Master of Public Health Degree (NQF 9)

R 58000.00 (inc vat)

R 350.00 Application Fee (inc vat)

Next Intake Date Range: 1 February 2025



Introduction

Massive health problems face African populations. There is a huge need to build capacity to study the causes of and apply evidence-based solutions for these problems. However, there is a lack of affordable and accessible educational opportunities for committed health workers to build their capacity in this area.
The healthcare sector is one of the few industries where experts expect a substantial increase in the number of jobs. A Master of Public Health degree holds the promise of job security and exciting, new employment opportunities and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s access to good health.
To respond to this, need the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) presents a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree that is a three-year on line part-time qualification accredited with the South African Council of Higher Education and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The Master’s degree is aimed at equipping health practitioners from a variety of disciplines, with key public health competencies and collaborative strategies to address and mitigate population-level risk factors contributing to the global and national burden of disease.
This qualification is suitable for people who:

  • Are self-driven and pro-active.
  • Can work independently in their own time and at their own pace.
  • Like e-learning opportunities.
  • Can build network with fellow students on online platforms.

Duration

Participants are required to complete this qualification within three (3) years.

Accreditation

SAQA ID number: 117086
NQF Level: 9
Total credits: 180

Certification

Successful participants will be awarded with a Master degree in Public Health.

Intake Dates

Intake 1 Intake 2 Intake 3
Application close: 15 January 2025 Application close: 15 May 2025 Application close: 15 September 2025
Start date: February 2025 Start date: June 2025 Start date: October 2025

Assessment

The assessment processes for the MPH qualification uses both formative and summative assessments for assessing each of the learning outcomes. Learners are required to demonstrate the application and integration of all the modules of the MPH through the planning, execution, and reporting of a research project which is a mini dissertation.

Course Content

Participants are required to complete 4 compulsory, 4 elective modules and a mini dissertation.

Course Design

The programme consists of the following learning components:

  • Distance e-learning (self-study) modules,
  • Assisted virtual engagement sessions, and
  • Various assessment tasks.

Exit Level Outcomes

On achieving this qualification, a learner will be able to:

  • Measure health problems and their effect on local, regional, national and global populations
  • Apply a critical evidence-based approach to population health problems
  • Apply knowledge and skills to conduct research into health problems and policies in populations
  • Apply knowledge and skills to intervene to improve or protect the health of population

Modules

Compulsory Modules

  • Introduction to Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Any two modules from the Public Health Problems group
Elective Modules Choose any 4 modules from any group (Public Health Problems Group & Foundation Sciences of Public Health Group)
Public Health Problems Group
  • Disaster management and emergency planning
  • Global mental health
  • Public Health aspects of HIV/AIDS
  • Maternal mortality
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Preventing child mortality
Foundation Sciences of Public Health Group
  • Evidence Based Practice
  • Health promotion
  • Evaluation of interventions
  • Health economics
  • Inequalities and social determinants of health
  • Public health concepts for policy makers

Who Should Enrol

  • Public health practitioners
  • Professionals considering pursuing a career in public health
  • Medical professionals preparing for the NHI
  • Policy makers
  • Managers (public, private and NGO sectors)
  • Public health consultants
  • Researchers
  • Health and wellness promoters
  • Health promoters
  • Educators
  • Climate change specialists
  • Public health engineers
  • Public health lawyers
  • Environmental health practitioners and environmentalists
  • Behavioural scientists
  • Journalists and medical writers

Admission Requirements

  • A NQF level 8 qualification e.g.
    • A four-years Bachelor’s degree;
    • An Honours degree.
  • A Postgraduate Diploma.

FPD may also consider applicants through RPL with and an NQF level 7 qualification AND 10 or more years experience in the public health field.

Application Requirements

Attached herewith please find the application form and CAT/RPL form, to download click here:

Application form

CAT/RPL form

 
Applicants are required to submit the following documentation and pay a R350.00 non-refundable application fee in order for the application to be processed:

  • Completed application form.
  • Certified copy of South African Identity Document (South African residents only) / official Passport (Foreign Students).
  • Certified copy of highest Qualification Certificate and any other Certification required as proof of meeting minimum entry requirements for this programme.
  • Proof of payment of non-refundable application fee of R350.00
  • SAQA and USAF verification as required for verification of recognition of foreign qualifications.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form for access and/or Credit Allocation Transfer (CAT), if applicable.

The following supporting documentation must be included if you are applying for CAT:

  • Certified academic transcript(s) of training from a previous educational institution or FPD at same NQF Level.
  • Study guide that supports the credit claim at same NQF Level.

The following supporting documentation must be included if you are applying for RPL:

  • Testimonials/reference letter from previous or current employers.
  • Portfolio of Evidence that is evident of your work experience and skills equivalent to a NQF Level.
  • Full curriculum vitae indicating employment history and work experience in relevant field.
  • Portfolio of evidence of research project (if applicable).

*Certified documents should be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths. A stamp by your academic institution is not sufficient.

Kindly take note that spaces are limited, therefore please ensure to apply early by sending the above to gradprog@foundation.co.za

A student’s academic progression commences once all conditions of enrolment and the admissions criteria for the selected qualification have been met. Where a student applies for RPL/CAT, and with the approval of the Selection Committee and the Registrar, he/she can gain entry to the qualification.