PUBLIC HEALTH (MSC)

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Public Health (MSc)

ABOUT

Do you have a burning desire to contribute to your community by uplifting the quality of health and solve the myriad health problems faced by the population?

OVERVIEW

MSc in Public Health

(Conventional / Open & Distance Learning Mode)

Do you have a burning desire to contribute to your community by uplifting the quality of health and solve the myriad health problems faced by the population?

IMU’s MSc in Public Health programme enables students to build their standing and profile in academia, industry and in NGOs and is suitable for healthcare practitioners across diverse backgrounds including:

1) Medical doctors
2) Nurses
3) Health Officers
4) Environmental Health Officers
5) Health Service Managers
6) Hospital administrators
7) Nutritionists
8) Health Education Officers
9) Environmental and Health Engineers
10) Pharmacists

The programme emphasizes research and face-to-face engagement with our experienced faculty. By way of seminars, workshops, discussions and presentations, the teaching methodology contributes immensely to students’ personal development in terms of confidence, know-how and positive attitude.

Key Facts

DEGREE

Public Health (Master of Sciences)
Additional Degree from University of Arizona (UA)

Commencement

March
September
November*
December*

*For ODL (Part-time)

total duration

Full time : 1 year
Part-time: 2 – 6 years

Tuition Fees

All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 15% bursary.

Mode of Delivery

Conventional / Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

Download Brochure

WHY STUDY PUBLIC HEALTH AT IMU

Why Study Public Health at IMU?

An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education.

IMU achieved the SETARA-2018/2019 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Renowned and Highly Experience Faculty

Students will be supervised by staff who are experts in their field with well-established reputations nationally and internationally.

The academic community of IMU pursues and achieves excellence in a wide range of research activities.

Many of them present their findings in international conferences to keep up to date with the latest development in specialised areas.

They also publish their findings in international peer-reviewed journals.

Recognised by JPA

The IMU MSc in Public Health is recognised by the Malaysian Public Service Department (JPA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). With this recognition, healthcare professionals who are working in the public sector especially MOH who want to
advance in their careers in a related field can choose to study the IMU MSc in Public Health programme. Our graduates of this Masters degree can also apply to work in the public sector.

Unique Curriculum

This programme has a research component in its curriculum in which the student is required to complete a research project. There will also be field visits to the Ministry of Health, the Local Council and Non-Governmental Organisations as part of the experiential learning component of the programme. E-learning approaches are also used extensively including web-based e-learning in the programme.

Research Partnerships

Students will benefit from the University’s research collaborations with various local and foreign institutions in areas such as cancer, bioactive molecules, nutrition and environmental health. Close links have also been established with local hospitals, especially Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar in clinical research.

ABOUT ODL

About Open and Distance Learning (ODL)

What is ODL?

Open and distance learning provides working professionals an alternative to conventional programmes at universities, giving them the opportunity to earn a university degree without interrupting their career. As Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and health sciences university with over 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education, IMU offers a few postgraduate programmes via this learning mode with students having the opportunity to benefit from all the teaching and support that the University has to offer.

Benefits of ODL

Designed especially for students with employment, family or other commitments, this mode of learning provides flexibility and convenience for the student to schedule their studies around these obligations and around their lifestyle – allowing a student to plan and pace their own learning at a time and learning environment that is most suitable for the student. It also saves students from spending time travelling to the university, the costs of travelling to the university and the costs of staying near the university.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods include a series of annotated lectures supplemented by videos. For each subject taken, students will be part of a student online community. Students will also be assigned a mentor who will be available to answer any questions and provide feedback on their progress.

Students will be assessed fully online via the in-course assessment assignments and end of module assessment assignment so they don’t need to be at the University to sit your exams. They will the receive their grades and feedback online.

In order to do this, students will be required to have a desktop/laptop, internet connection, a headset and webcam to participate in online tutorials and other group activities, access to standard office software – such as Microsoft Word and Excel, plus any standard browser, such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox and Skype for certain online sessions.

Your Commitment

Time will be an ODL student’s most important commitment – understanding, working through and reflecting on all teaching materials. The hours spent per week on their studies for the duration of the programme depends on module taken.

Support from University

ODL students are fully registered student of the University with all of the support and services available to them, the same as the on-campus students. Technical support will also be provided if students have difficulty in accessing the e-learning platform.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Programme Structure

The IMU-MSc in Public Health programme, which has a minimum of 40 graduating credits, is delivered in conventional and open and distance learning (ODL) modes. Both modes have full-time and part-time options. Full-time consists of 2 semesters whereas part-time can be done over 4 to 12 semesters. Each semester comprises of 20-21 weeks of active learning followed by vacation weeks.

