Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH)
Investigate population health with particular attention to environmental conditions, inequalities and the organisation of public-health responses.
About the course
Investigate population health with particular attention to environmental conditions, inequalities and the organisation of public-health responses. The proposed MPH outline uses Southern African settings to connect epidemiological evidence with programme decisions. Your research should address a clearly defined population problem and distinguish association, causal explanation and practical recommendations.
What you'll learn
Critically interpret epidemiological and environmental-health evidence.
Select quantitative or qualitative methods suited to a population-health question.
Evaluate a public-health intervention using explicit criteria.
Produce an ethical, defensible research report with actionable conclusions.
Requirements
Entry requires a relevant degree with suitable advanced study or a postgraduate diploma, subject to BMIT assessment of research preparation and supervision. English Language is required.
African Kalanga is a compulsory graduation subject in every year of this programme. BMIT confirms the approved entry route, any recognition of prior learning and access to required practical facilities before enrolment.
Course Content
The subjects are grouped by learning stage, from foundations to specialist study and supervised application. Complete earlier foundations before the related advanced work. Clinical, laboratory, field and workplace subjects use approved facilities and supervision appropriate to the programme.
3 learning levels 18 subjects
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Level 1: Postgraduate disciplinary study
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 101Compulsory graduation subject · Year 1
Develop African Kalanga through foundations for medicine and other health sciences. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 1 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Pronunciation
- Everyday vocabulary
- Listening
- Reading and respectful introductions
Practical task
Record a short introduction and explain its meaning to a peer.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 101Compulsory core module · Level 1
Identify a real need, study the people affected and develop a responsible idea for a product, service or process. Apply critical analysis and relevant research to a specialist setting. Apply this learning to Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH) through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Opportunity recognition
- Creative problem framing
- Community and user research
- Ethics and inclusion
- Idea generation and selection
Practical task
Investigate a need related to Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH). Interview or observe intended users with consent, compare possible responses and present one justified concept.
Assessment
Submit an opportunity brief, research notes, a concept sketch and a reflection on feedback. Support your decisions with current research and a critical account of limitations. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
African History and Pan Africanism 101Compulsory core module · Level 1
Study African history through oral, written and archaeological evidence. Examine the diversity of African societies, knowledge and exchange, then trace the emergence of Pan African ideas about identity, solidarity and self-determination.
Learning outcomes
- Place selected African societies and events within a supported historical timeline.
- Compare historical sources and identify perspective, evidence and uncertainty.
- Explain the foundations of Pan Africanism and the contributions of Africans and the diaspora.
Main topics
- Historical inquiry, chronology, oral traditions and source evaluation
- African civilisations, states, trade, livelihoods and knowledge systems
- Southern African history, including Mapungubgwe and Great Zimbabwe
- Slavery, the African diaspora and changing ideas about identity
- Origins of Pan Africanism, solidarity, self-determination and cultural expression
Practical task
Create an annotated timeline or digital learning poster on a selected African society or historical development. Compare at least two credible sources and explain one connection with your field of study.
Assessment
Submit the timeline or poster, an annotated source list and a short explanation of the evidence. Assessment considers chronology, historical accuracy, source judgement and the clarity of your interpretation.
Learning resources
Public Health Foundations
Examine population health, social determinants and their relationship within public health foundations. The subject develops prevention and primary care, then examines health systems and equity. Analyse a regional population-health problem using approved public evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain population health and social determinants using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving prevention and primary care.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing health systems and equity.
Main topics
- Population health
- Social determinants
- Prevention
- Primary care
- Health systems
- Equity
Practical task
Analyse a regional population-health problem using approved public evidence.
Assessment
Submit a needs assessment and prevention proposal.
Advanced Epidemiology
Develop your understanding of advanced epidemiology through causal frameworks and multivariable analysis. The subject develops effect modification and longitudinal evidence, then examines surveillance evaluation and uncertainty. Critically evaluate a population study and compare analytical approaches.
Learning outcomes
- Explain causal frameworks and multivariable analysis using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving effect modification and longitudinal evidence.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing surveillance evaluation and uncertainty.
Main topics
- Causal frameworks
- Multivariable analysis
- Effect modification
- Longitudinal evidence
- Surveillance evaluation
- Uncertainty
Practical task
Critically evaluate a population study and compare analytical approaches.
