MSc Public Policy & Global Health at Durham – lacking profile?

Hi! I’m the official rep for postgraduate courses in Medicine, Pharmacy & Health at Durham University. We have a MSc in Public Policy & Global Health that is attracting quite bit of interest from international students but almost none at all from home students. Could anyone help me understand why home students are either not aware or not interested and why international students are? Many thanks!
SharynMaxwell

Reply 1

Sarky

18

Original post by SMaxwell

Hi! I’m the official rep for postgraduate courses in Medicine, Pharmacy & Health at Durham University. We have a MSc in Public Policy & Global Health that is attracting quite bit of interest from international students but almost none at all from home students. Could anyone help me understand why home students are either not aware or not interested and why international students are? Many thanks!
SharynMaxwell

As you've written this in the medical forum i'll assuming you're trying to attract medical students/doctors?

My understanding from colleagues is that people who intercalate tend to do international health. Those who are interested in public health do a recognised masters which will count towards their training. It isn't necessary clear what careers your degree would lead to in terms of medical specialties which may be fine (works for international health) but may not be what people are looking for.

Reply 2

SMaxwell

OP

Official Rep

Thanks for the feedback. The course isn't for people wanting to become public health workers but people interested in working on global/international or national policy fields related to public health and wellbeing. Most of our graduates work in depts of health, NGOs, academia or advocacy organisations. It's not specifically aimed at doctors though we dosometimes have doctors do the course - mostly people wanting to understand more about the social and policy context in which they are working. I understand why we might not be attractiveto intercalating med students wanting to be public health specialists but that doesn't explain why we don't attract other UK med students or UK people with other backgrounds/career goals. Any other thoughts?

Reply 3

Pittawithcheese

6

Original post by SMaxwell

Thanks for the feedback. The course isn't for people wanting to become public health workers but people interested in working on global/international or national policy fields related to public health and wellbeing. Most of our graduates work in depts of health, NGOs, academia or advocacy organisations. It's not specifically aimed at doctors though we dosometimes have doctors do the course - mostly people wanting to understand more about the social and policy context in which they are working. I understand why we might not be attractiveto intercalating med students wanting to be public health specialists but that doesn't explain why we don't attract other UK med students or UK people with other backgrounds/career goals. Any other thoughts?

I would say that in a time where people are having to fork out a lot for University qualifications, you would need to look at the genuine prospects of a graduate from the course and if it would give them "the edge". The people in the areas of work that you specify are unlikely to be based in the area around Durham either, in truth a lot will be in London or perhaps the South-East (for commuting to Brussels) and so they may opt for similar courses offered elsewhere. In particular, I know that the OU offers a similar course and naturally it's a fraction of the price....

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Reply 4

SMaxwell

OP

Official Rep

Actually a lot of people live in the north-east work whilst working in Brussels as living costs are lower here and it's quick and easy to fly from Newcastle. (Newcastle Airport car park is quite full weekdays with surprisingly expensive cars.)

I think we need to do something to add value for students. To that end we are currently examining how to provide placements for our students as part of their course. We can't provide courses on the same basis as OU or large medical schools but hopefully we can provide a valuable niche experience.

Thanks for your comments.

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MSc Public Policy & Global Health at Durham – lacking profile?

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