• Duration:One year full time
• Mode of Delivery: Face-to-face
• Awarding Institution: GBS HE Malta and MFHEA
• Awarded Qualification :Master of Public Health
• Level: MQF Level 7
• MQRIC Accredited Status: Accredited
• Locations: Malta
• Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme
• Language of Instruction: English

The Master of Public Health (MPH) course at GBS Malta is designed for individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in public health. Whether you are a recent graduate, healthcare professional, public health practitioner, or looking to transition from a non-health field, this course equips you with the expertise to improve health outcomes and address health disparities. MPH programmes offer specialisations in epidemiology, health promotion, and management and leadership, preparing you to take on roles in public health agencies, NGOs, policymaking, and other fields affecting global health.

The Master of Public Health with four pathways are assessed and accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and aligned with the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).

Our programme is approved under the Malta Get Qualified Scheme, which allows students to claim back up to 70% of their tuition fees as tax credits after graduation. This government-backed initiative applies to programmes recognised at MQF Level 3 or higher. To be eligible for the refund, graduates must live and work in Malta for at least two years following the completion of their studies. This makes higher education in Malta both more affordable and financially rewarding.

Credits needed to earn the degree:

• ECTS credits: 90 ECTS
• UK credits: 180 Credits

The MPH degree provides students with enhanced career prospects in public health and related health careers, including epidemiology, health promotion and/or management and leadership in health. In addition, this programme will improve the student’s ability to critically assess their knowledge, experience and strengths and how to use them to become effective senior officers and managers in a variety of different organisations, including public, private, and non-profit organisations related to health.

The MPH requires all students to study six 10 ECTS modules and one 30 ECTS module as follows:

Core Modules (compulsory)

• Contemporary Issues and Ethics in Public Health
• Health Research and Research Methods
• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Quantitative Research Methods and Statistics in Health
• Public Health Dissertation/Project

Master of Public Health with Epidemiology

Choose two 10 ECTS modules : One compulsory and one elective

• Advanced Epidemiology (Compulsory)

Choose one elective from the following :

• Public Health for an Aging Population
• Health Promotion and Health Improvement
• Leadership and Management in Health
• Qualitative Research Methods in Health

Master of Public Health with Health Promotion

Choose two 10 ECTS modules : One compulsory and one elective

• Health Promotion and Health Improvement (Compulsory)

Choose one elective from the following :

• Advanced Epidemiology
• Public Health for an Aging Population
• Leadership and Management in Health
• Qualitative Research Methods in Health

Master of Public Health with Leadership and Management

Choose two 10 ECTS modules : One compulsory and one elective

Leadership and Management in Health (Compulsory)

Choose one elective from the following :

• Advanced Epidemiology
• Health Promotion and Health Improvement
• Public Health for an Aging Population
• Qualitative Research Methods in Health

Master of Public Health (general)

Choose two 10 ECTS modules from the following :

• Public Health for an Aging Population
• Qualitative Research Methods in Health
• Health Promotion and Health Improvement
• Advanced Epidemiology
• Leadership and Management in Health

Assessments for this MPH will be through a range of different types of coursework. Across the modules of this programme the range of coursework assessment will include: structured essays, critical evaluation, case studies, quantitative and qualitative analysis, literature reviews, individual reflective learning logs, portfolios, group presentations, critical reflection of group/team work, posters, project proposals and project reports.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate contemporary public health issues and implications for policy and practice.
2. Appreciate and interpret public health research and evidence to inform decision-making.
3. Recognise and critically appreciate global health issues and their local implications.
4. Recognise the impact of social determinants of public health and related inequities.
5. Appreciate the role of information technology in public health and related ethical, legal and practical considerations.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following: 

1. Contemporary public health issues, including infectious and non-communicable diseases, environmental health, health inequities. 
2. Identification of social determinants of health including social, economic, and environmental factors. 
3. Critical evaluation of public health policies, their implementation and strategies for public health management. 
4. Ethical principles in public health and critical appreciation of ethical issues in public health practice, health research and policy. 
5. Major global health challenges and the role of international organisations as well as cross-cultural considerations. 
6. Strategies for health promotion and disease prevention and how to design and evaluate health interventions. 

