Category: Uncategorized

I am immensely grateful to Public Health International for providing me with the funding to pursue a Master of Science degree at the University of Salford. This scholarship reduced my financial pressures tremendously and allowed me to dedicate myself to excelling in my academics and research.  The scholarship gave me access to world-class faculty, research opportunities, and a rigorous public health curriculum at Salford. I gained extensive knowledge and skills in data analysis, epidemiology, health policy, leadership, and cultural competency. All of these have equipped me to drive meaningful improvements in public health practice post-graduation. Specifically, I honed my abilities to conduct statistical analysis which will help translate data into informed policies and interventions. I also refined my leadership abilities to manage collaborative public health programs. The cultural sensitivity and global outlook I developed will help me liaise and effect change in diverse communities. Most importantly, this scholarship reinforced my commitment to health equity. The emphasis on ethics and social justice in the program’s curriculum ensured I approach public health challenges through an inclusive, compassionate lens. I will continually apply this human-centered perspective to my work. Let me also apologise and acknowledge that in my excitement and focus on completing my dissertation, I failed to properly thank you in the acknowledgments section. That was an oversight on my part, and I sincerely regret not expressing my appreciation and gratitude for your support. I hope you will accept my apologies for this omission, along with the deepest thanks in this letter. 

Beyond expanding my expertise and perspectives, this scholarship also created a strong community that supported my learning and growth. The scholars came from diverse cultures and backgrounds, bringing a richness of experiences to share and learn from one another. I forged strong friendships through group projects, study sessions, and informal social gatherings with my fellow scholars. We bonded over our shared passion for public health despite our differing approaches and contexts. These relationships provided invaluable emotional support during the stresses of graduate school. My peers also connected me to professional opportunities. One introduced me to a health clinic where I could volunteer on weekends. This allowed me to gain practical experience conducting health screenings and patient education. Others invited me to collaborate on their research and papers, which strengthened my academic abilities. These meaningful connections truly enriched my graduate experience. I learned so much from my talented, socially conscious peers who constantly challenged me to grow. Our mutual understanding, encouragement, and collaboration motivated me to maximise this opportunity. 

However, one of the highlights of my MSc program was when our class took an excursion to the rural village of Eyam as part of the Training Exercise. Walking around the historic plague village with lecturers brought the sobering story to life in a profound way. Seeing the boundary stones marking the quarantine perimeter where residents sacrificed themselves to contain the 1665 plague outbreak was incredibly moving. Discussing plague containment strategies used in the 1600s versus today with lecturers throughout the excursion provided valuable perspectives. The passion and knowledge they brought made the excursion engaging and meaningful. This trip reinforced lessons from the simulation while expanding our understanding of past public health practices. Getting to explore Eyam’s story in situ rather than a classroom, facilitated by lecturers as guides, created a powerful learning experience. The excursion brought home the reality of putting public health principles into action in ways a textbook could not capture. Under our lecturers’ leadership, this immersive learning opportunity made history come alive while deepening perspectives on managing health crises. Additionally, this scholarship allowed me to forge invaluable connections. I met public health leaders working in various contexts worldwide. Interacting with them reinforced my passion. Getting their advice and mentorship also prepared me for future collaborations to improve health outcomes globally. An example of such leaders met was during our pre-reading session with Professor Rajan Madhok on 29/11/2022. The session was a memorable one that will remain indelible. These networks believe in opening doors professionally. By supporting my master’s education, this scholarship empowered my career aspirations tremendously. I am now qualified for public health roles focused on analysing trends, developing solutions, and leading impactful programs worldwide. It was a catalyst for my dreams. 

