Public Health practice is constantly in transition due to evolving population health needs, scientific innovations and political factors. The core purpose of Public Health education is to equip the future workforce with the necessary knowledge and tools to perform the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) with the ultimate goal of improving population health. The Masters of Science in Public Health (MPH) Practicum is an experiential learning placement and the module rationale is to introduce students to the real-world practice of Public Health. The purpose of the module is to integrate the learning that students have acquired during preceding modules into action to develop competencies in Public Health and to gain workplace experience. The Practicum opens doors to future employment opportunities with a range of Public Health organisations recruiting graduates for roles in Ireland and internationally.

This module is a work-integrated learning placement which focuses on the acquisition of knowledge relevant to the practice setting in Public Health. During the Practicum students have the opportunity to work on a Public Health initiative and build competencies while being mentored by experienced professionals in the field. Students gain the skills and understanding required to tackle the societal, cultural, ethical, political and economic challenges to improving population health. Through their work students also provide service to a Partner Organisation in the Public Health community and contribute to social accountability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Internationally the syllabus is aligned with the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) Core Curriculum for Public Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) Competency Framework. At institutional level in UL the module aligns with the Action For Wisdom Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy (2022–2027), the UL Integrated Curriculum Development Framework and the UL Mission-based Sustainability Framework 2030. The Practicum offers flexibility and a student-centred approach to achieving learning outcomes. Students can select to develop specific Public Health competencies in; Core subject areas, Subject specific areas, Core cross-curricular areas and Core interdisciplinary professional skills. *Please note this outline is indicative of typical syllabus content and may be subject to revision.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Co-design a Learning Agreement in collaboration with a Public Health stakeholder - Recommend a community-centred approach to improve Public Health in a Project Proposal - Describe an example of effective decision-making underpinned by rationale in a Public Health report - Analyse Public Health data systematically for the production of an evidence-informed practice deliverable

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Apply appropriate communication strategies according to situational needs in a Public Health workplace - Recognise the importance of high standards for personal conduct and ethical practice in a Public Health workplace

Not applicable

The MPH operates with a "Theory to Practice" focus and with an active teaching and learning strategy. The priority for students is on competency-based learning in order to embed transferable skills in Public Health in addition to building knowledge. The Practicum contributes 15 ECTS credits towards the attainment of the MPH. It is a work-integrated learning placement and students are required to deliver full-time work for 8 weeks during the module. A comprehensive preparatory teaching programme is provided with pre-practicum lectures and workshops for development of 1) Professional Profile (e.g. CV skills), 2) Professional Practice (e.g. transversal skills) and 3) Professional Identity (e.g. reflective practice). Students engage in classroom-based activities with peers which are technology-enhanced to provide a flexible learning experience. Integration of practical experience and research evidence prepares students for the module. The international, intercultural and interdisciplinary backgrounds of faculty, students and Practicum Supervisors ensures a transformative learning environment. Students are matched with Practicum Supervisors and Partner Organisations based on a number of factors including; their interests, skillset, academic achievements etc. Logistically the working model for students may include on-site, hybrid and on-line placements and students work with a wide variety of partners (e.g. health service, non-governmental organisations; NGO, academic institutions etc). Interviews may be required by Partner Organisations prior to confirmation of placements. Blended learning is incorporated throughout the Practicum. Student learning is structured using a Learning Agreement developed in collaboration with Partner Organisations which outlines the expectations of students, supervisors, and MPH faculty for the Practicum. During the Practicum the student is supervised in a professional environment by an experienced Public Health supervisor. Meetings with supervisors should take place weekly and students must effectively integrate into interprofessional teams during the Practicum. Students develop a Project Deliverable for their Partner Organisation which may take the form of educational materials, research project, policy document, digital resources etc. Additional educational input is provided by the Practicum Coordinator with assistance from other faculty and staff. Brightspace is regularly updated with Learning Resources and weekly tutorials are tailored according to training needs. Attendance is recommended at tutorials unless work activities need to be prioritised by the Partner Organisation. Layers of scaffolded support are provided to students during the Practicum from Supervisors, the Practicum Coordinator and Academic Advisers, standard UL support services and peer support through Communities of Practice. The Practicum is a Pass/Fail Module and this decision is made by the Practicum Coordinator in collaboration with the Practicum Supervisor. Assessment is based on workplace performance, module participation (e.g. tutorial attendance, discussion forums, Community of Practice etc) and evaluation of the e-Portfolio (which may include; competency self-evaluations, meeting reports, training certificates, assignments and deliverables). If a Practicum repeat is required, the student will need to complete a new placement the following academic year. Graduate Attributes Agile: Self-directed and adaptable with the ability to think critically and problem-solve real-world Public Health challenges Articulate: Effective written, verbal and digital communication skills in Public Health Courageous: Ethical conduct and integrity in the workplace, respectful advocacy in Public Health Curious: Driven to learn and discover, creative and innovative in finding Public Health solutions Responsible: Self-awareness and reflective practice, conscious of sustainability and social responsibility in Public Health