MPH in Mental and Behavioural Health
Key Facts
Overview
Mental and behavioural health issues constitute a spectrum of health challenges affecting all levels of the social strata. The COVID-19 pandemic has sensitized populations to diverse mental health issues potentially due to direct biological effects as well as major psychosocial and economic consequences of the pandemic.
Recognizing and addressing mental health issues at the primary health care level is a major need globally. Our MPH in Mental and Behavioral Health (MBH) specialization trains you to promote mental and behavioral health through an interdisciplinary and holistic health approach. The focus is to promote, secure and improve mental health of individuals, communities and populations using focussed, evidence based and tailored public health strategies.
The standard of care for mental illness is always provided by licensed clinicians trained in medicine and mental health. However, it is increasingly being recognized that a team of professionals with skills and knowledge about public health strategies for mental health creates a much conducive environment for better therapeutic outcomes and rehabilitation. In addition, a public health approach towards mental health practice benefits societies by way of better policies, general public awareness, removing taboos, and building a favorable environment for rehabilitation and productivity.
The MPH in Mental and Behavioural Health will help you acquire skills necessary for approaching mental and behavioral health prevention, promotion and research through focussed, holistic and culturally relevant strategies.
The program is comprised of 138 ECTS credits and can be completed in about 18 months. For a detailed list of courses taught in this program, please refer to the curriculum.
After completion of 42 credits, an interim qualification of Advanced Diploma in Public Health Management is awarded. This part of your studies only includes coursework. This is followed by the completion of additional 72 credits via coursework and 24 credits via dissertation under the guidance of a mentor.
Curriculum
Introduction To Public Health and Healthcare
This course introduces the principles, history, and practice of public health and healthcare. It covers preventive medicine, healthcare systems across developed, developing, and transition countries, and key global health challenges including disease control and health inequalities. Learners explore the role of public health in health promotion, disease prevention, and improving population health through lectures, case studies, videos, and supplementary resources.
Community Medicine
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of health, disease, and disease prevention, covering the natural history of diseases, levels of prevention, globalization and health, and the determinants and indicators of health. It also explores health assessment methods, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 and ICD-11), healthcare strategies, and evidence-based public health. Through lectures, presentations, videos, and supplementary reading materials, learners develop an understanding of public health challenges and strategies for improving population health and health equity.
Epidemiology
This course introduces the fundamentals of epidemiology, covering the concepts of disease occurrence, causation, epidemiological study designs, and statistical analysis. It also explores evidence-based medicine, disease patterns, and the application of epidemiological methods in public health research. Through lectures, presentations, videos, and supplementary reading materials, learners develop a foundational understanding of epidemiology and its role in disease prevention and population health.
Health Planning and Hospital Management
This course explores the principles of health planning, management, and hospital administration, covering managerial planning and forecasting, planning tools, staffing and selection processes, organizational structures, delegation, time management, and control techniques. It also examines hospital planning and design, linen and laundry services, hospital waste disposal, medical records, quality assurance, medical audits, marketing of health services, and evaluation of hospital services. Learners develop an understanding of effective healthcare management and strategies for improving hospital operations and service quality.
Health Economics
This course introduces the fundamental principles of health economics, covering economic concepts, health economics, demand and supply in healthcare, healthcare markets, and externalities. It explores the role of competition, regulation, and government intervention in healthcare, along with healthcare financing and affordability. Through lectures, presentations, and supplementary readings, learners develop an understanding of how economic principles influence healthcare resource allocation, service delivery, and decision-making.
Biostatistics
This course introduces the fundamental principles of biostatistics, covering data handling, data presentation, tests of significance, categorical data analysis, and non-parametric methods. It also explores statistical applications in clinical trials, sample size estimation, metabolomics, and public health research. Through lectures, presentations, and assignments, learners develop the skills to interpret data, apply statistical methods, and support evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and research.
Nutrition
This course explores the fundamental principles of nutrition, covering nutritional screening and assessment, nutritional counselling, micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT). It also examines nutrition in non-communicable and infectious diseases, food hygiene and safety, pregnancy and lactation, nutrition policies and programs, and food processing. Learners develop an understanding of the role of nutrition in disease prevention, health promotion, and improving health outcomes across different stages of life.
Specialization Courses:
Fundamentals of Mental Health for Public Health
Neuroscience
Hormonal & Immune System
Mental and Behavioral Health Epidemiology
Mental Health Prevention and Promotion
Psychological Interventions for Mental Health
Nutrition & Mental Health
Global Mental Health
Leadership for Mental Health
Dissertation
This program is conducted fully online in an asyncronous format.
Once you are enrolled you will be provided a username and password to login to our e-Campus. All the courses that you are supposed to study will be available in your account. You can log in and complete your courses at any time of your convenience. Study materials are provided in the form of lectures, reading materials, additional videos, research papers, and so on. The faculty can be contacted for any assistance when required. All tests and assignment submissions also take place via the e-Campus. For more information please refer to the online learning section of the website.