MPH Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Nov 4, 2024 03:53 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Master of Public Health is a two-year full-time interdisciplinary postgraduate programme. The MPH syllabus focuses on areas related to public health and is a blend of lectures, field visits, and internships. Students also participate in national and international seminars and conferences on public health.

If you are keen on making a difference in public health, opt for this course. Upon completion, your MPH degree will open a wide range of opportunities at home and abroad.

About MPH Syllabus

Master of Public Health is a two-year programme, and the syllabus is covered in four semesters. The MPH syllabus is divided into four parts:

  1. Foundation

  2. Core

  3. Electives

  4. Research Projects

The Master of Public Health syllabus depends on the specialisations offered. Each institute offering a Master of Public Health course has its programme structure. Candidates can check all the course details before enrolling for MPH programme. The first three semesters in PHFI include tutorials, practicals, and classroom teaching. The fourth semester consists of an internship and project work. Students also gain practical training by working with public health professionals.

List of Subjects in Master of Public Health

Here is a list of courses that are a part of MPH programme:

Typical Core Subjects for Master of Public Health

Subject Title

Subject Details

Basic Epidemiology

Sound knowledge of basic epidemiology is important in public health practice. Students can use epidemiological methods to measure disease burden. They can design an appropriate study for any given scenario. Students can also suggest appropriate intervention methods while analysing public health problems.

 

Some topics covered in the syllabus include:

  • History and evolution of epidemiology

  • Scope and uses of epidemiology

  • Achievements of epidemiology

  • Epidemiology and clinical practice

  • Distribution and determinants of disease

  • Dynamics of disease transmission

  • Natural history of the disease

  • Measurements in epidemiology

  • Disease cause and identification

  • Evaluation of health services and public policy

  • Ethical and professional issues in epidemiology

  • Concepts of disease control, elimination, and eradication

Biostatistics

In this course, students learn about the key biostatistical concepts. Students can use these concepts to analyse, interpret, and present public health data. Statistical software is also taught as a part of the course. Students use this software for data entry, processing, and analysis.

 

Some key concepts include:

  • Definition and types of data

  • Tabulation and presentation of data

  • Data measurement - variation and dispersion

  • Sampling techniques

  • Probability and its applications in public health

  • Hypothesis testing

Health Management - Management Principles and Practices

After this course, students will understand how different healthcare systems work in India. They will have a clear understanding of the public healthcare system in India. Students will be able to implement public healthcare programs and monitor them.

 

The course syllabus includes topics like:

  • Introduction to health systems

  • Challenges and evolution of the health system in India

  • The public healthcare system in India

  • The private healthcare system in India

  • Voluntary health agencies

  • Health planning in India

  • Healthcare legislation in India

Public Health Surveillance

This topic covers India's public health surveillance system. Students will understand the system's nuances to strengthen it in the future.

 

Few topics covered in this course include:

  • Introduction to India's healthcare surveillance system including Ayushman Bharat

  • Health surveillance systems - Planning, evaluation, and implementation

  • Importance of focus on communicable and non-communicable diseases

Basic Microbiology

Basic microbiology helps students understand the evolution of infection. This will help them create an effective solution to combat infections.

 

Topics covered include:

  • Understanding the root of the infection

  • Tracing the source and checking the evolution pattern

  • Transmission methods

Typical Elective Subjects for Master of Public Health

Subject Title

Subject Details

Health Economics

This subject is a blend of economics and epidemiology. It will help you to understand the importance of economics in public health. It is important in developing countries with limited health resources. Vaccine production, resource allocation, and incentives for healthy behaviour are covered.

Environmental and Occupational Health

This elective deals with environmental and occupational hazards. You will understand the health risks in different occupations and environmental conditions. It covers safety plans to avoid exposure to pollutants, toxins, and physical hazards.

Advanced Epidemiology

The methods taught in this topic allow students to impact disease control better. They can make accurate predictions and prevent the spread.

Communicable Diseases

Students learn about different communicable diseases on a global scale. They also learn about different policies and practices across countries. This knowledge will help students understand how foreign governments are tackling the disease.

Non - Communicable Diseases

Chronic and non-communicable diseases are now a major reason for human deaths. These diseases often become fatal due to a lack of treatment options and medicines. Heart diseases, asthma, diabetes, and cancer are major contributors to deaths. Students learn about preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and disease management in this topic.

Policy and Planning

This topic covers various health planning and policies adopted by the government. It also includes different community health programs and their reimbursements. MPH students can use this knowledge to identify key challenges and provide alternatives.

Detailed Syllabus for Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health syllabus differs from one university to another. But, the topics covered under the syllabus are more or less the same. Some universities focus on theoretical papers, while others opt for fieldwork. Internship programs, projects, and field visits are common for MPH.