All the above achievements were the result of dedicated tutors. The lecturers I had the privilege to learn from during my MSc program truly enriched my graduate studies experience. Their extensive knowledge and passion for the subject matter brought the course content to life. Beyond academics, they also provided invaluable mentorship that stimulated my intellectual growth. I especially appreciated how approachable they made themselves, their welcoming questions, and their discussions during office hours or after class. Their guidance helped me hone critical thinking and research skills that became the foundation of my dissertation. The diversity of their backgrounds and perspectives exposed me to new ways of framing complex public health issues. Thank you, Dr Alexandra Clarke-Cornwell, for your dedication despite battling illness during my dissertation, she provided unwavering support and guidance throughout the entire process. Her extensive knowledge and passion for the subject matter enriched my graduate studies experience immensely. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for her perseverance and commitment to my growth as a researcher, even during difficult personal circumstances. Her insights and feedback propelled my dissertation to a higher level. Likewise, Dr. Anna Cooper-Ryan’s welcoming nature and approachability enabled me to frequently visit her office, sometimes even without an appointment. During these impromptu sessions, she patiently clarified concepts I struggled with and offered mentorship that stimulated my intellectual growth. Her diversity of perspectives exposed me to new ways of framing complex public health issues that became invaluable for my research. I am tremendously appreciative to have learned from such devoted lecturers and mentors who truly want students to thrive. I must also acknowledge Dr Joshua Pink for his instrumental help during my dissertation research and ethics approval stages. Joshua spent many hours guiding me through the complex ethics review process, ensuring I submitted a comprehensive ethics application that met all institutional requirements. I also want to extend my appreciation to Robyn McCarthy for her invaluable assistance in distributing my dissertation questionnaire on Twitter.  As a seasoned user of the platform, Robyn understood exactly how to effectively leverage Twitter to reach a broad, relevant audience for my research study and I was able to craft compelling tweets that resulted in a high rate of participation. Above all, let me sincerely take a moment to thank my supervisor (Dr. Anna Clark) for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided during my dissertation, I truly appreciate all that you have done. Working with you has been one of the highlights of my career so far. Thanks again for being a fantastic supervisor. Your guidance has shaped me into the professional I am today. I look forward to continuing working together in the years ahead. My graduate studies were enhanced by these instructors, as well as others whose names are withheld. Their constructive feedback on assignments pushed me to continuously improve the quality of my work (I cannot forget the feedback on my first assignment). Most importantly, their unwavering encouragement gave me confidence in my own abilities as an emerging public health professional. I will carry the lessons from these dedicated lecturers long after completing my postgraduate degree. Their commitment to students like myself demonstrates the immense difference that devoted educators can make in shaping the next generation. 

As I embark on my career, I am filled with a sense of purpose and self-belief – something this scholarship nurtured in me. It not only provided financial support but also helped me realise my potential to drive change. I am ready to challenge inequities and champion healthy, thriving communities locally and worldwide. Once again, thank you Public Health International for being a catalyst on this journey. I hope I have made you proud thus far and will continue to do so as I progress in this meaningful career path. I advise all prospective and aspiring students from diverse disciplines to apply to the public health profession at Salford University and make use of the Public Health International Scholarship. This will equip you with the expertise and connections to create your desired impact globally. You have boundless potential to unlock. In closing, I am incredibly thankful to have been part of the Public Health International Scholar community. It has shaped me both professionally and personally into a leader ready to improve health outcomes worldwide. The lessons, competencies, perspectives, and connections gained will stay with me throughout my career. I cannot wait to pay forward the same empowering support as an alumnus. 

KABIRU ADEWALE AJIBOLA 

By Lydia Kofoworola (MSc Public Health Student)

The 75th anniversary of the NHS was celebrated throughout the United Kingdom, and Salford was no exception. The school of Health and Society celebrations began with a brief introductory speech followed by a fascinating journey through the timeline of the NHS’s evolution, from the pre-1900s to the 1900s, the millennium, and projections for the future.

At lunchtime, the five winners of the NHS stories were announced then guests could enjoy very British refreshments of tea and ice cream. At around 1:15 pm, we heard from several NHS staff members. They expressed their pride and privilege in being part of the NHS, discussed how the NHS has evolved over the years, and highlighted the vast employment opportunities it has provided.

