Begin@Beds
We are delighted that you will be studying with us. This booklet provides you with some key information that you will find useful in preparing you for your course and for your first few weeks and months at University.
Dr Lana Burroughs Head of School
Course Coordinator MSc Public Health
Dr Bhavneet Singh bhavneet.singh@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is Email
Hi, my name is Dr Bhavneet Singh, and I am the course coordinator for the MSc in Public Health. Perhaps, this is one of the most popular courses offered by the University of Bedfordshire and we are so excited that you will be beginning your journey in higher education with us in September. The first week will be induction week where you will be provided an outline of the course and introduced to your course team and fellow students.
Dr Bhavneet Singh Course Coordinator
Student Information Desk (SiD) beds.ac.uk/sid
Treehouse Community & Faith Centre beds.ac.uk/faiths/luton Mental Health Services
beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (student union) help@bedssu.co.uk
The following is a typical Welcome Week schedule:
am
Day 1
Day 2
Introduction to: Student support services, student union and library services. Ice breaker and social integration.
pm Meet the course team. A day in the life – what to expect, getting the most from BREO, Q&A with staff and students.
am First personal academic tutor (PAT) meeting.
pm ID and document check appointments.
Day 3 ID and document check appointments.
ESSENTIAL LINKS
For more information on joining your course, visit Begin MSc Public Health @Beds where you will find updated info, tips and dates of your course induction week etc.
Semester 1 (September)
Epidemiology in Public Health
Principles, Policies and Issues in Public Health
Public Health Research Methods
Healthcare Commissioning
Public Health Ethics
Public Health Protection
Semester 2 (February)
Public Health Intelligence
Health and Social Care Inequalities
Semester 3 (June-August /September)
Dissertation
How to find your Timetable
Information about your learning with BREO
Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub
Visit the Library
Begin@Beds Start your student journey
Thrive@Beds My Beds Life
Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the teaching and learning strategy which is designed to:
• have an immediate relevance to current/future public health role;
• draw on expertise-by-experience;
• foster active learning and be learner-centred in approach.
A distinct feature of the course is the range of assessment tasks that allow you to undertake workplace relevant assessments that can have an immediate/future impact in public health practice. This helps put into practice what you are learning in university and increases your self-confidence.
Types of assessment for these units include:
Academic essays
Examinations
Leaflets/Posters
Research proposals
Reflective Accounts Audits, Country presentations
Oral Presentations/viva
In-class tests
SOMETHING TO READ
• Help people stay healthy and protect them from threats to their health https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/public-health
• What is public health?
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/communications-guide/what-is-public-health/
• New challenges for public health in the 21st century
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/public-health-in-the-21st-century/66474/
• Fit for the Future – Public Health People (A review of the public health workforce) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/524599/Fit_for_the_Future_Report.pdf
• The Anticipated Future of Public Health Services Post COVID-19: Viewpoint
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8216329/
• World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.youtube.com/@who/videos
SOMETHING TO EAT
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire
ABOUT THE CAMPUS
• Luton
As a first semester MSc PH student you will begin your journey with a 12-week teaching. If you’re a full-time student, you will complete your course in 12-15 months. Generally, students start with four units (modules) per semester, followed by a dissertation at the end. Altogether, there are eight taught units and one research (dissertation) unit. This course helps to develop a critical awareness of how research processes can be applied to the study of public health, an insight into the global drivers behind health system reform, and an appreciation of policy development and implementation in developed and developing nations.
The course provides a scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many occupations and potential career opportunities and offers the opportunity to explore the differing health needs of populations; the influences on health; and how to prevent ill health and promote health and wellbeing. On graduation, you will have the knowledge and skills to help people live longer and stay healthier while reducing demand for, and delays in, primary health and social care treatment. Potential employers include health service organisations, government, local authorities, industry, and charitable and international organisations focussing more on the promotion and protection of the public’s health and wellbeing.
9am
11am
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
10am Study Skills for Public Health (lecture)
12pm 1pm LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH
Foundation for Public Health (lecture)
2pm
3pm 4pm 5pm
Introduction to Community Health Assessment (lecture)
Foundation for Public Health (lecture)
What happens if I miss class due to being unwell or having difficulties with childcare or travel?
We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your Personal Academic Tutor or Unit Lead.
Is there someone who can help me with my assessments?
The lecturing team are always available to guide you with the theory based content and you might want to book a 1:1 tutorial with your Unit Lead. If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) who deal with extensions for assessments. Their email is mitigation@beds.ac.uk
Why choose this course? Gain an insight into the global drivers of reform in health systems and their potential impacts on future public health policy.
What are the career opportunities?
There are a range of career opportunities including public health analyst, public health programme manager and public health specialist. The course can also act as a platform for PhD studies. The course provides you with sufficient grounding for the UK Faculty of Public Health Part-A exam.
Is there somewhere for me to get support if I have a learning difference such as Dyslexia?
Yes! There is plenty of help available and students may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, stating any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. There is also help available for practice based learning.
Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with?
Yes! The Student Union will provide lots of information about the sporting clubs, activities and events available for all students at UoB. For more information visit bedssu.co.uk
Learning Difference support information beds.ac.uk/student-support/disabilities2
Do I need to complete a placement?
No. While MSc public health course does not require students to complete a placement in order to graduate, guest speakers will provide opportunities for students to engage with employers in public health and healthcare-related sectors and reflect on public health practices. We will be exploring opportunities with Luton Borough Council, as well as a possible voluntary opportunity over the summer period with an NGO in Northern India, and virtual voluntary internships with Think Pacific.
There is a lot to take in when you begin studying on a professional course like this one. The teaching team have been working in public health (global and international) and health systems for many years and here are some of our key reasons to ‘love this job’!
It’s a challenging and rewarding field:
Public health is a complex and ever-changing field, which means that there’s always something new to learn. And because public health professionals are working to improve the health of populations, their work can have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.
It’s a diverse field with many different career options:
Public health professionals work in a wide variety of settings, including government agencies, hospitals, universities, and NGOs. This diversity of settings means that there’s a public health career out there for everyone, no matter their interests or skills.
It’s a field that’s in high demand:
The demand for public health professionals is growing, as the world’s population continues to grow and age. This means that MSc public health graduates are in high demand and have excellent job prospects.
It’s a field that’s making a difference in the world:
Public health professionals are working to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, such as climate change, chronic diseases, and infectious diseases. By working in public health, you can make a real difference in the world and help to improve the health of people all over the globe.
It’s a field that’s exciting and ever-changing:
Public health is a field that’s constantly evolving, as new research is conducted and new challenges emerge.
This means that public health professionals are always learning and growing, and they never get bored.
It’s a field that’s values-driven:
Public health is about more than just numbers and statistics. It’s about making a difference in the lives of people and communities. Public health professionals are driven by their values to improve the health of populations, and they work tirelessly to make the world a healthier place.
It’s a field that’s collaborative:
Public health is a team where public health professionals work together with other professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, to improve the health of populations. This collaborative environment provides MSc public health graduates with the opportunity to learn from and work with other professionals, which can help them to develop their skills and knowledge.
It’s a field that’s intellectually stimulating:
Public health is a field that requires a wide range of knowledge and skills, from statistics to epidemiology to social sciences. This means that public health graduates are well-rounded and have a strong foundation in the sciences and social sciences.