The curriculum is designed to have core and electives modules. Core modules are compulsory whereas electives modules can be chosen to fulfill the minimum credit requirements. Research Project I & II are compulsory core modules where the students are required to project proposal and conduct it after obtaining the IMU ethical committee approval. This module ends with a project report examination and viva voce.

Teaching and learning methods vary in line with the objectives of the course and include student-led teaching and learning activities such as flipped classrooms, discussions, case studies, face-to-face lectures, guided online learning, independent group exercises, practical sessions, seminars, workshops. Field visits with hands-on experience in observing the public health challenges that are currently faced by the community are an integral part of the course. E-Learning approaches are used extensively and include online learning materials, online simulation, and virtual mentoring.

The programme is taught in close collaboration with the various Public Health Departments under the Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur City Council, non-governmental organisations, and other public health-related institutions.

OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) provides working professionals the flexibility and an opportunity to obtain a MSc in Public Health degree at their own convenience. It allows students to plan and pace their own learning while benefiting from all the teachings and supports that the University has to offer. The programme consists of 80% online teaching and learning sessions and 20% of on campus requirement. The teaching methods include a series of online lectures supplemented by online discussions, forums and assessments. Students will also be assigned a mentor who will be available to answer any questions and provide feedback on their progress. Time will be the ODL student’s most important commitment for this 44 credits master programme.

Master of Science in Public Health (MSc PH) Program Structure (March Intake)

March Intake
Course Code	Name of Module		Credit	Block
Course Code	Core	Elective	Credit	Block
Semester 1
MSPH117*	Research Methodology		3	1st block (Mar-May)
MSPH114	Family Health		3
MSPH115	Health Services Management with Health Economics		3
MSPH125		Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases	2
MSPH118	Health Promotion		2	2nd block (Jun-Aug)
MSPH119	Sociology of Health & Illness		2
MSPH124		Public Health Practice	2
MSPH122**	Research Project (Part I)		2	Entire Semester
Semester 2
MSPH113	Principles and Method in Epidemiology		3	1st Block (Sep-Nov)
MSPH116	Biostatistics		3
MSPH127		Healthcare Operation Management	3
MSPH120	Environmental Healthcare		3	2nd Block (Dec-Feb)
MSPH121	Occupational Healthcare		3
MSPH126		Multivariate Regression Models	2
MSPH128***		Community Health Service	1
MSPH123****	Research Project (Part II)		7	Entire Semester

*Offered each semester, full-time students are required to take in Semester 1. Part-time students can choose to take it before MSPH122 or concurrently.

**Offered each semester, full-time students are required to take in Semester 1, while part-time students have the flexibility to complete them in any semester of their choice. This module is a pre requisite to MSPH 123 (Research Project Part II).
***This module is offered in the 2nd block of every semester. Both full-time and part-time students can choose to take it in any semester.
****Offered each semester, full-time students are required to take in Semester 2. Prior IMU-JC’s approval is required.

Master of Science in Public Health (MSc PH) Program Structure (September Intake)

September Intake
Course Code	Name of Module		Credit	Blocks
Course Code	Core	Elective	Credit	Blocks
Semester 1 (Sep-Feb)
MSPH117*	Research Methodology		3	1st block (Sep-Nov)
MSPH113	Principles and Method in Epidemiology		3
MSPH116	Biostatistics		3
MSPH127		Healthcare Operation Management	3
MSPH120	Environmental Healthcare		3	2nd block (Dec-Feb)
MSPH121	Occupational Healthcare		3
MSPH126		Multivariate Regression Models	2
MSPH122**	Research Project (Part I)		2	Entire Semester
Semester 2 (Mar-Aug)
MSPH114	Family Health		3	1st block (Mar-May)
MSPH115	Health Services Management with Health Economics		3
MSPH125		Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases	2
MSPH118	Health Promotion		2	2nd block (Jun-Aug)
MSPH119	Sociology of Health and Illness		2
MSPH124		Public Health Practice	2
MSPH128***		Community Health Service	1
MSPH123****	Research Project (Part II)		7	Entire Semester

*Offered each semester, full-time students are required to take in Semester 1. Part-time students can choose to take it before MSPH122 or concurrently.

**Offered each semester, full-time students are required to take in Semester 1, while part-time students have the flexibility to complete them in any semester of their choice. This module is a pre requisite to MSPH 123 (Research Project Part II).
***This module is offered in the 2nd block of every semester. Both full-time and part-time students can choose to take it in any semester.
****Offered each semester, full-time students are required to take in Semester 2. Prior IMU-JC’s approval is required.