Here is a detailed overview of the syllabus:

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Title

Subject Details

1

  1. Principles and Practices of Public Health

  2. Introduction to Health System and Policy in Developing Countries

  3. Health Management: Management Principles and Practices

  4. Basic Epidemiology

  5. Basic Biostatistics

  6. Demography and Population Sciences

  1. Principles and Practices of Public Health

  2. Introduction to Health System and Policy in Developing Countries

  3. Health Management: Management Principles and Practices

  4. Basic Epidemiology

  5. Basic Biostatistics

  6. Demography and Population Sciences

In the first semester, students learn the basic elements of public health. They learn about government policies and principles for public health programs and foreign public health programs. Students are taught how demography affects public health. In Epidemiology, they learn all about disease control and transmission. Biostatistics is useful for the interpretation and analysis of public health data.

2

  1. Introduction to Health Economics

  2. Health Promotion Approaches and Methods

  3. Introduction to Financial Management and Budgeting

  4. Social and Behaviour Change, Effective Communication

  1. Introduction to Health Economics

  2. Health Promotion Approaches and Methods

  3. Introduction to Financial Management and Budgeting

  4. Social and Behaviour Change, Effective Communication

In the second semester, students learn about economics in public health. This is crucial in situations where public health resources are scarce. Students also learn about financial planning and budgeting, which is useful in resource planning, distribution, and execution of health programs. MPH students also need good communication skills since effective communication results in a healthy behavioural change.

3

  1. Reproductive, Maternal Health, Child Health and Adolescent (RMNCH+A)

  2. Introduction to Health Programs and Evaluation

  3. Principles of Social Research Methods

  4. Environment and Occupational Health

  5. Law and Ethics in Public Health

  1. Reproductive, Maternal Health, Child Health and Adolescent (RMNCH+A)

  2. Introduction to Health Programs and Evaluation

  3. Principles of Social Research Methods

  4. Environment and Occupational Health

  5. Law and Ethics in Public Health

The third semester covers the need for continuous healthcare. Students learn about the RMNCH+A programme, which is an inclusive programme. It is aimed at providing healthcare from reproduction to adolescence. Students also learn about different public health programs and how to evaluate them. Social research methods help students collect and analyse public health data. The effects of environment and occupational hazards on public health are also taught. Understanding law and ethics related to public health are important for students. This helps in conflict resolution in cases of vested interests sabotaging community health.

4

Electives:

  1. Epidemiology

  2. Health System Management

  3. Health Programme - Policy and Planning

  4. RMNCH+A

 

  1. Internship

  2. Dissertation

Epidemiology

  • Advanced Biostatistics

  • Advanced Epidemiology

  • Survey design and methods

  • Infectious disease epidemiology

  • NCD epidemiology

Health System Management

  • Strategic Management

  • Advanced Operational Research

  • Advanced Financial Management and Budgeting

  • Organisational Management and Services

  • Communication in Public Health

Health programme - Policy and Planning

  • Health programme planning and evaluation

  • Evaluating current NHPs

  • Turning research into policy

  • National and International health issues

  • Role of NGOs in healthcare

 

In the fourth semester, students learn about their chosen electives. They are taught in detail about the subjects they have chosen to specialise in.

Students also need to finish their internship and submit their dissertation.

Specialisations Offered in Master of Public Health

Public health is a vast topic, and many different elements influence it. Students can specialise in their area of interest to make a difference. Diet and nutrition, occupational therapy, and healthcare management are popular choices. Here are some specialisations for MPH students in Indian universities. The syllabi for these specialisations differ depending on the university.

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Subject Details

Public Health

  • Biostatistics

  • Environmental Health

  • Epidemiology

  • Behavioural Science

  • Health Services Administration

You will study different factors affecting public health. You will also learn about healthcare administration, implementation, data collection, analysis, and presentation.

Hospital/Healthcare Management

  • Healthcare Policies and Regulations

  • Disease Control Management

  • Healthcare Economics

  • Healthcare Administration

You will learn about the different policies and regulations in healthcare, healthcare economics, administration, and effective methods for disease control and management.

Healthcare and Hospital

  • Organisation of Hospitals

  • Medical-Legal Issues

  • Quality Assurance

  • Hospital Administration

  • Disease Control Management

You will learn about hospital administration, legal policies, QA, and hospital organisation.

Occupational Therapy

  • Anatomy

  • Biochemistry

  • Psychology

  • Physiology

  • Microbiology

  • Clinical Orthopaedics

This is a study of rehabilitative medicine used for patients with cognitive and physical issues. It helps them to regain their lost life skills.

Public Health and Management

  • Ethics

  • Community Nutrition

  • Epidemiology

  • Health Promotion and Behavioural Change

  • Economic and Healthcare Financing

Students are taught how public health is affected by community change. You will also learn about disease transmission and control and financial planning.

