Program Overview

Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (UPOnline)

The University of Pretoria offers a fully online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (PGDip) programme, designed to increase access for busy professionals who render health services to the public. This programme includes a research component, ensuring articulation into the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

Programme Overview

The PGDip (Public Health) programme is a multi- or interdisciplinary qualification that strengthens and deepens the student's knowledge in a particular discipline or profession. The primary purpose of this qualification is to enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in an area of specialisation.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the PGDip (Public Health) comprises compulsory core modules and a research component. All modules are offered online.

Core Modules

The following core modules are included in the programme:

• AHM 710: PGDPH Research protocol 710
• CDC 710: Principles of disease prevention and control 710
• EHM 710: Introduction to environmental health 710
• HCM 710: Principles of health policy and management 710
• HME 710: Introduction to research methodology 710
• HME 711: Epidemiology and Biostatistics I 711
• HME 712: Epidemiology and Biostatistics II 712
• PHM 710: Learning in public health 710
• SCM 710: Social determinants of health 710

Programme Structure

The programme is structured with six enrolment opportunities per year, where a student will enrol for a single module of either 8 or 16 weeks at a time.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have:

• A Bachelor's degree or a qualification listed on the SAQA framework at NQF Level 7

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also demonstrate computer literacy, including the ability to:

• Navigate the University's eLearning environment (ClickUP)
• Use the email service in the LMS
• Manage digital files
• Use the Library website or databases for research
• Use a webcam, upload videos or audio files, and use social media for communication

Career Opportunities

The purpose of the online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health is to provide an educational opportunity for working professionals to acquire, strengthen, and deepen knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to strengthening health systems and programmes.

Faculty Notes

The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to exemplify and build on the University of Pretoria's vision of being a leading research-intensive university in Africa.

Programme Information

The programme is presented by UPOnline, which offers part-time and fully online programmes. Online programmes allow access to programme material on any device with a stable internet connection.

Minimum Duration of Study

The minimum duration of study for the programme is 2 years, fully online.

Total Credits

The total credits required for the programme are 120.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the programme are as follows:

• Module pricing is subject to change at the start of each year without prior notice.
• UPOnline tuition fees will increase annually by approximately 6%.
• The annual increase applies from the March intake, which is the second intake of the year.

Payment Information

• Module pricing is subject to change at the start of each year without prior notice.
• UPOnline tuition fees will increase annually by approximately 6%.
• The annual increase applies from the March intake, which is the second intake of the year.
• If the programme fee is paid in full upfront, the student remains responsible for the difference between the initial payment and the increased amount until programme completion.

Annual Increase and Payment Information

• Module pricing is subject to change at the start of each year without prior notice.
• UPOnline tuition fees will increase annually by approximately 6%.
• The annual increase applies from the March intake, which is the second intake of the year.
• If the programme fee is paid in full upfront, the student remains responsible for the difference between the initial payment and the increased amount until programme completion.

SA/SADC and International Fees

The fees for SA/SADC and international students are as follows:

• Core modules:
  • AHM 710: R5,780.00
  • CDC 710: R5,780.00
  • EHM 710: R5,780.00
  • HCM 710: R5,780.00
  • HME 710: R5,780.00
  • HME 711: R5,780.00
  • HME 712: R5,780.00
  • PHM 710: R5,780.00
  • SCM 710: R5,780.00
• Total: R52,020.00