For Open Distance Learning (ODL)

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) provides working professionals the flexibility and an opportunity to obtain an MSc in Public Health degree at their own convenience. It allows students to plan and pace their own learning while benefiting from all the teachings and supports that the University has to offer. The programme consists of more than 80% of online teaching and learning activities and with minimum on-campus requirements. The teaching methods include a series of online recorded lectures, video lectures, supplemented by reading materials, microlearning material, online asynchronous discussion forums, and various assessments. Students will also be assigned a mentor who will be available to answer any questions and provide feedback on their progress. Time will be the ODL student’s most important commitment for this minimum 40 credits Master programme.

Lectures/tutorials/seminars	Online
Assessments	Online
Field visits	On campus for the visits or off campus if students can arrange on their own and manage to plan the field visit to meet the learning outcomes of the modules.
Elective attachment	Off campus (Students have the option of completing this at their workplace or any relevant institution/departments/organisation away from IMU)
Field visits	On campus for the visits or off campus if students can arrange on their own and manage to plan the field visit to meet the learning outcomes of the modules.
Dissertation	Off campus (Students have the option to conduct this).
Practical (SPSS training)	On campus (2 days)
Dissertation VIVA exam	On campus or off campus. Student may opt to have the viva exam through online video conferencing.

ASSESSMENT

Several assessment methods, designed for adult independent learners, are used to assess the knowledge, skill, and attitude domains. They are mainly through written assignments, reflective reports, case studies, seminar presentations, group discussions, practical assignments, written dissertations, and viva voce. For the award of the degree of MSc in Public Health, students must successfully complete 11 core modules and electives modules required to fulfill the credit hours requirement.

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Entry Requirement

A. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

B. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to have obtained:

A Bachelor’s Degree in the field or related fields with a minimum cGPA of 2.50 or equivalent, as accepted by the University’s Senate; or
A Bachelor’s Degree in the field or related fields or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment.

For Malaysian Students

Not applicable

For International Students

IELTS : Band score 5.0; or
TOEFL (iBT) : Overall score of 42; or
Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE) : Overall score of 154; or
Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE) : Overall score of 154; or
Cambridge Linguaskill : Overall score of 160; or
Pearson Test of English (PTE) : Overall score of 47;

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

International students from countries in which English is the first language.
International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English.

Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information

FEE STRUCTURE

Application and Registration Fees

Fee	Malaysian Student (RM)	International Student (RM)
Application Fee	150	500
Registration Fee	1,100	3,400
Refundable Caution Deposit	2,000	2,000
Student Association Fee per Semester	40	40

Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
Students must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees
Students have the opportunity to take more credits than 40 credits required. Additional fees will be charged according to the number of additional credit hours.

Malaysian Student

Programme	Study Mode	No. of Credit Hour	Fee per Credit Hour (RM)	Total Fee (RM)
Master	Conventional	31	1,100	34,100
Master	Research Paper	9	1,100	9,900
			Total Fee	44,000
Master	Open & Distance Learning (ODL)	31	900	27,900
Master	Research Paper	9	1,100	9,900
			Total Fee	37,800
Dual Master Degree with University of Arizona (UA) Pathway*	Open & Distance Learning (ODL)	Additional tuition fee of approximately USD10,000*

International Student

Programme	Study Mode	No. of Credit Hour	Fee per Credit Hour (RM)	Total Fee (RM)
Master	Conventional	31	1,250	38,750
Master	Research Paper	9	1,250	11,250
			Total Fee	50,000
Master	Open & Distance Learning (ODL)	31	900	27,900
Master	Research Paper	9	1,100	9,900
			Total Fee	37,800
Dual Master Degree with University of Arizona (UA) Pathway*	Open & Distance Learning (ODL)	Additional tuition fee of approximately USD10,000*

*Students have the opportunity to take more credits than 40 credits required. Additional fees will be charged according to the number of additional hours.

PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

Partner University

As an assurance of a total commitment towards quality education in public health, the IMU maintains its relationship with partner university in United States.

United States

Views from Our Community

Dr Anuradha Nadarajah

Student, MSc in Public Health (ODL)

MSc PH programme in ODL mode is convenient and beneficial to upgrade my knowledge and academic status without creating much conflict between my work and postgraduate learning schedule as 80% of teaching and learning are done online with only 20% of campus requirement for field visits and practical sessions. The dates for the field visits and practical sessions are informed earlier when the semester begins so that we will be able to plan our schedule.

Syeda Razelin Kashem

Alumna, MSc in Public Health

The skill and knowledge I learnt from MScPH programme helps me a lot in my current job.