Skills 

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills: 

1. A critical understanding of public health research and apply findings to practice. 
2. Skills in analysing and evaluating public health policies and their implementation. 
3. A critical appreciation of ethical frameworks and their application to public health issues and decision-making. 
4. Demonstrate abilities and skills in applying critical thinking to practical solutions to complex public health issues. 
5. Abilities and skills in applying critical thinking to practical solutions to complex public health issues 

Module-specific learner skills 

(Over and above those mentioned in Section B) 

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to 

1. Demonstrate high level and effective verbal, non-verbal, presentational, and written communication skills. 
2. Show critical thinking skills through evaluation of arguments, concepts and theories, information, and published evidence in public health. 
3. Access, critically evaluate and apply evidence and information from a variety of sources, including published sources, to understand contemporary topics and ethics in public health. 

Module-specific digital skills and competences 

(Over and above those mentioned in Section B) 

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to 

1. Demonstrate high level information literacy and information technology skills, including the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI). 
2. Work collaboratively and in teams with peers on group discussions and group tasks related to contemporary topics and ethics in public health. 
3. Demonstrate and practice self-reflection and self-directed learning, and good time management skills. 
4. Apply digital skills to make effective use of the internet and how to find and access resources and information related to contemporary topics and ethics in public health. 

Prospective students who possess the equivalent of a relevant, good honours degree – normally equivalent to a 2:2 or above. Undergraduate degrees in such areas as public health, biology, health and social care, psychology and sociology and certain types of business and management courses may be appropriate (for example, BSc (Hons) Business and Management where research methods and an empirical project are undertaken related to public health).

• (a) Also, health care professionals with an undergraduate honours degree (nurses, social workers, social carers, etc.) would also be appropriate. 
• (b) Possess the equivalent of a relevant UK or other recognised degree (as specified in (a) above) below a 2:2 standard whilst being able to evidence aptitude and/or relevant work/management experience in a health-related area to successfully complete the MPH programme of study. 
• (c) Possess an appropriate professional body qualification, for example, nursing, social work, social care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, midwifery . 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Prospective students with relevant work experience in health-related sectors, for example, public health or healthcare including public, private or not-for-profit organisations would also be considered for recognition of prior learning. Evidence of in-company formal training, professional development through attendance at external courses/training, for example, would also be considered and could substitute for the admission criteria given in (a), (b) or (c) above. Recognition of prior learning for entry to MPH would be on a case-by-case basis with evidence provided by the prospective student.

Assessment of recognition of prior learning would be conducted using the MFHEA approved GBS Malta Recognition of Experiential Prior Learning Policy and Procedure (https://gbs.edu.mt/apel/).

Students who can clearly provide evidence of having studied one or more of the taught core modules at Level 7 or equivalent may be given credit for one or more of the modules. An assessment would be conducted evidence-based with the student being responsible for supplying appropriate evidence.

English Language requirements

The prospective participants will be required to meet English language requirements in order to be offered a place on this Master of Public Health. GBS HE Malta offers English language courses to participants who do not initially meet these English language standards to support them in meeting these English language standards, typically within three months.

The GBS Malta MPH course opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors of public health. Graduates can pursue roles in: 

• Public health agencies: Work in national or international health organisations, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and policy development. 
• Healthcare management: Take on leadership roles in hospitals, clinics and healthcare systems, managing public health programmes and resources. 
• Epidemiology: Work as an epidemiologist, studying patterns of diseases and health issues to guide public health interventions. 
• Health policy and advocacy: Shape health policies and advocate for health equality in government agencies or NGOs. 
• Health promotion: Design and implement health education programmes, aiming to improve public awareness of health issues. 
• Non-profit organisations: Work with NGOs focused on health, addressing global health challenges and promoting social justice. 
• Academic and research roles: Pursue research positions or doctoral studies, contributing to the development of public health knowledge. 
• Environmental health: Address health issues related to environmental factors, working with governmental bodies or private organisations. 

The MPH also prepares graduates for roles in government, international health organisations, and private consulting firms.