MPH Public Health (International)

Program Overview

The MPH Public Health (International) at Leeds provides a comprehensive approach to public health, emphasizing a global perspective in tackling health challenges across diverse regions. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public health, both in high-income countries and in low- and middle-income settings where health disparities are often more pronounced. The curriculum incorporates an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from areas such as epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, and global health management. Students engage with current global health challenges, and the program prepares them to design, implement, and evaluate health interventions on an international scale. This degree offers a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of public health, with a focus on developing skills that are essential for careers in international health organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and the private sector.

Curriculum: The MPH Public Health (International) program at Leeds is structured around core modules that cover key areas such as Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Global Health Systems, and Environmental Health. These foundational modules provide students with a solid understanding of the critical issues facing public health today, such as the burden of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, and health inequities. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of elective modules that allow them to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest, such as Global Health and Development, Health Economics, Health Promotion, and Research Methods in Public Health. The program also includes a dissertation, where students conduct original research on a topic relevant to public health, particularly focusing on international contexts. This allows students to apply their learning to real-world challenges and develop their research skills in public health.

Research Focus: The MPH Public Health (International) program at Leeds benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on research excellence in the fields of public health, global health, and health systems. Faculty members at Leeds are engaged in innovative research that addresses key global health challenges, such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, global health policy, health equity, and climate change and health. The program encourages students to engage with current research, allowing them to critically examine public health issues and contribute to the development of evidence-based solutions. Research is central to the curriculum, and students are trained in various research methodologies, including qualitative research, quantitative data analysis, and systematic reviews, which equips them to conduct their own research in international public health settings.

Industry Engagement: The MPH Public Health (International) program at Leeds is designed to foster strong links with industry and public health practitioners. Students have opportunities to engage with professionals in the field through guest lectures, seminars, and networking events. Leeds has strong connections with public health organizations, international health bodies, NGOs, and government agencies, providing students with valuable exposure to real-world public health practices. The program includes practical components, such as placements or projects, where students gain hands-on experience in international public health work. These industry engagements ensure that graduates are prepared to apply their academic knowledge in real-world public health scenarios and are well-equipped to meet the demands of the global health workforce.

Global Perspective: One of the key features of the MPH Public Health (International) program at Leeds is its global perspective on public health challenges. The program focuses on the unique health needs and challenges faced by populations in diverse geographical, cultural, and socio-economic settings. Students explore global health systems and the political, economic, and social determinants of health that affect populations worldwide. The program provides insights into the health issues that arise in low- and middle-income countries, as well as the growing public health challenges in high-income nations, such as aging populations and health disparities. By focusing on international public health issues, the program equips students with the skills to work in global health organizations, international NGOs, or to take on leadership roles in governmental or non-governmental public health organizations working on the international stage.