The most memorable part of the celebration was the personal stories of how the NHS has impacted individual lives. A variety of adjectives were used to describe personal experiences with this healthcare system. It was heartening to hear that most of these experiences were positive. Among the many words used to describe the NHS were “sensitive,” “respectful,” “dignified communication,” “supportive,” “touching,” “caring,” “tireless,” “support groups,” “love,” “care,” “compassion,” “commitment,” “dedication,” “effortlessly,” “sincerity,” “advice,” “lifeline,” “invaluable support,” “unwavering dedication,” “tireless effort,” “exceptional care,” “gentle touch,” “comforting words,” “kindness,” and “outstanding care.” The NHS has successfully fulfilled its mission statement of providing care and services that individuals and their families would want to use.

Not only do people rely of the services of the NHS, but they also aspire to be part of the team that passionately and compassionately improves the health and lives of citizens. This aspiration is evident in the stories of individuals who gained self-awareness and confidence about their future through their encounters with the NHS.

In a nutshell, the NHS is not just about systems and equipment; it’s about people. It’s about the nurses, doctors, therapists, care and support workers, pharmacists, administrators, and many others who work tirelessly every day to improve, empower, transform, and save lives. They are the ones who have shaped the NHS into what it is today, and any celebration would be incomplete without acknowledging their tremendous contributions to the health of the nation.

Here’s to 75 remarkable years and many more to come!

In today’s interconnected world, global health challenges of the 21^st century require collaborative efforts from diverse teams this was no different for our group as we set out to identify and address a pressing health concern by harnessing our collective strengths and resources. Grab your explorer’s hat and buckle up, as we take you on a wild ride through the exhilarating world of global health challenges! Our team of daring adventurers set out on a mission to tackle a formidable health foe, armed only with our wits, resourcefulness, and a healthy dose of humour. Read on to discover how our fantastic group turned the complex issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) into an engaging, memorable presentation.

The intellectual quest began as each team member searched the far reaches of the internet to unearth potential global health challenges of the 21^st century. We tossed our findings into a dedicated WhatsApp group, igniting enthusiastic discussions and sparking friendly rivalries. In the end, we held a vote to decide the most fearsome health enemy worth fighting, and AMR emerged as the victor, but our journey had just begun.

 It was time to assemble our research army, with our target locked; we devised a battle. The topic was divided into sections to ensure the marking criteria were addressed with each member enlisted in a research squadron, ready to charge into their designated battleground. After braving the frontlines of research, we regrouped and assembled our treasure trove of information into a single Word document. Our band of intrepid explorers scrutinized the document, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to refine our presentation’s narrative arc. We had just figured out the great puzzle.

Throughout the journey, our motley crew held biweekly meetings to exchange ideas, stories, and hearty laughter. When distance threatened to separate us, we relied on trusty Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp to bridge the gap, ensuring we never lost sight of our shared goal because staying connected was necessary for the victory ahead. You can call us the Chatty Adventurers’ Club.

Every great adventure story has a wise mentor, and ours was no exception. We crossed paths with Cathy and Anna, who bestowed upon us valuable insights and enchanted tips for creating a captivating presentation. Their pearls of wisdom and practical guidance illuminated their path, paving the way for our next crucial task – transforming raw data into a captivating slideshow. We left the encounter wiser and more prepared for the challenges ahead. Pro-tip, always listen to the Sage’s advice.

Under the soft glow of the Beehive room, we huddled around our laptops, weaving together a tapestry of PowerPoint slides as we pooled our talents to transform our data into a visual extravaganza, a masterpiece. This was an experience we will not be forgetting soon as we stayed at the beehive till 9 pm with our tired eyes, and weary feet but determined mind, a fun and enlightening adventure.

The PowerPoint slides were divided into five thrilling acts, with the final speaker taking the spotlight to reveal our climactic recommendations – a crucial element of our presentation’s grand finale. We were opportune to get expert advice from Fatma, the language advisor.

