Foundations in Public Health Research

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Foundations in Public Health Research equips participants with the important skills needed to develop a research protocol in areas of public health.

The program’s duration is three months which comprise five weeks of in-service study and seven weeks of field work supervised by a dedicated mentor.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the importance of research to public health
2. Critically assess appropriateness of different research methods and techniques for the study of relevant health research issues
3. Explain basic concepts in health research methodology
4. Develop a proposal and plan for studying a public health problem to provide evidence for public health practice
5. Use software and tools for appropriate data collection and management

Training Courses

Participants in this program complete the following five short courses:

1. Introduction to Research Methods
2. Research Designs
3. Basic Concepts in Research Methodology
4. Applied Research in Public Health
5. Statistical tools (Excel, Epi Info)

Field Work

Participants spend seven weeks in the field where they are exposed to real-life situations. Hence, they can practice the skills they gain with the guidance of a dedicated mentor. The following field projects should be conducted during the field work period:

1. Write a proposal for a common public health research question
2. Critically assess public health research work

At the end of the program, participants reconvene for final presentations and discussion.

Targeted Group

Given the basic nature of this program, it is designed for anyone actively involved in public health practice at different levels of the health system. Each cohort will include 15-20 participants.

Training Delivery Method

1. In-class method
2. Blended learning method.