowledge and Understanding A systematic understanding of the knowledge, and a critical awareness, of current issues and / or new insights in public health in both the UK and Internationally. A critical understanding of the effectiveness of strategies and interventions aimed at reducing health inequalities. Intellectual Skills A thorough understanding of public health issues and intervention strategies. Subject Specific Skills The ability to reflect in a mature fashion upon the intervention outcomes and conclusions associated with the discipline of public health. Development of a holistic view and approach to public health practice. Master of Public Health On completion of the Master of Public Health, in addition to the learning outcomes for the Post Graduate Diploma you will be able to demonstrate:- Intellectual Skills A conceptual understanding enabling the critical evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship within the discipline of public health. 3
A conceptual understanding that enables the critical evaluation of available models of analysis and where appropriate propose alternative models. The ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and make informed judgements based on evidence. Transferable Skills The ability to organise and undertake independent scholarship to a satisfactory standard with an appropriate level of originality. The ability to communicate effectively the outcomes of your dissertation, project, exhibition, or action-based report to others. See Curriculum Map in Appendix 1 4
SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Structure and Curriculum Programme Structure The programme is delivered as follows: On campus full time or On campus part time The programme has a September intake. It is a flexible level 7 modular course that can be studied over a period of one year full time; and over two to five years part time, depending on the students requirements and employment. It is also possible for students to undertake single modules for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes. You can enroll with the University as an occasional student. On satisfactory completion a CPD certificate can be provided along with a University Certificate of Achievement. To obtain the award of MPH you will study 2 taught core modules and 4 taught optional modules (from a choice of 5 available) and an Independent Scholarly Activity. A number of modules are shared with other programmes such as nursing, health psychology and environmental health reflecting the multi- disciplinary nature of public health and ensuring that students are taught by professionals within their own fields. Each 20 credit taught module requires 200 hours of student engagement, normally over a period of 12 weeks. Modules are units of study that are free standing in terms of content, teaching and assessment. If you pass a standard module you will be awarded 20 credits. The Independent Scholarly Activity is equivalent to a triple module and successful completion would result in you being awarded 60 credits. Detailed information regarding the recommended study requirements is located within the individual module specifications. All students undertaking the full time or part time options will take a compulsory induction programme that includes study skills and a scene setting morning public health in the UK with the Derby City Public Health team. The induction will also cover the Programme Handbook contents and their meaning; an introduction to the systems used on the course and within the University; information about the compulsory elements of the course and turnaround times for assignments; and a session for the introduction of and between students and staff and for peer experience and discussion. Programme step off points Stage 1 Post Graduate Certificate (PgCert)* Compulsory Induction Public Health, Inequality and Associated Vulnerability Epidemiology and Statistics (60 Credits) Plus 1 optional module from: Health Leadership, Assessment and Inequalities Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Health Protection and Intervention Strategies Health Economics and Health Information Global Issues in Environmental and Public Health *If you are studying the MPH full time, Health Protection and Intervention Strategies will only be available at the Post Graduate Certificate Stage 5
Stage 2 Post Graduate Diploma (PgDip) PgCert plus three optional modules from; Health Leadership, Assessment and Inequalities Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Health Protection and Intervention Strategies Health Economics and Health Information Global Issues in Environmental and Public Health Stage 3 Master of Public Health PgDip plus Independent Scholarly Activity (60 Credits) (120 Credits) (180 Credits) A typical full time 1 year course structure is shown in Figures 1 below. Figure 1 MPH September Start - 1 Year Full Time MPH Full Time Route 1 Year MPH PG Diploma PG Cert Summer Spring Autumn Public Health, Inequality and Associated Epidemiology and Statistics Health Protection and Intervention Strategies Vulnerability 3 Modules from: Health Leadership, Assessment and Inequalities Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Health Economics and Health Information Global Issues in Environmental and Public Health CORE Must be studied FIRST 20 credits OPTIONAL 60 credits Independent Scholarly Activity (ISA)** 6