As the curtain rose on our performance, we practised our roles individually and as an ensemble, using Microsoft Teams, in-person sessions, and even summoning the aid of the library team. Our combined efforts honed our presentation to perfection, ensuring that each member was ready to dazzle the audience- the final showdown. The hard work and commitment paid off as we passed the presentation with flying colours.

So, dear readers, our thrilling tale of camaraderie, humour, and triumph ends. Our team’s heroic efforts produced an awe-inspiring, entertaining presentation on the formidable issue of AMR – proving that even the most daunting global health challenges can be conquered when we work together with a smile on our faces. Stay safe, take care and away from antibiotic abuse.

Our journey would not have been the same without the unique contributions of each team member.

MEET THE EXPLORERS:

Becky, our research wizard, ventured into the vast ocean of knowledge, always returning with precious pearls of information. Her sense of humour was our anchor, defusing all tension.

 Dami, our organizational guru, provided structure to our chaos. Her creative ideas were like sparks, igniting trails of innovation and inspiring us to think outside the box.

Festus brought versatility and intuitiveness to the table. He would adapt to any situation, intuitively filling in gaps. Like a Swiss army knife, ready to tackle any challenge that came our way.

Florence, our presentation maestro, with skills so impeccable they left us in awe every time. Her warm spirit was infectious, spreading positivity like a gentle breeze on a summer day. Honeybelle, our group’s generous heart and mind. Her intelligence permeated our work, while her generous sharing of snacks kept us fuelled and energized during long meetings. Altogether, we were more than just a group; we were a well-oiled machine, a unique blend of skills and personalities, and a perfect team.

Finally, adding to our vibrant mix, we had Dayo – an unofficial member of the presentation team, yet very much part of the collective process. His quips and antics had us rolling with laughter, providing the perfect icebreaker during intense sessions and not to forget our little research assistant-Nathan.

Compiled by:  Becky, Dami, Festus, Florence and Honeybelle.

Postgraduate studies can be very stressful and challenging with a lot of, academic demands from group presentation, to essay writing and research work; social demands of meeting and relating with new people such as students, tutors, and advisors; financial demands; and psychological demands such as transitioning from being dependent academically to being independent. These challenges can be heightened if you have a young child to look after. Therefore, any opportunity that makes life easy is appreciated. 

In my home country, it is quite easy to find someone to look after your child. Your relative, mum, dad, or sibling would be happy to do that. If that’s not an option, employing a nanny is pretty cheap and affordable and nurseries aren’t expensive, depending on your budget. However, here in the UK, everyone is working, both night and day, and so even if you have relatives here, which I don’t, their schedules might not be flexible, and getting a childminder or putting your child in a nursery is indeed an investment. Therefore, having a facility that helps parents and their children is a need indeed. A facility that helps the parent to study as well as keeps the child busy, creating a kind of passive bonding and helping the parent save some money. This is more than a gift. A study room in the library provided for parents and children at my university, the University of Salford. I termed it ‘’Parenting and Studying made easy using the library.’’ 

My child is a very active 3 years old girl. She likes to sing, play with toy cars- especially fire trucks like she sees in paw patrol- explore, climb, scribble, be read to, give hugs, and like most other children, she also likes to watch a lot of children shows, both for education and pleasure. Therefore, it’s easy to keep her busy under supervision. But then she gets bored with one activity after a while, and this can be frustrating. Also, she would choose to go out than stay indoors so taking a stroll is always an option. However, when I think of places to take her back in my home country, the library never crosses my mind because I really can’t remember if children her age had access to the library or even had sections dedicated for their age in the library. Hence it was fascinating to see that libraries in this part of the world have sections dedicated to children with activities to encourage the use of the library by these young ones and their parents. I and my husband took advantage of this facility and have been taking our girl to the library on Mondays for the book club. She even has a library card that she picked out herself to borrow books from the library. How interesting! Therefore, when I told her we were going to my uni library on this day, she had an idea of what I meant.

