IDEA College (Malta)

Master of Science in Public Health

This programme targets:

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the sector of public health.
• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the public health industry.
• Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate public-health related information.

• Principles of Public Health
• Research Methods – Epidemiology and Statistical Methods
• Research Methods - Assessment and Evaluation Approaches & Qualitative Methods
• Disease Causation, Prevention, and Promotion
• Health Information
• Medical Sociology, Social Policy, and Health Economics
• Organisation and Management of Healthcare Programmes
• Dissertation

For Knowledge:

The learner will be able to:

• Critically discuss the multi-disciplinary nature of public health and the underpinning values of this field (M1)
• Critically evaluate epidemiological methods and statistical techniques in public health practice and in the analysis of public health data (M2)
• Assess health care needs and know how to conduct comprehensive evaluations of health and healthcare services (M3)
• Gain a thorough and comprehensive understanding of qualitative research methods and their application to public health (M3)
• Critically examine the multifaceted aspects of disease causation and the diagnostic process in relation to public health, prevention, and health promotion (M4)
• Critically discuss health information systems and their important role in public health practice (M5)
• Identify and outline the social, policy, and economic dimensions of health and healthcare (M6)
• Critically analyse the principles and practices involved in the organisation and management of health care systems and public health programmes (M7)

For Skills:

The learner will be able to:

• Analyse and devise potential solutions to emerging health problems, both on a local and on a global scale (M1)
• Analyse and interpret epidemiological data using appropriate statistical methods (M2)
• Apply various assessment and evaluation methods to inform public health practice and policy to be able to address real-world public health challenges effectively (M3)
• Address complex public health issues from a qualitative perspective (M3)
• Design, implement, and evaluate public health initiatives aimed at preventing diseases and promoting health (M4)
• Effectively use health information in decision-making, policy development, and public health interventions (M5)
• Analyse the social determinants of health, evaluate health policies, and apply economic principles to health care decision-making (M6)
• Manage health care organisations and public health programmes efficiently (M7)
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and proficiently both verbally and non-verbally, as well as in written form.

This programme aims to equip the target audience with the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in this application.

The programme prepares for positions such as:

• Consultant in Public Health
• Leadership, management and administrative roles of health services, programmes or facilities
• Epidemiologist/biostatistician
• Health promotion and communication specialist
• Health Policy Analyst/Planner
• Global public health professional
• Environmental health scientist
• Public health educator/researcher

The course comprises:

• Evening classes for part-time courses.
• Classes are held throughout the day for full-time courses.
• Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Modular Assessment
• Dissertation Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools, which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.

Dissertation Assessment

Assessment of dissertations is primarily based on:

• Depth of critical understanding of the theoretical framework;
• Application of appropriate research tools;
• Critical approach to analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research findings;
• Depth and level of argumentation build-up;
• Original contribution to the generation of new knowledge/hypothesis/models;
• Scholarly presentation meets academic standards