Pathways to the Public Health Workplace

The Pathways to the Public Health Workplace module (MD90A), was launched at the University of Warwick (UoW) as an elective module of the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme this academic year. It is proposed that this is used as a proof of concept and a similar unit is developed for the MPH at Monash University. It is envisaged that the two courses share resources in terms of workshop material, work placement opportunities and that an element of peer support between students at the two Universities will be incorporated.

The innovative ‘Pathways’ module at Warwick offers students the opportunity of competitive virtual placements, for 1 day per week for a 12-week period, with organisations with a health and well-being role. Students are required to complete an organisation-directed project, which provides academic credit and enhances their employability. This novel work-integrated internship model aims to complement existing subject specific public health knowledge and skills with an opportunity to undertake a real-world project in a public health setting. Examples of placements piloted by UoW for this year the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development in Uganda and the local government in the UK. This project would facilitate similar partnerships to be developed in Australia.