Master of Public Health
The first purpose of the course leading to the MPH qualification is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies in the broad field of health systems and public health, and to develop specific expertise in one sub-area. In this process, the course aims to equip any professional whose work impacts on health and the health sector with the requisite competencies to optimise health and health care systems, and to promote equity in health and health care access.
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Pretoria
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services
Subfield
Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
N
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-06-30
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
The first purpose of the course leading to the MPH qualification is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies in the broad field of health systems and public health, and to develop specific expertise in one sub-area. In this process, the course aims to equip any professional whose work impacts on health and the health sector with the requisite competencies to optimise health and health care systems, and to promote equity in health and health care access.
The second purpose is to provide competent staff and leaders in the field of health systems management and evaluation, health research, and health promotion.
The third purpose is to increase the impact of health system transformation in Africa, by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of middle and senior health sector managers and programme staff.
The fourth purpose is to provide society with advocates for health, for equity in health and for societal development compatible with future health.
Entry requirements and RPL
Matriculation certificate
First degree
Honours degree
Other
Admission requirements
A 4-year university or equivalent degree
An honours degree
An advanced Bachelor's degree (e.g. M B Ch B or equivalent degree)
Any 3-year degree, with substantial experience in the field of public health
Criteria considered also: persons representing groups under-represented in public health, national or organisational support, experience in public health work.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Exit level outcomes
M P H
Learning outcomes
Master of Public Health (MPH)
An MPH graduate is able to identify, assess any problem in the area of health systems and public health, to formulate and implement solutions to these, and to evaluate their impact.
Work ethically and professionally
Diploma in Public Health
Diploma in Health Systems Management
Any student who cannot complete the entire MPH programme, can exit with a sequence of modules providing them with a diploma in public health, health systems management, tropical health, or occupational health.
For each Module a Certificate can be awarded
The MPH is entirely modularised into modules of 1-3 weeks. Each module can be accessed as a "stand-alone" short course as initial learning, or as continuing professional development, each module taken for these reasons is awarded with a certificate.
Critical cross-field outcomes
- Graduates are experts in teamwork, in communication in health, and advocacy.
- Are expert problem solvers
- Graduates are able to engage with professionals from "non-health" disciplines in addressing health problems
- Become continuous learners
For details: see the separate submissions for each of these.
Associated assessment criteria
One
Each module is defined as "an independent learning unit" having its own (detailed) objectives, substance, format, and evaluation. Evaluation is appropriate to the module objectives. As most modules have a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudinal, and competency objectives, most evaluations are multi-faceted: including written papers, home assignments, group assignments and class room presentations. Specific skills evaluation may be included.
Two
In addition, 4 modules have been listed as "integrative case studies" in which students with a different professional background and with a different MPH specialisation work on a comprehensive solution to a current public health problem. The evaluation consists of an assessment of the quality and integration achieved in the solution, of the presentation of the work, and is given as a group mark.
Three
Graduates can interpret scientific studies in the health field, can conduct such studies with some assistance, can communicate health issues clearly (verbally and written) and can advocate for health.
Integrated assessment
Portfolios
Simulations
Work-place assessments
Written examinations
Oral examinations
Other
Group work is rated as part of most modules: in the form of group assignments for which all participants receive either the same mark as is given for the overall assignments or in which individual marks are moderated by a peer-assessment method of awarding a proportion of the max score.
Individual and group presentations, peer evaluation and a dissertation will be used as well.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
Related qualifications
Master of Medicine in Community Health
Master of Science (in 4 health fields)
Doctoral in Public Health/Ph D
Master of Medicine in Community Health serves as an entry point to the related qualification
Master of Science (in 4 health fields) serves as an entry point to the related qualification
Doctoral in Public Health/Ph D serves as an entry point to the related qualification
Master of Medicine in Community Health provides credits for the related qualification
Master of Science (in 4 health fields) provides credits for the related qualification
Doctoral in Public Health/Ph D provides credits for the related qualification
Modules of the M P H are shared by other courses in a host of other faculties and departments.
In future, we intend developing far more cross-accreditation: at this stage, the M P H will accredit modules from many other courses, but the reverse is not yet the case. We intend to develop this latter approach over the next 5 years with virtually all disciplines that may have a bearing on public health: e.g. psychology, sociology, economics, engineering, business management, history, etc.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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Purpose:
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