Overview of MPH Programme Curriculum

The MPH Programme offers a sequence of courses covering three areas in four semesters:

Health and Society (Global Public Health, Health Economics and Systems, and Health Policy);
Theory of Science and Methodology (Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Qualitative Research Methods, and thesis preparation); and
Professional Development (Planning and Leadership in Public Health, Health Promotion and Communication, and Internship).

First Semester 
Global Public Health (7.5 credits) 
Epidemiology and Biostatistics (15 credits) 
Qualitative Research Methods (7.5 credits) 

Second Semester
Health Economics and Health Systems (15 credits ) 
Health Policy (7.5 credits) 
elective courses or internship (7.5 credits) 

Third Semester 
Planning and Leadership in Public Health (10 credits)
Health Promotion and Health Communication (12.5 credits) 
elective courses or internship (7.5 credits) 

Fourth Semester
Thesis Course (30 credits)

The MPH Programme begins with a comprehensive introductory course in Global Public Health, which covers the main public health indicators, determinants, and challenges in low-, middle-, and high-income countries or settings. Also taught during the first semester are basic courses in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Qualitative Research Methods.  Students thus begin preparing early for the individual research project they will present at the conclusion of their final semester. The courses in research methodology also ensure development of a critical approach toward published research findings.

During their next two semesters, students are offered courses that cultivate and strengthen their theoretical knowledge and provide important tools for working in the field of public health. Semester Two: Health Economics and Systems, and Health Policy; Semester Three: Planning and Leadership in Public Health, and Health Promotion and Health Communication. 

In addition to the required courses listed above, semesters two and three include the opportunity for individuals to specialize by taking 15 credits of elective courses. Some of these are offered within the programme, such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Environmental and Occupational Health, or an internship within the field of public health.  The selection of courses may vary each year. Courses in public health taken outside the program, in other departments, or at other universities may also be accepted as electives toward the MPH degree, based on their academic level and public health relevance.

The thesis written in the fourth semester allows students to apply the theories and methods that they have studied to the research area and geographical context of their choice. Projects can be based on primary or secondary data, and may be linked to investigations of senior researchers in the MPH Programme or at the university. Students are also welcome to base their project ideas on previous work experience.