Assessment
Submit an epidemiological methods and interpretation report.
Applied Statistics
Study descriptive measures and probability as foundations for applied statistics. The subject develops sampling and estimation, then examines hypothesis testing and regression. Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Learning outcomes
- Explain descriptive measures and probability using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving sampling and estimation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing hypothesis testing and regression.
Main topics
- Descriptive measures
- Probability
- Sampling
- Estimation
- Hypothesis testing
- Regression
Practical task
Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Assessment
Submit a reproducible analysis with justified methods and interpretation.
Environmental Toxicology
Examine exposure, dose-response concepts and their relationship within environmental toxicology. The subject develops susceptibility and toxic mechanisms, then examines risk interpretation and prevention. Interpret published teaching evidence about an environmental exposure.
Learning outcomes
- Explain exposure and dose-response concepts using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving susceptibility and toxic mechanisms.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing risk interpretation and prevention.
Main topics
- Exposure
- Dose-response concepts
- Susceptibility
- Toxic mechanisms
- Risk interpretation
- Prevention
Practical task
Interpret published teaching evidence about an environmental exposure.
Assessment
Submit a risk-interpretation report without individual medical advice.
Level 2: Specialist analysis and application
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 201Compulsory core module · Level 2
Turn a promising idea into a testable proposal using evidence, creative methods and basic resource planning. Apply critical analysis and relevant research to a specialist setting. Apply this learning to Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH) through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Co-design and prototyping
- Value proposition
- Feasibility and costs
- Risk and responsible practice
- Testing and iteration
Practical task
Develop a small prototype or service model for a Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH) problem. Test it with relevant users, record feedback and revise the proposal.
Assessment
Submit a prototype, a feasibility note, user feedback and a record of revisions. Support your decisions with current research and a critical account of limitations. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
African History and Pan Africanism 201Compulsory core module · Level 2
Examine colonial change, resistance and liberation across Africa, with attention to Zimbabwe and South Africa. Compare Pan African movements, organisations and debates, including contributions from women, workers and diaspora communities.
Learning outcomes
- Analyse the effects of colonial rule on land, labour, institutions and social relations.
- Compare liberation movements and Pan African arguments using contextual evidence.
- Explain how different groups shaped independence, solidarity and debates about freedom.
Main topics
- Colonial rule, land, labour, education and forms of resistance
- Nationalism, liberation and the end of colonial rule and apartheid
- Pan African congresses, organisations and contrasting interpretations
- Women, labour movements and diaspora participation
- The Organisation of African Unity and debates about unity, sovereignty and development
Practical task
Develop a comparative case study of a liberation issue or Pan African debate relevant to Southern Africa. Use a historical document alongside a scholarly account and explain differences in purpose and interpretation.
Assessment
Submit the case study, a source comparison and a reflection on your conclusions. Assessment considers context, evidence, recognition of different perspectives and the quality of your argument.
Learning resources
Health Promotion
Develop your understanding of health promotion through health behaviour and communication. The subject develops community priorities and intervention design, then examines participation and evaluation. Develop a health-promotion activity with appropriate permission and review.
Learning outcomes
- Explain health behaviour and communication using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving community priorities and intervention design.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing participation and evaluation.
Main topics
- Health behaviour
- Communication
- Community priorities
- Intervention design
- Participation
- Evaluation
Practical task
Develop a health-promotion activity with appropriate permission and review.
Assessment
Submit the activity plan, materials and evaluation approach.
Pollution Monitoring and Control
Study sources and exposure pathways as foundations for pollution monitoring and control. The subject develops air pollution and water pollution, then examines soil contamination and prevention. Review a permissioned monitoring dataset and compare preventive responses.
Learning outcomes
- Explain sources and exposure pathways using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving air pollution and water pollution.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing soil contamination and prevention.
Main topics
- Sources
- Exposure pathways
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- Soil contamination
- Prevention
Practical task
Review a permissioned monitoring dataset and compare preventive responses.
Assessment
Submit a pollution-control appraisal.
Programme Monitoring and Evaluation
Examine programme logic, indicators and their relationship within programme monitoring and evaluation. The subject develops routine information and process evaluation, then examines outcome evaluation and learning use. Build an evaluation framework for a public-health teaching programme.
