Frequently Asked Questions: Public Health Programmes
STUDYING AT UCD
1. Why should I study the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at University College Dublin?
- Long standing degree with graduates in high level positions across public health in Ireland and internationally
- International faculty
- External contributors
- Choice of one-year full-time or two-year part-time programmes
- Four MPH streams
- Part of the Europubhealth+ programme.
THE COURSE
2. Could you provide an overview of the types of modules that are studied in the course?
- Students must complete 60 credits of taught modules, of which usually 50 credits are for core modules and 10 for optional modules (see below). In addition each student undertakes a 30-credit dissertation on an assigned topic.
- There are four MPH streams:
- MPH (General)
- MPH (Nutrition)
- MPH (Global)
- MPH (Epidemiology)
- Modules differ depending on which stream is chosen.
- Core modules include:
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Public Health Practice and Policy
- Biostatistics
- Communicable Disease Epidemiology
- Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology
- Health Promotion
- SDGs and Global Health
- Applied Research Methods, Data Management, Analysis & Reporting
- Sociology and Social Epidemiology
- Health Economic Analysis
- Optional modules include:
- One Health
- Risk Perception, Communication and Behaviour Changes
- International Health in Action
- Genetic Epidemiology
- Clinical Trials
- Introduction to Knowledge Synthesis, Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis
- Introduction to Diet, Health and Lifestyle
- Further details can be found at www.ucd.ie/graduateadmissions.
3. What does the MPH Dissertation entail?
Each candidate must present a dissertation on a subject allocated by the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, which must include analysis of a dataset or a systematic review.
4. How long is the programme?
The Master of Public Health is normally a one-year full-time programme (September to early July) but can be taken as a two year part-time programme. Students are expected to commit to attendance and being available on scheduled programme and assessment dates, Monday to Friday. UCD term dates are available here.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / APPLICATIONS
5. What are the entry requirements?
- Suitable for graduates of Health Science degree programmes (Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, Nursing, or other), Science degree programmes (Biology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Physiology, Pharmacology, or other) or Social Science degree programmes (Psychology, Sociology, Economics, or other).
- 2:1 Award or higher in primary degree. Awards of 2:2 or less may be considered with additional suitable credentials.
Applicants will be required to provide evidence of the highest level of mathematics achieved in prior education. - Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS Scores:
not less than 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.5 in writing and not less than 6 in each other component.
These are the minimum entry requirements; additional criteria may be requested for some MPH streams.
6. How do I apply?
Applicants should apply online.
7. What should I include with my application?
- Up to date CV
- Personal statement
- Copies of academic transcripts.
8. What is the deadline for applications?
30th June.
9. What are the fees?
Tuition fee information is available here. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit UCD Global.
10. Where do I apply for a visa?
Information on how to apply for your student visa can be found (opens in a new window)here (please ensure you read the ‘Student visa guidelines’ document carefully before applying for your visa). We strongly recommend you start your visa application as early
as possible in order to avoid delays and ensure you arrive in UCD in time for orientation. Please remember that processing times will differ for everybody and you should apply as early as possible as some embassies do not accept applications after a certain date.
ACCOMMODATION
11. What accommodation is available?
UCD has set aside 300 rooms on campus for graduate students offering a 50 week license to complement 3 semester courses. UCD has 4-bed with shared bathroom and 6-bed ensuite self-catering apartments available on both the Belfield and Blackrock campuses for graduate students. If you would prefer to live off campus, UCD Accommodation Pad is a useful tool. For more information, click here.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
12. What kinds of careers can graduates progress into?
As UCD has a globally acclaimed reputation in the area of Public Health learning, students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a wide range of careers in the Public Health sector. Many former students hold significant posts in Public Health in various parts of the world. MPH Graduates include, for example, consultants in Public Health Medicine, University Professors and Ministry of Health Medical Officers.