The MPH / PGDPH has no prescribed texts. Students are required to use scientific journal articles and systematic reviews in their literature searches for each subject. This is a key transferable skill essential for students to learn so that they can keep themselves up to date once they have finished their studies.
The MPH / PGDPH places a strong emphasis on evidence based research, decision-making and policy implementation. To keep up with current research and thus evidence, students need to be familiar with the current literature in scientific papers and journals. In addition there are recommended texts, which have been purchased for the College of Medicine library, which will be used to complement the journal articles.
Every module that you take will provide you with a reading list – the content of these will vary. In some cases you will be expected to have read a particular paper or chapter before coming to a practical class or seminar. This essential reading is very important. You will gain very little from the subsequent group work if you have not done it.
Other articles or books are important but in a more general way – they cover the same material as a lecture but in more detail or from a different perspective. Reading this material will deepen your understanding and fill gaps – things you may have missed or not understood during a lecture.
Finally many modules will provide supplementary reading lists of material that you may wish to read if you want to investigate a particular topic in depth.
Reading as part of your MPH / PGDPH is not a passive activity (it is often described as focused reading or focused study) and you need to think about the material and about the author’s arguments as you read. Making notes or highlighting text (if it is your own copy!) is very helpful and these notes may be useful when you come to revise.