Dietetics and Nutrition

  • Nutrition in Disease Treatment

  • Food and Nutrition Policy

  • Nutrition Epidemiology

The role of proper nutrition in improving public health is taught.

Popular Books to Refer in MPH Programme

Master of Public Health students should strive to expand their knowledge by reading. This practice will help gain a better understanding of the public health system. Reading different books on the same topic will give you a different perspective. You should also look for research papers and foreign publications to stay ahead in the game.

Here are some books recommendations for MPH students:

Subject

Book Title

Authors

Description of Book

Public Health Management

Public Health Management - Principles and Practices

Sunder Lal

Vikas

Covers all topics of Public Health Management.

Public Health

Public Health - An Introduction to the Science and Practise of Population Health

James M Shultz

Lisa M Sullivan

Sandro Galea

This book discusses the core values of health equity, disease prevention, community engagement, population health methods, and health promotion.

Community Medicine

Textbook of Community Medicine

AM Kadri

This book uses case studies to explain community health issues. It also presents recent data to decipher global and Indian health issues.

Public Health

A Short Book of Public Health

VK Muthu

The book covers drug resistance, new vaccines, and emerging diseases.

Entrance Exams for Master of Public Health

Students can get admission into the Master of Public Health programme either on merit or by writing an entrance exam. You can register for a national-level entrance exam like NEET PG or a university-level exam. However, the national level entrance exams are tougher due to the number of applicants. It is a good idea to choose your entrance test carefully to stand a good chance of admission.

The syllabus for the Master of Public Health entrance exam includes topics like:

  • Social sciences and health

  • National health

  • Nutrition-deficiency conditions

  • Micronutrient malnutrition

  • Disease screening

  • Hospital-acquired infections

  • Environment and health

  • Health planning and management

The eligibility criteria for getting admission into the Master of Public Health programme are:

  • Candidates must have a minimum aggregate score of 60per cent from a recognised university.

  • Basic computer skills are essential.

  • Candidates should have graduated from medical fields like BPH, AYUSH, dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy etc.

  • Graduates in life sciences, biostatistics, social work, psychology, nutrition etc. are also eligible for admission.

Eligible candidates can take any one of the following entrance tests for admission into the Master of Public Health programme:

  • NEET PG

  • SRMJEEH

  • PIMS MPH Entrance Test

  • PGIMER MPH Entrance Test

  • University of Hyderabad Entrance Exam

Admission to the MPH programme is based on the candidate’s exam score. Qualified candidates may also need to attend group discussions or personal interviews.

Syllabus for Distance programme in Master of Public Health

The MPH programme is a 2-year full-time programme. It is not available as a distance learning programme as of now.

Top Colleges for Master of Public Health

The top colleges for pursuing Master of Public Health (MPH) are mentioned below:

Sl. No.

College/University/Institution

Syllabus PDFs

1

PGIMER, Chandigarh

To be uploaded soon

2

NIMHANS, Bengaluru

To be uploaded soon

3

JIPMER, Puducherry

To be uploaded soon

4

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

To be uploaded soon

5

Poornima University, Jaipur

To be uploaded soon

6

TISS, Mumbai

To be uploaded soon

7

Amity University, Noida

To be uploaded soon

8

Central University of Kerala

To be uploaded soon

9

Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar

To be uploaded soon

10

Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Pune

To be uploaded soon

There are many reasons why these institutes are considered the top 10 MPH institutes in India. Each institute in this list offers something unique to its students to gain an edge over the others. Some unique features that each institute provides are listed below:

  • PGIMER and NIMHANS are top-rated medical institutes in the country. These institutes are in the top 5 list of NIRF ranking in India.

  • RIHER offers both a Master's and a PhD programme in public health. This institute has financial support from ITREOH, the National Institute of Health, USA, and The International Integrated Experts programme of GTZ, Germany. The institute also collaborates with the University of California, Berkeley, USA.

  • Poornima University offers a six-month internship programme for MPH students. This allows students to secure a job after their course.

  • TISS and IIPH, Gandhinagar have a 100% placement record. IIPH, Gandhinagar has many MOUs and collaborations with reputed organisations in India and abroad.

  • Amity University offers foreign languages like French, Chinese and Spanish for MPH subjects. This allows students to get employed overseas.

  • MPH students in The Central University of Kerala can opt for electives offered in-house or from any other department in the university or by the SWAYAM MOOC course approved by BoS.

  • Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences gives its students real-time training opportunities. The institute has adopted 22 villages as part of its community outreach programme. MPH students can participate in community service and behavioural change programs and even improve their data collection and survey techniques.

Q: Which subject is best for a Master of Public Health?

A: There are many different core subjects and electives that you can learn in MPH. Popular topics include Epidemiology, Research Methods, and Infectious Diseases. All the topics in this syllabus are good, so you should choose the subject that interests you.

