International Course in Health Development - Master of Public Health
Programme
First trimester
- Introduction
- Determinants of health / Introduction to public health
- Learning and communication skills
- Epidemiology and statistics
- Health policy, planning and management / Health economics and financing
The introduction to the ICHD/MPH starts with learning and communication skills that will be needed throughout the course. These include skills in internet searches for health-related information and literature, use of the library, and presentation and writing skills.
In the first trimester, students are introduced to the broad categories of factors that influence health: culture, lifestyle, socio-economic, political and natural environments and the impact of the health care delivery system. Throughout the course, the gendered nature of many of these factors is emphasized.
Basic concepts and tools for the analysis and discussion of health problems through modules in health planning and management are introduced, including health economics and financing and epidemiology and statistics. The basic knowledge and skills acquired or reinforced in the first part of the course will be applied to a practical strategic planning exercise carried out in small groups. Towards the end of the first trimester, students begin to clarify the topic of their thesis and investigate the literature related to that topic.
Second trimester
- Health systems research
- Health resources development
- Health policy and financing, advanced module
- Control strategies for infectious and non-communicable diseases
- Sexual and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS
In the second trimester, the course takes a more in-depth look at human resources development, health policy and financing, and health sector reforms. The module on health systems research includes participatory, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and prepares students to assess research proposals and develop their own. The trimester concludes with modules on strategies to address infectious and non-communicable diseases, including public health emergencies as well as nutrition and sexual and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS. Students write most of their thesis at this stage, and make a class presentation leading to a debate.
Third trimester
- Visit to WHO
- Thesis
- Oral examination
With guidance from an adviser, participants write a thesis on an important health problem they have been involved with in their country. The aim is to systematically analyse the problem and make suggestions for its solution, based on qualitative and quantitative information participants have brought with them and on a literature review.
The last three months of the course are devoted to finalizing the thesis with individual tutoring and visiting the World Health Organization in Geneva. In the week before the oral examinations, students practice presenting their thesis to each other in class.
Learning methods
The content of the course is practice-based and oriented as much as possible to the working situation of participants. Contacts between staff and participants are intensive throughout the course. Methods used include lectures, discussions, group work, individual presentations, case studies, exercises, study visits, an internet-based virtual learning community and “serious games”, self-study and written assignments including a thesis. A list of recommended books is provided, and readers for each module are prepared and distributed beforehand. Homework assignments are prepared in advance of most classroom sessions. Participants share information about health issues in countries they have worked in, such as organization and functioning of health services, health policies and regulations. This information is used in discussion and comparison of experiences and problems encountered across different countries and situations.
Study load
A total of 60 ECTS credit points must be accumulated for successful completion of the ICHD/MPH programme. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) facilitates transfer of course credits between institutions at the same academic level. 1 ECTS requires 30 hours of student time, which includes class time and independent study.
Graduation requirements
Each module is assessed by means of either a written examination or a take-home assignment. At the end of the programme, an independent external examination committee assesses the thesis and the candidate’s oral examination performance.
If the overall assessment is satisfactory, the degree of Master of Public Health is awarded. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for the degree may be eligible for a certificate of attendance.