Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learner with

• the ability to analyse, interpret, and disseminate health information to contribute to the management and operation of health systems.
• an understanding of health promotion of sexual and reproductive health of populations.
• an understanding of the principles of research methods and their application in a public health context.

Rationale

The developing world, and Africa in particular, does not only have to cope with communicable diseases (e.g. tuberculosis), which are responsible for the high mortality rates, but it also must cope with major life-threatening conditions, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, malaria and domestic violence-related diseases ( e.g mental disorders). Globally, the burden of non-communicable diseases (such as mental health problems, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular conditions and hypertension) is increasing and has now become a public health priority. The need for healthcare professionals with advanced skills in measuring and monitoring health, and designing innovative and appropriate intervention strategies in order to improve the health and quality of life of people is evident, and this is even more so in resource constrained environments.

The high demand of learners for, and the increasing number of registered learners in the currently offered qualification are not only illustrative of the interest in and significance of the programme, but they also validate the need to revise and update this programme in line with dynamic changes in the Public Health field. Currently, approximately 80% of the learners for this qualification are from African countries other than South Africa. Hence, its re-curriculation presents an opportunity to authentically contextualise the learning experience and enhance its relevance for Africa in a creative manner toward the institution's vision of Africanisation. Revising the current qualification further created an opportunity to better align the qualification with open and distance learning principles and approaches, and the teaching philosophy of the institution.

Changes to the current qualification were made by incorporating non-communicable diseases into an existing module (Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases), integrating and streaming two existing modules on health measurements (Descriptive Health Measurement and Analytic Health Measurement) into one module (Applied Health Statistics), and adding a new module on health systems. The changes made indicate that more than 50% of the original curriculum has been revised, which justifies the submission of this as a new qualification. The development of the new qualification was done through a team-approach that allowed for rigorous consultation with stakeholders (such as public health professionals, prospective employers, present and potential learners), and strategies to promote the quality and credibility of the programme.

The qualification articulates vertically with the Master of Public Health wherein the full research dissertation is conducted.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prospective learners who do not meet the formal admission requirements will be able to apply in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the institution.

Principles

The RPL process, being stakeholder and needs-driven, is underpinned by the following principles.

RPL at the institution undertakes to

• Provide affordable access, quality flexible assessment, learner support and feedback to the institution's learners;
• Empower potential learners by: a) providing access to formal education and training; and b) correctly placing them in formal and non-formal training programmes at levels which will be to their maximum advantage.

The RPL process

• Once assessment has been carried out, and the so-called non-traditional (RPL) learners have been declared competent and ready to enter formal training at a certain level, reasonable learner support opportunities must be made available to enable them to bridge the gap between non-formal and formal learning and thus to succeed at their chosen lifelong learning paths.
• A variety of learner support processes are made available by the following sections/departments within the institution.
• Based on the admission requirement of at least two years working experience in a health-related field, the Department requires from the learner of RPL to submit a portfolio of evidence of their working experience. The portfolio is assessed against the outcomes of each of the modules in the qualification. Credits are then awarded for specific modules or specific assignments within in these modules.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor or Advanced Diploma qualification (NQF Level 7) in an appropriate field.

(Minimum 2 years work experience in a medical-related field e.g. Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine).

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8,120 Credits

• Introduction to Population Studies and Reproductive Health, 24 Credits.
• Health System, 24 Credits.
• Applied Health Statistics, 24 Credits.
• Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, 24 Credits.
• Principles and Methods of Health Research, 24 Credits.

1. Apply various statistical methods and concepts for solving public health problems.
2. Design prevention and control strategies to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
3. Critique health systems, and their health implications among individuals, groups, organisations, communities and environments.
4. Design a context-specific health research proposal.
5. Interrogate the processes, approaches, and interventions that identify and address the major health and reproductive needs of populations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Illustrate application of basic informatics techniques using vital statistics and public health records.
• Interpret statistical analyses in public health studies.
• Show written and/or oral presentations of statistical analyses of public health problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Argue the importance of epidemiology for informing scientific, ethical, economic and political discussion of health issues.
• Analyse case studies and/or scenarios.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop, implement and evaluate strategies to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Illustrate functions of health systems, their degree of effectiveness, and proposal for improvement.
• Indicate critical analysis of policy change in public health systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Outline health research problems, purpose and/or objectives, methodology and literature review in the research proposals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Monitor, critically reflect and act appropriately on reproductive health and population trends relevant to health systems and health service delivery.

Integrated Assessment

Approaches to assessments will be consistent with the academic standards set out in the institution's assessment policy. Formative assessments will be conducted online with developmental feedback (e.g. includes written assignments, and case studies). Summative assessments will be done to assess the achievement of exit level and critical cross-field outcomes in the form of e-portfolios.