Master of Public Health

Purpose

This qualification is focused on conducting research in the public health field of which the aim is to make a unique contribution towards the scientific body of knowledge in public health and public health practice.

Learners who qualify will be able to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research findings that address complex and challenging problems in the field of public health. Learners will illustrate intellectual capital, also in terms of personal growth, will develop insight, have multicultural interaction, develop and utilise entrepreneurial thinking, display emotional maturity, ethical rigor and apply leadership competencies in the workplace and in societal situations.

Rationale

The burden of diseases in developing countries, including South Africa, is high and has devastating effects on the lives of families, social structures and national economies. Public health is a comprehensive and dynamic discipline with an interest to members of various professions and disciplines including doctors, nurses, dentists, occupational therapists, managers of health facilities.

This qualification is strongly aligned with the vision and mission of the institution which is inherently focusing on facilitating the graduation of learners who, through the innovative application of evidence-based scientific principles can contribute effectively towards the improvement of quality of life of people in Africa.

Learners will be actively involved and employed in the field of public health and will therefore have a grounded understanding of the health challenges facing public health to improve the health status of populations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. The general statutes require learners to complete 50% of a qualification at the certificating institution so learners may receive RPL credits towards a qualification for up to 50%. Therefore, only part of the qualification may be completed through RPL.

Within the context of the research Masters of Public Health, learners applying for the qualification through the RPL route will be required to submit a portfolio-file of evidence illustrating their knowledge, skills and experience in the field.

Entry Requirements

Admission to this qualification is

• An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree.

Or

• An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma.

Or

• A 480 Credit Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at NQF Level 8 in the field of public health or a health related field with an average of 60%.

A learner who is admitted on the strength of a Postgraduate Diploma or a 480 Credit Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at NQF Level 8 and who has not completed a module in research methodology may be required to complete such a module at NQF Level 8 before he/she will be allowed to register for the research proposal.

This qualification is a Master's Degree by dissertation and comprises two focus areas at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits:

• Proposal module, 24 Credits.
• Dissertation, 156 Credits.

1. Critically engage with the complex and interrelated challenges in the field of public health and identify areas and gaps which could be addressed through critical thinking and appropriate research.
2. Collect, conceptualise and critically analyse relevant data and relate these to the challenges in the public health field in terms of innovative and cost effective strategies and recommendations.
3. Producing and communicating information, in respect of using the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in an area of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Relevant literature in the particular field of research is sourced, analysed and applied.
• A coherent and critical understanding of the local, national and international context of public health is understood.
• An understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation is demonstrated.
• Complex and/or real world problems and issues are identified, analysed and dealt with using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
• Gate keepers of communities and other important role players are engaged with to enter into the field and collaborate within a team approach.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Research is conducted in an ethical and scientifically rigorous manner.
• Methods and technologies for a particular research problem in the area of Public Health are selected.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Information from various sources is collected, the information is collated and synthesised to solve health related problems.
• Local, national and global health situations that may have an impact on the health status of communities, groups and individuals are assessed, measured, analysed and critiqued by applying relevant and sustainable solutions based on scientific findings.
• How knowledge from various sources and relevant to various contexts can be integrated in terms of a systems approach for sound value creation and decision-making.
• Problems are identified and solved and decisions are made using critical and creative thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations is communicated effectively.
• The managerial competencies is established and communicated.
• Practical leadership is applied and communicated in organisational situations and at planning and policy making levels by using graphical and tabular representations to obtain support for insight and recommendations.
• The effective but sustainable and effective use of technology to measure health status is demonstrated and this information is communicated in a responsible manner, while maintaining ethical principles such as confidentiality and respect for others.
• A range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline or practice is used, to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments should be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the UNISA Assessment Policy.

Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

When a learner's dissertation is nearing completion, he/she should inform the Registrar of his/her intention to submit it for examination at least two months before the anticipated date. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the student permission to submit.

Assessment will include input from at least one external examiner. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Departmental Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

Examiners are allowed six weeks to examine the dissertation. The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the dissertation is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

After the result of the learner's dissertation has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners; reports available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

Before awarding of the qualification, learners must achieve the completion of a research proposal within one academic year and completion of research and a research report within three years and approved by at least one external moderator.

In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Public Health in an integrative way, dealing with health challenges strategically and effectively. This ability should be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.