School of Health Systems and Public Health
University of Pretoria
Private bag X20
Hatfield, Pretoria 0028
South Africa
Ph: +27 0 12 420-3111 Fax: +27 0 12 420-4555
MPH Program Overview
The University of Pretoria Master of Public Health program is designed to prepare public health professionals for positions of leadership in areas of management, evaluation, and improvement of health, health interventions, and the health care system at large.
The MPH program at Pretoria will expose students to the many disciplines involved in public health professions, allowing them to students to acquire a clear understanding of the different aspects of health and health care. However, because the scope of the profession is so widespread, the program is designed to let students select one track, or area of concentration to focus on. Upon completion of the University of Pretoria MPH, students will have acquired an firm understanding of the broader aspects of health systems and public health, while also having developed a focused competence in one particular area.
MPH Curriculum and Courses
The MPH at Pretoria consists of a system of modules and credits where a certain number of credits are awarded upon the successful completion of each module. Each module is unique, having its own objectives, learning materials, methods, and system of assessment.
It is recommended that students begin the program with the compulsory set of core modules designed to provide a general understanding of the fundamental content areas of public health professions. The core coursework includes modules in:
- Biostatistics
- Disease Prevention/Control
- Principles of Demography
- Basis of Environmental Health
- Health Management
- Primary Health Care
- Learning in Public Health
- Society and Health
Upon completion of the core modules, MPH students will begin work on track modules specific to the area of concentration chosen by the student. Because some tracks are mandatory for certain concentrations and electives for others, it is recommended that students choose their area of concentration within the first six months of the program. Credits derived from these track modules must make up 50% of the student’s overall coursework. A full list of current tracks can be found on the program’s web page.
The program also requires two integrative case studies and a final MPH research report. The research report makes up 45 credits toward the degree requirement and will require 8-10 weeks of full time work.
MPH Admissions
Applicants for this MPH must meet the following requirements:
- Fluency in speaking and writing in English (TOEFL of 500 or greater)
- 4 year bachelor’s degree AND 2 years of relevant work experience OR
- 3 year degree AND 5 years work experience
- Advanced bachelor’s degree
- 3 year degree with post grad qualification.
Application instructions can be found on the program’s web page.
MPH Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Pretoria provides financial assistance packages for students with academic potential and clear plans for the future. Bursaries and loans may be awarded for academic achievement as well as financial necessity.
