Advanced Diploma in Public Health

Purpose

The qualification will satisfy the above needs by offering knowledge in specific fields and imparting familiarity with relevant theoretical approaches, as well as providing research training accompanied by the appropriate use of methodologies. The mini�dissertation will enable learners to proceed from this thorough grounding to conduct research.

The qualification enables learners to exercise knowledge and skills in an applied manner within the health sciences with an inherent, economic relevance as well as contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

The qualification provides South Africa with a significant number of qualified, competent learners that will ensure a balance in health service delivery as well as effective health service leadership and management.

Problem-based learning will be utilised to support learners in the use of current theories, research, strategic plans, policies and evidence-based practices. The qualification will provide research skills to health leaders and practitioners for them to provide relevant services in line with the current needs of the clients under their care.

Upon qualifying, learners will be able to conduct research and present the findings, think in a critical, reflective way and take effective action in addressing priority problems in public health strategic leadership and management.

Upon qualifying, learners will be able to

• Conduct research and present the findings.
• Think in a critical, reflective way and take effective action in addressing priority problems in public health strategic leadership and management.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Public Health will enable learners to proceed to a higher level, of study within a structured qualification framework. The demand for highly trained Public Health Managers by both the private and public sectors requires that learners have adequate research training, especially at the postgraduate level.

The purpose of the qualification is to build the country's mandate of re-engineering Primary Health Care (PHC) through health system transformation and strengthening as well as through quality management of both the private and public sectors. Furthermore, the qualification aims at strengthening middle management and leadership capacity within the health sector by preparing professionals to play leadership roles in service delivery, research and management of the health care system.

The awareness of health promotion's potential to mitigate the current epidemic of preventable chronic and infectious diseases has led to an increase in resources for health promotion in the Western world. There is a shortage of trained professionals to maintain the latest developments in the field. This qualification will assist in that regard as learners will contribute to public health development through the development of their leadership skills and knowledge.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

By the institution's rules regarding RPL, this qualification allows for Recognition of Prior Learning for a leaner to attain entry/access to this qualification and to gain exemptions from some qualification requirements. Where an entry criterion applies, a prospective leaner may use prior learning experience in the field of public health to gain entry to the qualification. The entry to the qualification can be achieved through providing a portfolio of evidence as proof of practical experience from appropriate setting. The learner may also be granted permission to access the qualification through recognition of prior learning if she/he produces evidence of having achieved the appropriate outcomes level of knowledge, skill, and competence required. The access to the qualification can be achieved through providing the formal proof of credits earned towards the outcomes from an accredited service provider.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Diploma, NQF Level 6.

Or

• A relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 56 Credits

• Introduction to Public Health Information and Research (PHI 401), 16 Credits.
• Public Health Project Paper (PHP 403), 40 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 64 Credits (Choose four)

• Public Health Governance and Leadership, 16 Credits.
• Public Health Economics and Budgeting, 16 Credits.
• Human Resources for Health, 16 Credits.
• Operational and Infrastructural Management for Public Health, 16 Credits.
• The Management of Maternal, Child and Women's Health Programmes, 16 Credits.
• The Management of Communicable Disease Programmes, 16 Credits.
• The Management of Non-Communicable Disease Programmes, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge in the areas of theory in Public Health practice, apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Public Health and how these relate to other fields, disciplines or practices.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations within the Public Health system.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of methods of enquiry and their suitability to specific investigations in Public Health.
4. Demonstrate having the knowledge and ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems in Public Health issues.
5. Demonstrate education in promotion of ethical and professional public healthy behaviour.
6. Apply the knowledge, skills, and desired professional attitudes necessary to conduct basic research.
7. Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments.
8. Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
9. Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner.
10. Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision making and use of resources.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Manage own learning by setting learning objectives and completing tasks on time.
• Apply concepts, facts, rules, and components of health system.
• Critically evaluate approaches to assessing health programme performance and design strategies to improve a health system.
• Apply appropriate methods and procedures to design, manage, monitor and evaluate health systems and programmes.
• Identify and assess new and complex problems related to health systems, apply evidence-based solutions to such health issues using theory-driven arguments.
• Describe public health governance and the ethical implications of inefficiency, waste and corruption.
• Identify appropriate health information and critically evaluate the information and data to validate and ensure evidence-based practice.
• Present complex information in an academic and professional context using methods and professional context using methods and formats appropriate to the audience.
• Describe the roles and tasks of transformational leader in a rapidly evolving public health system.
• Participate in active learning in small collaborative groups.

Integrated Assessment

Each module will be assessed using both formative and summative assessment. The research work will be assessed according to the institution's policy. Formative assessment may be done using assignments, tests, individual and group projects. Seminar presentations, policy debates, round table dialogue and workshop activities as well as tutorial sessions.

The Summative Assessment will be conducted at the end of each semester for the entire qualification whereby a portfolio of evidence will be submitted, and no formal examination will take place at the end of the year.