Applied Public Health

Entry requirements

You'll normally be expected to hold an initial degree in a discipline relating to health or the determinants of health. This covers a wide range of subjects such as health professions (e.g. medicine, nursing, allied health professions, environmental health), social sciences (e.g. sociology, psychology, geography) and other professional backgrounds such as education, sport development, social work, housing, planning, etc. (not an exclusive list).

However, you can also be eligible if you have other qualifications of an appropriate level, particularly if they are able to demonstrate significant experience in a relevant setting. If you think this might apply to your situation, please contact the programme leader for an informal discussion.

If you're applying directly following completion of a Bachelor degree, we'll generally expect you to hold at least a 2:1 classification – to ensure that you are equipped for the step up to study at Masters level. However, we consider each application on its own merits depending on the undergraduate subject of study and other factors such as relevant experience (paid or voluntary).

Selection Procedure:
You will need to meet the admissions criteria as explained above. Selection is initially by way of an application form, personal statement and appropriate references, although you may be interviewed. We encourage potential applicants to contact the programme leader for an informal discussion about the programme, to help inform your application.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc Applied Public Health places a strong focus on health equity and social justice at local and global levels. Our aim is to develop reflective public health practitioners who apply a systematic and practical understanding of public health to improve and protect the health & well-being of the individuals, groups and communities that they work with. We will support you to develop and use a combination of leadership, innovation and technical skills to advocate for, influence and implement changes in policy and practice to reduce or eliminate unjust, preventable differences in health, and promote sustainable development.

The programme in Applied Public Health is aimed at anyone with an interest in improving the full range of social, economic and environmental determinants of health: for example, people working in public health, education, health promotion, housing, transport, leisure, environmental health, community development, health & wellbeing partnerships, planning, social services, school nursing, and health visiting (not an exhaustive list!). We welcome applicants from all sectors: public, private and the voluntary & independent sector. During your studies you will investigate public health issues and case studies from around the world, as well as Wales and in the UK.

Features of the programme:

Linked to professional standards: the programme is designed to meet UK and international public health competency frameworks, including UK Public Health Skills & Knowledge Framework and the UK Public Health Practitioner Standards. We use many international case studies in our teaching, as well as examples from the UK.

Real-world application: The programme is devised to enable you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Assessments often designed to allow you to apply public health skills to the issues that you are currently facing in your own practice, or that you are most interested in investigating. We provide personalised academic and professional support, helping you to apply and develop your public health skills in your current and future practice.

Assessment strategy focused on public health skills: our assessments are designed to address the main programme outcomes, enabling you to develop, integrate and demonstrate your public health skills across the programme. We use a wide range of assessment types, including reports, presentations, multiple-choice assessments, interviews and observed practice scenarios. There are no unseen written examinations. The programme contains an integrating 'Public Health Skills Assessment' at the end of the taught modules.

Work-based learning opportunity: you can elect to complete the portfolio assessment of the Health Equity Interventions module by undertaking work-based learning. This may be through your existing employment or activities, or by arranging a specific experience with a relevant employer. Please note that we are not able to guarantee a work-based learning opportunity for students, and the programme does not contain a formal placement or internship.

Information for international students

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Fees and funding

As a postgraduate, research or part-time student, the tuition fees you are charged will depend on the course you choose to study. Full information is available on our website.