The parent study room, room 9, is on the first floor of the Clifford Whitworth library at the peel park campus of the university. It is well equipped with a system, swivel and conference chairs, a circular conference table, a projector facility, crayons, colouring books, puzzles for different ages, and storybooks. Also, it is well-lit and warm. The first thing that fascinated my child was the truck which she spent a good number of minutes playing with, she had a session of coloring, and then she settled in on watching educative and singing shows like jolly phonics, alpha blocks, and nursery rhymes. The watching period was my study time because then I knew she was comfortable. Even though I had to look at her every so often to make sure she was doing ok, give her a snack when it was snack time, and supervise her for lunch

For me, this facility was needed because my daughter was not yet in a nursery and we had not gotten a house of our own. Therefore having to study at home came with some distractions such as house chores and noise. However, I had fewer of these distractions in the library and could better manage my time. The facilities in the room helped reduce my child as a form of distraction to the nearest minimum and I was able to achieve something meaningful in the short period I spent there.
Finally, I would like to say a thank you to the university administration for their thoughtfulness for the parent-child cohort in the university.

By Damilola Mustafa

I start with the phrase ‘Like Lagos, Like Salford’, but in the real sense of every word, these two cities are two worlds apart. I will give you insight into what I mean.

I started my MSc in Public Health in September at the University of Salford. It has been a worthwhile journey coming to such a different place. I am Nigerian and I grew up in Lagos, a busy city in Nigeria. Lagos is a mega city with the hustle and bustle spirit bubbling through everyone you see. A fast-paced setting where you either go hard or go home, a city whose mantra is ‘No sleeping on a bicycle in Lagos’. The yellow and black buses are a trademark sight, it is this and the noise that makes the city come alive as people are up and running for their daily activities. I miss the communal spirit in my home city, where your business seems like everyone’s concern. The street meals are the best. It is not uncommon to drive around Lagos and smell the aroma of street food, from our national delicacy-Jollof rice to the roadside snacks of roasted corn and coconut, having a feel of home while on the street is a wonderful sight to behold. The rhythm of the city is made up of the honks from impatient drivers, the noise from agitated bus passengers and the loud music blasting from the roadside vendors trying to make some money for the day. In all Lagos is home to many and owned by none. While Lagos is a must-see, the traffic is so tiring as everyone is in a hurry to get to nowhere.

Unlike my home city Lagos, Salford, is a serene environment. There is no litter hanging around with lush green spaces and ancient buildings that hold a lot of history behind their walls. Everyone is polite with a smile on their face, signposts everywhere you turn diminishing the anxiety that comes with being in a new environment. The transport system is efficient and remarkable, and everyone obeys the traffic stops. However, it can feel lonely here as everyone seems to mind their business, this is the opposite of the communal life I am used to in Lagos. Thus, it is very important that international student’s network and make friends, as no man is an island. I soon discovered that Salford residents were incredibly kind, both in and out of the institution, making new friends from all parts of the country, learning new skills with each lecture, and having lecturers and personal tutors who care and understand the students is the gift that keeps on giving. Furthermore, getting to know the history of the city through the art in the Salford Museum was an interesting experience for me. 

I was very worried about being bored and becoming isolated in a new city. I know it is not uncommon for international students to worry about the social aspects of school, but the academic aspects were equally getting to me. I remember thinking to myself, everyone in class seems more advanced than I am. I studied Biochemistry for my bachelor’s and moving into public health after a few years of studying seemed like I was barking up the wrong tree. A few weeks into lectures, I got a better understanding that I had a lot to contribute and that is why I am here, this understanding boosted my morale, and changed my outlook and approach to my course. Assessments are given at a good time, so you don’t miss out on the extra-curricular activities, we are also encouraged to get involved in the student union and other activities such as the international café where other international students come to socialise.

