This module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of theories and applications of stages within the public health framework, with emphasis on public health nutrition.
The application and use of epidemiology and health surveillance as tools for assessing need and researching public health approaches to manage nutrition-related chronic disease are included. You will develop skills in evaluating public health interventions and an understanding of policy development.
This course explores the potential for nutrition to improve population health and aims to develop a critical awareness of the development, implementation and evaluation of public health nutrition initiatives, and health promotion interventions.
The inequalities of the health agenda are also debated.
This 20-credit, master's-level (Level 7) course is a module on the MSc Human Nutrition. Any credit gained on this course can be counted towards the master's degree.
Dates and times
The course will run on a Monday morning between 9am-12pm on:
- 29th January to 10th May 2024.
Location
This course will be delivered in-person at St Mary’s University main campus, Twickenham.
Prices
The full cost is £917 excluding the course assessment.
Participants can opt to take the course assessment at an additional cost of £250. The deposit cost is £50 which is payable upon application. The course fee excludes refreshments and accommodation. Information on accommodation on campus or in local hotels can be provided upon request.
Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates as unfortunately we are unable to give refunds.
St Mary's University alumni receive a 20% discount.
Content
The course will cover:
- theory and concepts within the public health framework
- definitions in public health framework, including needs assessment, implementation and evaluation
- review of key definitions used in epidemiology e.g. incidence, prevalence, rates, risk, relative, absolute risk, odds, and odds ratio
- hierarchy of evidence, types of studies (observational, experimental), causal relationships, bias, confounding, chance, and data standardisation
- domains of public health and usefulness of epidemiology, qualitative and quantitative sources and applications to measure public health
- types of health data, data sources
- types and roles of observational studies e.g. ecological, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies, and nutritional surveillance in predicting and interpreting the prevalence of chronic disease in the population, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis.
- the translation of evidence into policy formation
- health needs assessment including measuring population health status, lifestyle and environmental determinants, impact of addictions, and health inequalities (socioeconomic)
- use of epidemiology to measure chronic disease in the UK and globally e.g. World Health Organisation
- an understanding of the impact of mental health on the health of populations
- approaches to the evaluation of public health programmes in meeting their aims, including successful outcomes, challenges, productivity, and cost effectiveness.
Lead Tutor
Dr Kyriaki Myrissa – Senior Lecturer in Nutrition
Kyriaki is the course Lead for MSc Chronic Disease Management and teaches across four programmes. Kyriaki’s research interests lie within weight management, obesity, diabetes, and any other chronic diseases. She is also interested in the design, implementation and evaluation of complex lifestyle interventions aiming to improve health in adults and children.
Requirements
Students will normally be expected to have achieved a 2:1 or a good 2:2 (or equivalent) from a UK university in biosciences or evidence of recent academic study, or a period of professional experience with responsibilities in a relevant field.
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
Without appropriate evidence, such as a degree certificate, you will not be eligible for this course
Assessment
For participants who choose not to undertake the assignments, a certificate of attendance will be provided.
Participants who complete and pass the course assessment will receive a certificate of accreditation at master’s level.
This course will be assessed through a group presentation to evaluate a national public health nutrition intervention, as well as a 3,000 word critical evaluation report on the same subject.
Award
Upon successful assessment, learners will be awarded 20 masters level (Level 7) academic credits. Credits may be transferred onto existing master's degrees at St Mary’s University.
Book your place now
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses team: