Master of Public Health with Advanced Research

University of Hertfordshire

The module will use a number of different approaches to help students to gain a deep understanding of evidence-based practice from theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will be taught a systematic approach to searching for evidence to answer a question that is related to the student's programme of study. By developing evidence searching and appraisal skills, students will be able to critically explore how research evidence may be applied to practice.

This module builds upon the 9 core competencies of Public Health Practice set out by the Faculty of Public Health UK. The English NHS will form the central empirical case across the nine key areas for public health training; notably the changing structure, leadership, evaluation and accountability, for Public Health in England. Global comparisons with regards management and delivery of Public Health will be used along with inequalities across and within nations. Global, communicable and non-communicable challenges (the 'triple burden') will be used to provide integration across the module through case studies including: obesity; maternal health; mental health; healthcare associated infections; tuberculosis. Students will examine Public Health in the broadest definition and across sectors: education, health, third sector (non- governmental), private and public, including the roles of multi-disciplinary professionals and occupational groups to improve public health outcomes.

The module will provide a foundation in the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics across the domains of health improvement, health protection and health care systems. Amongst other topics, the module will also appraise the role of public health intelligence and applied epidemiology. The content is divided into 3 parts. The first is Research Skills in Public Health, Foundations in Epidemiological Methods and the third part builds on the epidemiological methods introducing the student to translating epidemiological principles into applied public health settings. Core public skills including the communication of risk and managing uncertainty will be developed alongside infectious disease epidemiology and an overview of non-communicable conditions. Acquisition of knowledge and understanding will be through a combination of virtual lectures, group work and discussion with lecturers and expert practitioners in the field of public health teaching, research and practice.

This module will focus on the aetiology and determinants of a range of communicable and non-communicable conditions. The module will also highlight historical epidemiological trends in disease and evaluate likely future developments in relation to changing prevalence and emerging infections. The evidence base for vertical, horizontal and integrated system approaches to address the double burden of disease will be examined.

This module builds on the skills acquired from studying the core modules 'Public Health Research and Epidemiology' and 'Evidence-Based Practice'. The module develops the students' ability to design and execute a research project in an area of relevance to public health under the supervision of an academic supervisor. It enables students to develop an awareness of their reflexive self. Initially, students will investigate research methodologies, develop skills in statistical analysis of data, critically review the related literature and generate a research question. Students will submit a literature review and research proposal. The data collection and analysis will be based on the proposal agreed with the supervisor, followed by the production of the dissertation demonstrating the student's critical understanding and interpretation of the methodologies, the results of their research, and an awareness of their 'reflexive self'. The results will also be disseminated through a poster presentation.