Dauda Bukar Dauda

Alumnus, MSc in Public Health

Coming to International Medical University (IMU) was the best decision I have ever made in life. As International student from Nigeria, I was opportune to meet different set of people with different background, culture and experiences. During my stay at IMU, I used every single opportunity to learn, discuss and also share experiences with my colleagues and the lecturers. The knowledge and experiences I gained in IMU has really helped me in my workplace. I was able to apply what I learned in solving problems and also in improving the services we provide to the people in my workplace. Presently an Environmentalist and also a Public health practitioner, IMU has really contributed for being what I am today and I will be forever proud for been an alumnus of this great institution.

Hay Mar Win

Alumna, Hay Mar Win, MSc in Public Health

I think, initially it was a struggle as I did not have much work experience prior to doing my masters degree. But once I got my first job (which was within 3 months of finishing my MScPH), it got easier.

Obinna Francis Onunkwor

Alumna, MSc in Public Health

MScPH Degree from IMU is accepted and recognised globally. A key thing that gave me an edge in a very competitive and surplus work force in Nigeria, was the Internship at UNHCR Kuala Lumpur. It provided the experience I needed to launch my career in a sector that hardly employs inexperienced graduates.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is ODL different from Conventional?

The curriculum, assessment and faculty delivering the two modes are the same. The only difference is that conventional students are required to attend the physical classes whereas ODL students will learn at their own convenience using the materials uploaded on the portal over a specified duration.

What is the difference between full-time and part-time?

Full-time is 1 year. Students must take all the modules delivered in each semester and complete them all in a year.

Part-time is 2-6 years. Students can do a minimum of 1-2 modules in a Semester. The duration of the module for full-time and part-time is the same. However, part-time has flexibility in taking the number of modules (credits) in a semester.

Can international students study part-time?

No. Based on the existing immigration rules, international students who take the conventional mode can study in full-time mode only. However, international students taking ODL from overseas can do both full-time and part-time.

Can I also know whether the sessions will be LIVE or will they be recorded?

Live/synchronous lectures and learning activities are for the conventional mode.

Recorded videos lectures with additional learning materials and activities to do self-learning are for ODL mode.

Do I need to attend the physical classes if I do ODL?

ODL students do not need to attend physical lectures or synchronous online lecturers. However, they are required to join the field visits and attachments if it is not possible for them to self-arrange. Students also need to join SPSS practical sessions.

Are field visits mandatory?

It is mandatory for both conventional and ODL students as the assessment is linked with the field visits. However, there is an alternative option for ODL students if they cannot join the visit arranged by the programme. This requires the student to self-arrange a similar visit on their own with the approval from field visit site and module coordinator

Is this institution located at Bukit Jalil?

Yes.

Since I opt to do the ODL mode for this programme, am I required to go and do a blood test?

Yes.

Should I be present physically on the enrolment day?

Conventional students join the enrolment day physically while ODL students can opt to join either physical or virtual enrolment sessions.

I'm not really clear on how to confirm the modules that I'll be taking during a specific block. And what if I would like to opt for a different module, how can I go about it?

This is applicable to part-time students only. Yes, part-time students can opt for different modules unless they have started the module.

Can I choose to do the research topic I like?

Yes.

Will I get a supervisor for my research project?

Yes, a supervisor will be assigned to you from the day you join the course. The supervisor will guide you throughout your project.

Can I change from full-time to part-time?

Yes

Can I change from conventional to ODL and verse versa?

Yes, you can change 3 months before the start of next semester.

For ODL, what will happen if I cannot join the field visits and attachment organised by IMU?

If the ODL student cannot join the field visits, they can plan the field visits/attachment on their own at the place they reside. They need to find equivalent visit/attachment sites to carry out the learning activities stated for the field visit/attachment.

Can ODL students join the field visits/attachment organised by IMU?

Yes. However, this is only for the Malaysian students who are doing ODL. International students, doing ODL mode, cannot join the visits organised by IMU due to immigration rules. The international students must follow what is stated in no. 15.

What modules have field visit or attachment?

Health Management and Economic module: Half-day visit
Public Health Practice: 3 days attachment
Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases: Half-day visit
Environmental Health: Half-day visit
Occupational Health: Half-day visit

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You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:

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A Word from the Programme Director

DR HLAING THAW DAR

Senior Lecturer and Programme Director
MBBS (UM1, Ygn), MPH (UM)

“Welcome to the dynamic world of Public Health. Our programme is designed to equip people with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to address the most pressing health challenges facing communities today. Join us on a journey towards creating healthier populations and promoting well-being for all. Explore the possibilities and opportunities that await you in the field of Public Health.”