For academic year 2008/09:
M.Sc. in Public Health Research
This unique taught M.Sc. is designed for students who wish to gain an
appreciation of how different scientific disciplines can be used to
structure inquiry and develop the knowledge base for research and
professional practice in epidemiology, public health and the social
science of health. It is designed to familiarise students with the
concepts, theories and principles involved in the development and
application of knowledge in public health.
The taught postgraduate programme is structured so that students can
first establish breadth of knowledge via core courses in epidemiology,
statistics, qualitative research and ethics. These courses introduce
students to fundamental ideas and prominent themes encompassing:
* Concepts of epidemiology
* Conceptual dilemmas in public health and medicine
* Ethical issues in public health research and practice
* Knowledge and evidence in public health
* Conceptual understanding of statistical ideas and methods
* Qualitative methodology and public health research
* Critical appraisal of research
Upon completion of the core courses, a set of second tier electives
concentrating on more specific areas are available to enable greater
depth of knowledge to be developed in areas of their own choosing. The
aim is to encourage students to design a course pathway that matches
their needs and academic interests with an appropriate combination of
subjects and specialisms.
The programme is available both full and part time over 24-36 months.
There are two taught semesters of eleven weeks with a dissertation
period from April to August each year. We welcome part time students and
have a flexible course timetable to enable NHS staff to split the
foundation and elective courses over 2 or 3 years.
M.Sc. by Research in Public Health
We also welcome applications from students wishing to complete their
M.Sc. by Research rather than the traditional taught programme. This can
be done on a full or part time basis following the taught programme
schedule of September-August. Students will work independently and are
assigned an academic supervisor who will provide academic support and
monitor the progression of the research on a regular basis. Students
will be able to take on electives if required by the academic supervisor
to further the student's knowledge in a particular research area in
Community Health Sciences. The work is no more than 30,000 words and the
student is required to demonstrate their advanced knowledge in their
field of study prior to nomination for graduation.
If you wish to be considered for an M.Sc. by Research, please include a
detailed research plan when submitting your application and supporting
documents. We will then match your requested research area with a
potential academic supervisor.
Informal inquiries are welcome at
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Full details on both programmes can be found at:
http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk/gradschool/masters/publichealth.htm