For students engaged in employment the programme offers a flexible route to qualification from 2-5 years in duration. See Figure 2 below. Figure 2 September Start Part Time Routes MPH Part Time Route 2 to 5 Years MPH PG Diploma PG Cert Summer Spring Autumn Public Health, Inequality Epidemiology and and Associated Statistics Vulnerability 1 Optional Modules from: Health Protection and Intervention Strategies 3 Optional Modules from: Health Leadership, Assessment and Inequalities Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Health Economics and Health Information Global Issues in Environmental and Public Health A selection of 6 taught modules to be studied from the list above across 2-5 years Must be studied FIRST CORE OPTIONAL 20 credits 60 credits Independent Scholarly Activity (ISA)** The programme operates within, and conforms to, the University of Derby Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes. Personal Development Planning (PDP) PDP is a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning, performance and/or achievement. It also enables students to plan for their own personal, educational and career development. In accordance with the recommendations of the QAA and HEFCE (following the Dearing report) and as agreed by Universities UK, HE institutions are expected to provide a form of Personal Development Planning (PDP) for their students. As a part of this students should be able to: Identify and reflect on existing skills, working, professional and other experiences Reflect on how study will meet their professional and personal needs Review progress and achievement. The aim of the PDP portfolio is to facilitate the integration of the academic and practical aspects of the Masters programme and which can then feed into the student s professional development as a Public Health Practitioner. 7
The portfolio is an active learning tool. This means that it is continuously updated and evolving during the student s time on the course. It will provide the opportunity to demonstrate practical application of underpinning knowledge, demonstrate how you are developing during the course on an individual and professional level. It will also demonstrate the range and level of practical ability to employers. The course team see this as an essential component of the programme that will enable you to develop as a Public Health Practitioner. Whilst it is currently not formally assessed there is an expectation that this portfolio will be undertaken by students and it will form the basis of you personal meetings with both your academic tutor and you professional mentor. The following provides some generic information about your PDP The portfolio will be maintained as an online diary, usually referred to as a personal blog. This will be made available to you when you enrol onto the programme and can only be viewed by your academic tutor, the professional mentor and yourself. There are various types of evidence/information that should be included in the portfolio. These may include: Copies of assignments and assignment feedback sheets Personal academic record Records of discussions with staff Reflective diary entry for activities and anything else you wish to reflect on (e.g., forum discussions etc). As noted above the portfolio developed during the course of study will not be formally assessed; it is simply there to improve personal development. Students may wish to reflect on their experiences during the course; the following list identifies what the student may wish to consider and to include comments on: Experience Which aspects of the activity did I enjoy? Why? Which aspects did I find difficult or challenging? Why? Which of my objectives did I achieve? Why? Which of my objectives did I not achieve? Why? Personal/professional development What would I have done differently (if anything) during my experience or in preparation for it? In what ways has the activity helped towards achievement of the related learning activities or module outcomes for the course? What issues has the activity raised as an individual? What else do I need to learn or have more experience of? 8
1st Semester Portfolio Activities Include the brief outline of your expectations of the programme and what you want to achieve from the first session. For each module: Reflect upon the units covered and how they relate to your existing skills, working, professional and other experiences. How did the module meet your professional and personal needs? Reflect upon the preparing your coursework. Reflect upon the forum discussions and activities. Review progress and achievement. Mentoring Arrangements It is essential that you receive support and guidance throughout your studies and one element of this will be through the programme mentoring system. When you commence your studies you will be allocated an academic tutor who will support you on academic matters such as study techniques, module selection etc. You will also be allocated a professional mentor who will normally be a Public Health Practitioner. They will be able to provide support and guidance on professional aspects. They will be able to advise on the more practical aspects of the programme and the application of the theory into practice. These mentors will: Help you to develop your career potential Give insights into professionalism in the workplace Give support with skill development and recognition Improve confidence Build awareness of what potential public health employers are looking for You will be expected to meet with both your academic tutor and professional mentor throughout your studies Sessions will centre on your PDP and any areas of concern that you or your mentor may have identified. All professional mentors will be supported by the University and where appropriate will receive training to help them in their role. Placement Opportunities A unique feature of this programme is the close partnership arrangements that the University has with Derby City Public Health. As well as supporting students through the mentoring system and lecturing on the programme, Derby City Public Health offers opportunities for students to undertake a placement. This will enable you to gain a greater understanding of public health practice. All students joining the programme will be given the opportunity for this placement and arrangements will be made for you to take advantage of this during your studies. It is envisaged that placements will initially be for up to 5 days. 9
