Public Health (MPH) By Online Distance Learning

Course Overview

A pressing global health issue, Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancers - collectively known as non-communicable diseases or NCDs - are on the increase globally. These are no longer diseases of the affluent: 80% of NCD deaths now occur in low and middle income countries. These conditions are largely preventable. Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco and alcohol consumption are all contributing factors. As globalisation continues to change people's lifestyles, the prevention and management of NCDs is arguably the greatest global health challenge of the 21st century. In September 2011 the first ever United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases was held, putting this issue on the global political agenda and calling for stronger international collaboration to tackle this epidemic. Now, knowledge and expertise in this area is highly desirable to clinicians, policy makers, health planners, donor agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Unique Specialism, The University of Edinburgh was the first university in the world to offer a Master's programme specialising in global NCDs and as far as we are aware, this is still the only programme of its kind. Combining expertise in NCDs and global health, Academics from medical, public health and international development backgrounds at the University and beyond contribute to the Public Health (MPH) programme's development, combining expertise in global health and NCDs. The programme team is part of the Centre for Population Health Science, which has recently been designated the World Health Organisation's Collaborating Centre for Population Health Research and Training. All students should apply for the MPH (online) and decide whether they want to specialise at the end of year one. After following a general public health programme in year one, students specialising in global NCDs will develop their understanding of the epidemiology and changing global burden of these diseases. We explore the role of globalisation in driving this epidemic and examine strategies for responding to it in low and high income contexts. For further information about the programme structure and the courses for this specialism, follow the links below.