Public Health (International) PGDip

Year of entry

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Start date
September 2024
Delivery type
On campus
Duration
9 months full time
Entry requirements
Bachelor degree or medical degree with 2:2 (hons) in a related subject + experience
Full entry requirements
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components
UK fees
£8,167 (Total)
International fees
£18,333 (Total)

Course overview

john matsekete, school of medicine

Join a global community of professionals working to improve the provision of healthcare around the world and address modern global health challenges.

Make an Impact

Our course is designed to provide public health professionals with an understanding of the health needs of populations. At Leeds, you will learn how to effectively intervene to strengthen health services and systems and improve health in an international context.

On this course you have the opportunity (dependent on travel restrictions – please see our Course terms and conditions) to take part in a study visit to Geneva, attending workshops and meetings with various health-related UN and other international organisations.

You can also study this subject at Master of Public Health (International) (12 months with dissertation based on secondary data); or Postgraduate Certificate level (4 months).

The programme is delivered by the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, based in the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences.

Watch a recording of our recent School of Medicine webinar which highlights our MSc public Health (International) to prospective students from around the world.

Course details

At Leeds you will:

  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge of techniques relevant to the field of public health international.
  • Use epidemiological/statistical and qualitative research skills to critically analyse health needs and trends.
  • Analyse principles, models and functions of management and leadership including planning, organising, staffing, directing, monitoring and supervision, and decision-making in the context of health and health care systems.
  • Appraise different strategies for control of priority health problems and the development of relevant health policy and services.
  • Design coherent programmes and prepare action plans for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes including the management of resources.
  • Analyse the effects of factors such as gender, poverty and social inclusion, principles of good governance, and professional ethics in the delivery of health care.
  • Consider respect and value for the cultural diversity, regional, global and intersectoral cooperation for the development of comprehensive initiatives that result in improved health care and population health status.
  • Identify and discuss current issues and research in the field of public health international.
  • Take a proactive role in problem solving, planning and managing tasks and working in a team in an appropriate role.
  • Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others.

This course now has two streams allowing you to follow the one that is most suitable for your career aims. The first stream focuses on health interventions and services (stream A) and the second on health policy and systems (stream B). You will also be able to select from 10 optional module choices to further customise your course.

The taught compulsory modules lay firm foundations for your learning throughout the programme:

  • Introduction to global and public health – introduces global health issues, public health strategies and health systems.
  • Health systems research methods – looks at how to plan research, choose research methods, evaluate findings and present results.
  • (Stream A) Principles of public health – analyses public health problems from a multidisciplinary perspective, informs how to strengthen existing and to build new health services, programmes and related management systems in order to improve the health of populations and communities.
  • (Stream B) Principles of health management, planning and policy – analyses types of policies and management systems in the health sector with particular focus on the changing roles of the government.

The wide range of optional modules allows you to focus your study to match your interests and experience.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Public Health (International) PGDip in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Introduction to Global and Public Health 30
Health Systems Research Methods 15

Learning and teaching

Our course introduces essential learning skills for postgraduate level study, with particular emphasis on the challenges facing those returning to study. A reflective learning approach will form the basis of career-long independent learning and continued professional development.

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work, tutorials and case studies. Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support for students to enhance their competence in the use of information technology. You have access to electronic copies of all teaching materials through our Virtual Learning Environment.

You’ll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching space and postgraduate social space.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a combination of written assignments, group and individual presentations, reflective logs and a written examination on epidemiology and statistics.

Applying

Entry requirements

This course provides health and related professionals with the ability to improve public health, essential health care, and preventive interventions and strengthen health services and systems in local and global contexts. You will interact with staff and fellow professionals from a range of countries and areas of expertise.

In order to be accepted onto the MPH program, an applicant must:

a) hold a Second Class Honours degree or above in medicine, health, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines together with a minimum of one-year (full-time) relevant experience in health or related sectors either in private, public or non-government organisations such as charitable organisations.

Or

b) hold a professional diploma in health or other relevant disciplines, together with 5 years relevant experience in health or related sectors either in private, public or non-government organisations, such as charitable organisations.

Work experience is preferred to be in a low or middle-income country. These include working as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, district health officers, community nurses or midwives, environmental health officers, health education and health promotion, and working in health management, administration, or health promotion. Our alumni include people with different backgrounds, eg health economics, anthropology, social sciences, journalism and media whose work focused on health. If you are not sure about the relevance of your experience, please contact us.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks)

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

All applicants for taught postgraduate courses should apply online. Applicants can track the application at each stage of the process through the applicant portal and it is recommended that they check the portal regularly for updates.

One reference must be supplied at the point of application that can indicate your relevant work experience such as: health service or developing health system in a low-middle income country. The reference should be provided on a headed document with either a stamp from the institution or an electronic signature.

The candidate must show on application (personal statement) the following:

  • Your work experience in relation to public health in low or middle income countries.
  • Why you have selected the program in term of your learning expectations and career plan.

Please note that this is a very popular programme. If we receive a significant number of applications, and we are unable to process applications within our 6-week turnaround time, we may have to temporarily suspend the receipt of new applications until we are able to meet our turnaround target.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £8,167 (Total)

International: £18,333 (Total)

Finding funds to study at the Nuffield Centre

If you would like to find out more information about scholarships at the Nuffield Centre, you can discover the relevant postgraduate funding options here.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

The cost of the optional one-week trip to Geneva (see 'Course Overview') is not included in the course fees. Students pay a contribution towards their travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs, and the Nuffield Centre pays the rest of these costs.

Students who choose the study trip as an optional module pay a smaller contribution than students who attend the study trip for their professional development only.

Other costs, including meals and any personal costs, are paid by the student. We send more information with offer letters.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme have gone on to work in Ministries of Health, international organisations, civil society organisations, universities, consulting firms and private health providers.

The Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development has taught international health and development programmes at Leeds for over 30 years and so has a large alumni network of public health specialists, health systems experts, health managers and planners holding senior positions around the world.

Careers support

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.