The best part of 2022 for me was being accepted into the master’s programme in public health here at The University of Salford, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me in 2023.

By Umm E Arbab

Hello everyone! My Name is Umm E Arbab, and I am currently studying MSc public health and I came from Pakistan. The main reason I took the important decision to study at the University of Salford was to explore studying internationally and to become a qualified professional, who can really make a difference to people’s lives. When I arrived here I was honestly blown away by it. Coming to Salford was my big dream. I was scared because moving to new place is a daunting task and starting a new career is an exciting challenge. Being away from home can be difficult for international students. However, a good environment can help the student adjust to this new chapter of life. 

On my first day, I was nervous, but on campus I was greeted by friendly student host staff who guided me and taught me about the campus. I was pleased by the welcome week and all the events related to it like the campus tour, live music and games, where I met plenty of people and enjoyed free fairground rides, popcorn, and more. On the induction day, I met my tutors, all of whom are friendly and helpful, and who are always willing to assist us and answer our questions in person and via email. I was impressed to see wide diversity of students from other countries. Fortunately, I have found have some wonderful friends to chat with.

One of the first things I noticed after few weeks in the university that we are given a support from teachers and have an assigned personal tutor for every student. If you are confused or depressed about a particular assignment or exam, don’t be afraid to seek assistance. They are always ready to help us. Sharing my experience, my university organised a career fair event where we could meet different employers for better job opportunities. There is so much to get involved in. The School of Health and Society organise a free field trip to Eyam Village in Derbyshire (see previous post). We had a very informative walking tour of the village, which is delightful in its own right. Moreover, during Academic writing skill section, my tutor allows us to discuss the topic with all other classmates and with them, obviously in a mutually respectful way. I think this is great as it teaches us how to use these skills to write assignments. Even the way learning is assessed is very varied and practical.

One of the things I find most interesting is the university’s faith centre, which provides spiritual support to students regardless of their beliefs. It is a great opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. For me, stepping out of my own country and culture I was like a fish out of water. However, thanks to the public health department team, all my tutors, and the university’s friendly environment, I now feel less homesick. During these past two months I have learned much about life, writing skills, new languages and opportunities.

I was nervous about getting around Manchester because I had never used public transportation before moving to the UK. But Salford crescent Station is located right between Peel Park and Fredrick Road campuses and I can easily take the bus home.

To round off this blog, I would like to tell you that coming to Salford is my best decision; it feels more like home now for me. The “ASK US” department is the best place to ask any questions regarding your personal or accommodation needs. So, folks, do not worry; every international student has anxiety and depression at first, but keeping yourself motivated is key to success.

Thank you for reading.

By Kikelomo Folashade

Hidden in Hope Valley of Derbyshire is a town called Eyam Village also known as the ‘plague’ village. Once upon a time in the 16^th Century the village of Eyam was plagued by the Bubonic bacterium which caused the death of numerous members of households and even the separation of loved ones as in the case of two young lovers Emmott Sydall who originally lived in Eyam and her lover Roland Torre who was from Stony Middleton a neighboring village. This was also the case for the Vicar of Eyam: Reverend Williams Mompesson, who also served as the Rector of the Village at the time who had to tell His children to leave Eyam with their mother .The wife of the Vicar, Catherine Mompesson refused to leave and with the act of bravery chose to stay and help provide care for the plagued, she cared for the sick and plagued for a while before she also succumbed to the grips of this plague close to the end of the plague period and died. 

The Post graduate students of the Department of Public Health (2022) Visited this village of Eyam to understand the experience of the People of Eyam as well as the measures and processes they implored to survive and care for the plagued in a time when health care was not as developed as it is today, of which I was one of. 

Our first stop was at the Chatsworth house which is a palatial environment in contrast to the other part of Derbyshire, Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The Chatsworths were a rich family in Derbyshire that provided alms and food to the people of Eyam to prevent them from coming out of the village in search for food, The Chatsworth went as far as paying other towns and people around just so they could provide for the people of Eyam to prevent them coming out of the village. 

