MORLAI SESAY

The Master of Public Health (MPH) programme at Southern Medical University (SMU) in Guangzhou, China, is a two-year, full-time course offered in English and designed especially for international students. The degree requires a minimum of 43 credits, including coursework, social practice through internships or fieldwork, and scientific research that culminates in a dissertation.

The curriculum covers both core and elective subjects. Core courses include health statistics and SPSS application, epidemiology, tropical medicine, health care management, nutrition and food hygiene, health promotion and education, as well as occupational health and safety. Elective courses may extend into areas such as clinical medicine, toxicology, medical psychology, and health economics, giving students the flexibility to explore areas that align with their interests. Beyond classroom learning, students are required to engage in field studies and practical training, which provide essential real-world experience.

To qualify for admission, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport, typically under the age of 35, and must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Those from non-English speaking backgrounds are expected to demonstrate English proficiency, usually through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.

The tuition fee for the programme is around RMB 41,000 per year, amounting to approximately RMB 123,000 for the full duration, with additional costs for accommodation and living expenses in Guangzhou. The programme attracts a diverse body of international students, offering exposure to varied perspectives in global health. Its strengths lie in its English-medium instruction, balance of theory, practice, and research, as well as access to the vibrant health and research ecosystem of Guangzhou. However, prospective students should consider whether the curriculum aligns with their chosen specialization, ensure the degree’s recognition in their home country, and plan carefully for living costs and scholarships.

The BSc (Honours) in Public Health at Njala University is an undergraduate degree offered under the Department of Environmental Health Sciences / Public Health within the School of Community Health Sciences.

The programme prepares students to address public health challenges by training them in fields related to disease prevention, environmental health, health promotion, sanitation, epidemiology, and related sciences.

To gain admission into the programme, candidates need to have five credit passes in their WASSCE (or equivalent) including English Language. Among these, three must be core science subjects (Chemistry, Biology or Health Science, plus Mathematics or Physics), and these three science subjects must together achieve an aggregate score of 15 or better.

Those who already have a Higher Diploma in Public Health and meet departmental standards (including a good GPA) may be admitted directly into the second year of the degree.

The degree is structured over a four-year period (standard for undergraduate programmes) at Njala University. During this time students engage in coursework (both theoretical and applied) under the Environmental Health / Public Health department. Practical components might include fieldwork, internships, or community health activities, especially related to environmental sanitation, disease control, health education, and public health practice. (While Njala’s public documents show the departmental structure and entry requirements, detailed course lists are not fully publicly posted at this time.)

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Public Health programme are equipped to work in government health services, non-governmental organizations, environmental health departments, public health planning units, and community health implementation. They may also proceed to postgraduate studies in public health or related fields.