Learning outcomes
- Explain programme logic and indicators using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving routine information and process evaluation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing outcome evaluation and learning use.
Main topics
- Programme logic
- Indicators
- Routine information
- Process evaluation
- Outcome evaluation
- Learning use
Practical task
Build an evaluation framework for a public-health teaching programme.
Assessment
Submit an indicator matrix and evaluation design.
Qualitative Health Research
Develop your understanding of qualitative health research through research questions and sampling. The subject develops interviews and observation, then examines thematic analysis and reflexivity. Analyse approved anonymised qualitative material or conduct an ethics-cleared teaching study.
Learning outcomes
- Explain research questions and sampling using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving interviews and observation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing thematic analysis and reflexivity.
Main topics
- Research questions
- Sampling
- Interviews
- Observation
- Thematic analysis
- Reflexivity
Practical task
Analyse approved anonymised qualitative material or conduct an ethics-cleared teaching study.
Assessment
Submit an analysis with a reflexive methods account.
Level 3: Supervised research or applied integration
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 201Compulsory graduation subject · Year 2
Develop African Kalanga through applied communication for medicine and other health sciences. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 2 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Workplace vocabulary
- Questions
- Instructions
- Short messages and feedback
Practical task
Prepare and test a bilingual message for a realistic community or workplace situation.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 301Compulsory core module · Level 3
Plan and evaluate the practical introduction of an innovation in a relevant organisation or community. Apply critical analysis and relevant research to a specialist setting. Apply this learning to Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH) through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Implementation planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resources and finance
- Monitoring and impact
- Learning from a pilot
Practical task
Prepare and defend a pilot plan for an innovation relevant to Master of Public and Environmental Health (MPH). Set measures of success, identify risks and explain how results will guide improvement.
Assessment
Submit a pilot plan, budget assumptions, evaluation measures and an individual rationale. Support your decisions with current research and a critical account of limitations. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
Advanced Research Design
Study research positioning and theoretical frameworks as foundations for advanced research design. The subject develops method comparison and validity, then examines research ethics and feasibility. Defend an advanced study design against plausible alternatives.
Learning outcomes
- Explain research positioning and theoretical frameworks using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving method comparison and validity.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing research ethics and feasibility.
Main topics
- Research positioning
- Theoretical frameworks
- Method comparison
- Validity
- Research ethics
- Feasibility
Practical task
Defend an advanced study design against plausible alternatives.
Assessment
Submit a research protocol and critical methodological defence.
Research Proposal and Protocol
Examine problem significance, literature synthesis and their relationship within research proposal and protocol. The subject develops research questions and protocol development, then examines ethics approval and work plan. Develop a supervised research protocol and defend its feasibility.
Learning outcomes
- Explain problem significance and literature synthesis using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving research questions and protocol development.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ethics approval and work plan.
Main topics
- Problem significance
- Literature synthesis
- Research questions
- Protocol development
- Ethics approval
- Work plan
Practical task
Develop a supervised research protocol and defend its feasibility.
Assessment
Submit the approved proposal and a research seminar presentation.
Dissertation Research and Defence
Develop your understanding of dissertation research and defence through data stewardship and analysis. The subject develops interpretation and research contribution, then examines limitations and scholarly communication. Complete approved research under supervision and retain reproducible evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain data stewardship and analysis using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving interpretation and research contribution.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing limitations and scholarly communication.
Main topics
- Data stewardship
- Analysis
- Interpretation
- Research contribution
- Limitations
- Scholarly communication
Practical task
Complete approved research under supervision and retain reproducible evidence.
Assessment
Submit a dissertation and defend methods, findings and limitations orally.
Practical Learning
Authentic e-learning at BMIT
BMIT uses Authentic E-Learning to connect your studies with practical problems in your field. You use digital resources to investigate a realistic brief, make decisions and produce work for a defined purpose and audience. Your qualification's activities below put this approach into practice.
How you will learn
The approach draws on nine elements of authentic learning:
- Realistic contexts: Work with situations relevant to your profession or community.
- Purposeful tasks: Investigate a substantial problem with more than one possible solution.
- Expert examples: Examine demonstrations and examples of professional reasoning.
- Different perspectives: Compare sources and consider the needs of different people.