The programme team see this as an important opportunity and it is expected that students will take full advantage of the placement opportunities. Research Methodology Approaches to public health research and the different methodologies available are considered to be important skills that students will need to develop as a part of this programme. The module entitled Statistics and Epidemiology is a research based methodology module which includes key aspects of epidemiology. This module will provide a solid foundation in relevant Public Health research methods. You will further practice and develop your research skills in other taught modules. This will culminate with the Independent Scholarly Activity where you will be able to apply relevant research techniques to a specific topic under investigation. SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods The programme team aim to produce an effective learning experience by making use of a variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies. The overall approach to teaching learning and assessment is influenced and determined by the following key areas: Flexibility of course delivery Attainment of a holistic overview of public health Practitioner based approach Research and evidence based approach Technology based support, instruction and assessment Integrated course delivery across the breadth of public health Multidisciplinary practitioner team approach In accordance with the philosophy of our programme and the Teaching, Learning and Assessment strategy of the University, the delivery of the programme offers variety and ensures that the learning and assessment activities are relevant and of value to future professional practice. The programme recognises the importance of integrating practice experience and formal theory through the use of real life case studies and scenarios. The teaching staff are informed by different aspects of current public health practice and research and feed this into the programme through practice informed course content and assignments. The programme aims, learning outcomes and module content reflect the practice based approach of the programme. The learning materials which introduce the underpinning public health theory and knowledge will refer to journal articles and these will be accompanied by appropriate applied exercises. Technology enhanced learning resources will be used to help students engage with the course materials and maintain student interest. The course team are leading practitioners in the use of these technologies within the University and make use of the following:- The use of a virtual scenario tool using 2 nd Life The use of the virtual classroom for tutorials, seminars and discussion forums The use of Wikis and Blogs to facilitate interactive discussion between students and tutors 10
The use of Podcasts to provide guidance on key elements The use of pre-recorded narratives to accompany presentation slides Students will also be supported throughout the course with tutorials from both the teaching team and public health specialists. As this is a Masters level programme (level 7) a sound understanding of research principles underpins the programme. All students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking their programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at www.derby.ac.uk/research/ethics Assessment This programme operates within the University s Regulatory Framework and conforms with its regulations on assessment The assessments are designed to test the module learning outcomes, which are derived from the module content, generic learning outcomes and programme aims. All assessment of knowledge and applied skills is carried out by coursework. We believe that the summative assessments should not only test the above but should provide you with the opportunity to develop key practice skills. As such more traditional essays and reports are used in combination with portfolios containing shorter exercises to assess specific skills. We also use multifaceted case studies that integrate topic areas to enable you to develop your critical thinking and innovation. Use will be made of the new online technology to facilitate formative assessments such as online quizzes, multiple choice tests and Wikis for group discussions. This approach helps ensure the breadth and depth of knowledge required at this level. The shorter items and formative interactive elements are provided online to ensure that you engage with the topic areas covered in each module. The larger items of work will require you to integrate the knowledge and skills covered and use research skills to locate and critically evaluate information. Parity of assessment load will be ensured through discussions between module leaders, monitoring by the programme leader and noting any feedback from students and the external examiner. You will be encouraged to consider knowledge gained during taught modules in the context of public health in practice and to demonstrate understanding by relating your online discussions or assessments when applicable to practice. You are encouraged to use the online discussion boards to discuss your assignments with your peers and tutors. Formative assessment will be provided in all modules to enable the development of the requisite skills at the level. These will be provided in a variety of formats such as sending a sample of work to tutors on which formative feedback is provided prior to submission, use of interactive quizzes, group activities with tutor feedback and discussion boards with tutor moderation. 11
SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS Entry Requirements Admissions to this programme are consistent with those of Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes. Applicants should normally have: EITHER A lower second class Honours degree (2:2) in a public health related science from a UK university, the CNAA or an overseas equivalent. OR Qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above. All students applying via this route will be assessed and where necessary interviewed by the Programme Leader. Additionally International students will be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English and would normally be expected to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above. When assessing a non standard entrant s suitability for entry onto the programme candidates will need to demonstrate their potential to achieve the aims and outcomes of the programme. The candidate will also need to demonstrate that their experiences are equivalent to having achieved the 2.2 Honours Degree mentioned above. The Programme Leader will have particular regard to: Level of current qualifications Experience of working in a public health setting, the roles undertaken and the level of decision making undertaken Ability to write in a clear, coherent and critical manner Motivation for undertaking the programme Support from employer to undertake programme An interview with the candidate may be undertaken, a reference from the employer that details the applicant s experiences and current role will be required. The applicant may also be asked to undertake a critical written report for consideration. 12
SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE The programme leader, assisted by course tutors, oversees all students enrolled on the programme. Module leaders will provide the support for their individual modules. There will be a compulsory induction programme for ALL new students, including IT and Learning Centre use and students will receive a programme handbook that provides all the essential information about the programme and the support available to students. In addition the University central Student Support Services offers a range of general, specialist and professional support services for students detailed in the student s programme handbook. The range of services available include:- Electronic Library Resources The Learning centre provides assistance in accessing the key electronic library resources. Their webpages provide detailed guidance and assistance including specific information on accessing digital resources, electronic journals and online research tools. (A guide to Accessing Electronic Resources from Home is also included on the programme web pages.) Essential and recommended reading is included in the module handbooks. Students declaring a disability will be treated in accordance with the University Equal Opportunities Policy. This aims to develop an awareness of the needs of individual students to enable them to participate fully in their programme of study. The need for ongoing support is established via a Support Plan which makes recommendations in relation to the student's support needs. Staff will refer to the support plan to ensure the appropriate adaptations are made for each individual student. Student Support and Information Services The University supplies central student services, outside support offered by academics in the relevant department: http://www.derby.ac.uk/e-learning/studentsupport Student Support and Information Services, including Student Support can be accessed through the appropriate website: http://www.derby.ac.uk/student-support-and-information-services/ssisgeneral/student-support-information-services Any student s grievances will initially be directed to the University Rights, Responsibilities and Regulations (3Rs) document: http://www.derby.ac.uk/qed/3rs/he_pg.htm 13
SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES Post-Programme Opportunities The Masters of Public Health programme allows progression in terms of further qualifications and employment. The Masters is a good basis for further study in the form of a PhD. It will also improve the employment prospects of students by providing an informed insight into current multi disciplinary practises employed in the evolving public health arena. From a wider perspective the programme provides a suitable qualification for those working in allied areas such as Local Authority, Health Protection Agency, Public Health England and with private consultancy companies to progress and broaden their skills. Contact the programme team is you wish to discuss this further. SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS Employer Links The programme team have good employer links. Student feedback about content and delivery helps ensure employer needs are met and a dialogue is maintained. Further dialogue and awareness is maintained by the programme team, through employer (placement) visits, conference attendance or publication of articles related to public health. This programme has been devised and supported in partnership with Derby City Public Health thereby providing links and opportunities for students to undertake short placements and conduct research. 14