Program Overview

Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme is designed to meet the increasing demand for highly trained public health specialists in Ireland and abroad. This programme will prepare students to investigate, evaluate, and address public health challenges, whatever their professional background.

Course Outline

On graduation, students will be equipped with the core knowledge and specialized skills necessary to make a real difference in public health. This is a full-time and structured programme, delivered over 12 months.

• Critically analyze theories and issues related to public health
• Construct arguments around the social, political, and economic factors determining the health of populations
• Demonstrate competence in the key underpinning disciplines and theories of public health, including epidemiology, communicable diseases, biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, and social policy
• Analyze and synthesize evidence and apply it to public health
• Demonstrate enhanced knowledge in the chosen specialist pathway (health protection, health promotion, epidemiology, and biostatistics)
• Demonstrate logical reasoning in written work and discussion
• Employ a range of appropriate research and analysis methods with confidence and correct interpretation
• Critically reflect on their own and others' learning and practice
• Demonstrate their culminating experience in the form of a minor dissertation

MPH Pathways

The Master of Public Health (MPH) course is full-time and delivered over 12 months. Lectures take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The programme allows students to specialize in one of three specific pathways:

• Health promotion
• Health protection
• Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Course Practicalities

Teaching takes place Wednesdays (2-5pm), Thursdays (2-5pm), and Fridays (9am-5pm). Teaching will include SPSS (all students) and STATA labs (Epidemiology & Biostatistics students) and occasional field trips.

Assessment

Students will have a range of written assignments, exams, presentations, and finally, the written dissertation in a publishable journal format with a maximum allowable word count of 5,000 (in the quantitative study) or 7,000 words (in a qualitative study/systematic review).

Staff

Our staff come from across UCC and the School of Public Health, along with guest and visiting lecturers.

Why Choose This Course

The MPH is an innovative multi-disciplinary course where students can specialize in health promotion, health protection, or epidemiology and biostatistics. The course offers both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and students can apply this knowledge to their dissertation.

Skills and Careers Information

Our graduates are currently employed in a range of careers in Ireland, Europe, and in other developed and developing countries in diverse public health roles, including health services, public health research, surveillance, environmental health, and public health agencies.

Requirements

All applicants will be required to write a 500-word statement demonstrating suitability to undertake a Master of Public Health.

• Possess a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in a relevant subject area
• Possess a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a postgraduate diploma (NFQ Level 9) in a relevant subject area

Relevant subject areas are Biological Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Public Health, and Social Sciences.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is 7,900. The Non-EU fee for this course is 16,700.

How To Apply

1. Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
2. Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal.
3. Apply online: Apply online, noting most courses have a non-refundable 50 application fee.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme

Deposit

Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 500 on acceptance of their place.