Q: How many subjects are there in Master of Public Health?

A: The number of MPH subjects varies from one institution to another. Most institutions offer around seven core subjects and electives.

Q: How many semesters are there in Master of Public Health?

A: The MPH course is divided into four semesters. The first two semesters are for core subjects, while the last two are for electives, internships, and dissertations.

Q: Can I choose electives for Master of Public Health?

A: Yes. You can choose your electives in the course. The electives are usually taught in the third semester.

Q: How many core subjects will I learn in Master of Public Health?

A: You will learn around seven core subjects in your MPH course. The core subjects offered by most institutions are:

  • Basic Epidemiology

  • Biostatistics

  • Health Management

  • Basic Microbiology

Q: Why should I learn economics in Master of Public Health?

A: Economics and financial planning are important for MPH. These subjects will allow you to understand resource allocation better. Financial planning is important for the success of public health programmes. These topics teach the fundamentals for better implementation of the programmes.

Q: Where can I do my internship for MPH?

A: You can do your MPH internship at any government health institution or an NGO. You can also work with any private institution running a public health programme. The main aim of the internship is to gain confidence and understand how the system works.

Q: Will the institute help me to secure an internship?

A: Yes. The faculty members in your institute will guide you to secure an internship. But after that, it is up to you to take the opportunity forward.

Q: Why are field trips necessary in Master of Public Health?

A: Field trips give students a dose of reality. Some institutions conduct field trips every semester. Students get practical experience of their theoretical knowledge on such trips.

Q: Are good communication skills necessary for a Master of Public Health?

A: Yes. Good communication is essential for MPH students. Business communication is taught as an elective subject in some institutions. Effective communication can help resolve conflicts and ensure the smooth functioning of the programme.

Q: Are diet and nutrition a topic in the syllabus?

A: Yes. As the community’s diet and nutrition affect their health, this topic is included in the syllabus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding MPH

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Popular MPH (Master of Public Health) Specializations

Following are the most popular MPH (Master of Public Health) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Answered 2 days ago

The utilization of MPH programme at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore is quite bright and the alumni can get placements in hospitals, NGOs and health care organizations. The median placement offer presently lies between 4-6 Lacs INR per annum based on the student's stream and success

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Kunal Lalwani

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

NSHM Institute of Health Sciences in Kolkata is one of the better institute where one can do his MPH from. It lays down the foundation for learners towards various positions in the field of public health as well as integrate theoretical knowledge with that of practical approach for learning. Placeme

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Kunal Lalwani

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, you can pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) after completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). An MPH degree provides training in areas like epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and healthcare management, which complements your dental background.

This combination can open door

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Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, you can pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) after completing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS). An MPH degree can enhance your understanding of public health principles, epidemiology, health policy, and health management, which can complement your background in Ayurvedic me

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Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates after completing MPH from HIM Kolkata can apply for jobs in government sector, voluntary organisations, public sector or non-governmental organisations. The candidates will have to clear the selection criteria of the job poster to get selected. 

Some of the popular job profiles are:

  • Public

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M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

There are a total of 30 seats for the MPH course of HIM Kolkata. Candidates are admitted to the programme based on scores in MAKAUT CET exam. The seat intake is sanctioned by the institute and affiliating university. It must be taken into account that the mentioned seat count is as per the official

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M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The candidates seeking admission must fulfil the eligibility and selection requirements to get a seat. Aspirants with a valid bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university can apply. Candidates who meet the criteria can visit the HIM Kolkata official website to register and apply. The

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M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The Haldia Institute of Management's MPH application forms are generally released in June. As of now, the 2024-25 registrations are open at the institute. Interested candidates can go to the institute's official website to register. However, the application end date is not available as of now. Thus,

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M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

HIM Kolkata admit candidates to its MPH course on the basis of merit in MAKAUT-CET exam. Apart from this, aspirants must meet the eligibility requirements. Candidates who have passed a bachelor's degree course from a recognised university can apply for admission. The application forms are accepted i

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M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, HIM Kolkata offers two-years Master in Public Health (MPH) course. It is a full-time programme. Haldia Institute of Management offers admission to the MPH course based on score in the MAKAUT CET. Candidates who have passed a bachelor's degree course are eligible to apply. The applications are a

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Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The total fee for the HIM Kolkata MPH programme is cumulative of multiple components, such as hostel fee, caution money, tuition fee, etc. After counselling, candidates can confirm their seats by paying the course fee amount. HIM Kolkata MPH tuition fee is INR 2.1 lakh. In addition, the hostel fee i

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M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The Bachelor of Public Health degree lays the foundations, introducing students to the field and providing a broad understanding of public health concepts. Bachelor of Public Health is suitable for those who want to explore entry-level positions in the public health sector. 

However, a Master of Publ

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Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

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