- Collaboration: Share ideas and review work with peers, while showing your own contribution.
- Reflection: Record what worked, what changed and what needs improvement.
- Explanation: Present your reasoning and support your decisions with evidence.
- Guidance: Use tutor feedback and structured support as you develop independence.
- Authentic assessment: Demonstrate learning through the task and its practical outcome.
From a brief to a practical outcome
Start by identifying the problem, intended audience and assessment criteria. Investigate relevant evidence, plan your response and develop an initial solution. Use discussion and feedback to test your ideas, then revise your work and explain your choices.
Digital tools support research, collaboration, simulation and the presentation of evidence. Your output depends on the module. Examples include a business proposal, technical design, tested program, investigation report or community resource. Keep drafts, calculations, test results and reflections to show how your work developed.
The module brief sets the required tasks, individual and group responsibilities, submission format and assessment criteria. The practical activities and supervision requirements for this qualification are set out below.
Research informing this approach
- Herrington, J. Authentic Learning: nine elements of authentic learning.
- Lombardi, M. M. (2007). Authentic learning for the 21st century: An overview. EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative.
- Parker, J., Maor, D. and Herrington, J. (2013). Authentic online learning: Aligning learner needs, pedagogy and technology. Issues in Educational Research, 23(2), 227–241.
Use guided online cases and simulations to practise decisions. Clinical or patient-facing tasks require approved facilities and supervision.
What you will practise
- Applied Statistics: Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
- Programme Monitoring and Evaluation: Build an evaluation framework for a public-health teaching programme.
- Research Proposal and Protocol: Develop a supervised research protocol and defend its feasibility.
Applied project
Projects require a suitable academic supervisor and prior ethics review where people, personal information or sensitive communities are involved. Environmental fieldwork needs approved sampling and safety arrangements. The degree is a public-health research and practice proposal, not a licence for clinical diagnosis or treatment.
Evidence and feedback
- A completed practical task with an explanation of the method, evidence and decisions.
- An applied project or research proposal addressing a defined Southern African institutional or community problem.
- An independently assessed report or dissertation with an oral presentation, according to an approved BMIT route and assessment policy.
Assessment considers the practical work you submit, the evidence behind your decisions and how you respond to feedback.
African History and Pan Africanism practical learning
- African History and Pan Africanism 101: Create an annotated timeline or digital learning poster on a selected African society or historical development. Compare at least two credible sources and explain one connection with your field of study.
- African History and Pan Africanism 201: Develop a comparative case study of a liberation issue or Pan African debate relevant to Southern Africa. Use a historical document alongside a scholarly account and explain differences in purpose and interpretation.
Career Prospects
These examples show work across this qualification pathway, from support roles to specialist and management posts. Your entry point depends on your study, experience and employer requirements. Regulated roles require separate recognition or registration.
Top Career Paths and Job Titles
- Environmental health assistant: Records inspections, samples and public health observations.
- Environmental health practitioner: Investigates risks and supports prevention within an authorised scope.
- Environmental health specialist: Plans programmes and analyses evidence about community exposure.
- Food and water safety officer: Investigates exposure information and supports preventive action.
- Environmental health programme manager: Coordinates inspections, risk communication and service improvement.
Growth and Leadership Trajectory
- Starting practice: After meeting entry and any registration requirements, begin with the work represented by Environmental health assistant. Build supervised experience and keep a record of reliable work.
- Specialist progression: Relevant study and evidence from more complex projects support a move towards Environmental health practitioner or Environmental health specialist.
- Leadership: With substantial experience, a role such as Environmental health programme manager adds responsibility for people, quality, budgets or service decisions.
Further Education to Boost Prospects
- Doctoral study: A PhD or other suitable doctorate in environmental health is a possible later route. BMIT does not currently list a doctoral programme.
Professional Certifications and Registrations
- HPCSA Environmental Health Board: Environmental health practitioner roles in South Africa require the applicable recognised qualification and registration category. Check official requirements.
Potential Government and Industrial Employers
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: Start or manage a small venture related to this field. Regulated work still requires the relevant professional registration or licence.
- Private and commercial organisations: Environmental health consultancies.
- Specialist employers: Food and workplace safety teams.
- Research and community organisations: Community health organisations.
- Government departments and public bodies: Municipal environmental-health and public-health departments.