After leaving Chatsworth we then arrived at Eyam ‘the plagued village’.  

The bravery and heroic nature of the People of Eyam is commendable as their pro-active measures used in preventing and trying to curb the spread of the plague was effective. There were documented proofs of how some families like the Hancock family isolated themselves up in the Riley wood to prevent contracting the plague from the infected people which although did not happen because one of the younger children went out to play with an infected kid and brought the plague home to the parents and siblings. All the children died as well as the father, but the mother survived, and she buried them all and identified each with markings on stones as head stones in the place that is now known as the Riley graves. The mother was the only survivor of the family, she moved out of the village after the plague ended in search of a new beginning. 

Learning about this plague helped us to relate various parts of Evidence based Public health to some of the things we learned, such as the inequalities seen where the rich could isolate themselves easily like the Hancock family did, compared to families like the Thorpes where they all died in the Rose cottage where 9 of them including Thomas Thorpes’s parents who lived with them, the experience was also an insight to what Epidemiology will look like when we begin the course fully. 

We also saw in the Hadfield home where it all began, where the tailor’s assistant George Viccars who brought Flea infected clothing from London where the plague had already taken the lives of many people, everyone in the home of the Hadfield died except from the mother. At the Eyam museum we saw where it was recorded that these people who survived didn’t die not because they didn’t have the plague but because they had a mutated version of the plague which didn’t kill them, but back in the 16th centuries this was not known to the people they assumed it was because the women took to wearing face shields and drinking pork potions and the men took to smoking that prevented these ones from dying.

One thing for sure is that public health has always played an important role even before it was defined as “Public Health”. The People of Eyam were able to effectively curb the plague because they took adequate preventive measures such as quarantine, isolation, burying their dead in their gardens as opposed to carrying them to the church to bury which could have caused a spread in the plague, also they took to some sanitizing methods by using vinegar to wash their money to avoid spread of the plague, even though they didn’t know washing the coins with vinegar was actually them sanitizing the money.

The students were tasked with a game to make presentations on what they saw, learned and how it related to public health today.

All the groups did an amazing job at presenting what they learned through the trip with charts and some flip cards. Experiencing Eyam was also a great bonding experience for us students and to get to know some of our academic staff better.  

It was all together a fun experience; I would recommend Eyam as a place to add to your travel bucket list. 

Starting January 2021

We are delighted to offer a new Public Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship programme from January 2021. With public health now very much in the public eye, as a result of Covid-19, the new apprenticeship is both timely and a very exciting development. This three-year BSc (Hons) degree apprenticeship has been developed through consultation with Public Health England and employers in a range of public health-related fields. It is underpinned by the Public Health Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard https://bit.ly/2KApZiz. At the time the Apprenticeship Standard was being developed we are sure, no-one thought we would be gripped by a global pandemic just a few months after it was published! Against this background, we anticipate being the first UK University to offer the bespoke Public Health Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme. We are hugely excited to welcome our first Public Health apprentices to the University of Salford in January 2021 (first day of teaching 1^st February).  See our course prospectus for more information: https://bit.ly/3foO5s1

With such an imminent start date, we are of course keen to let as many people – employers and potential apprentices – know about this new opportunity as possible. We’re here to support employers in registering interested members of their teams on to our programme. Our apprenticeship team are a great source of support and ready and eager to guide those already working in public health related roles through the admissions process and onto the programme. They can be contacted at apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk and are very much the first point of contact.

In keeping with all apprenticeships, there are entry criteria. The entry criteria are:

• Two GCSEs at minimum grade C/ grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics. Level 2 equivalents such as functional or key skills can be accepted.
• UCAS 120 points
• European Baccalaureate Pass in diploma of at least 75%
• We also positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme.

How will the apprenticeship run?

Apprentices will spend one day a week (Mondays) on University study (equivalent to 20% off the job training) delivered either digitally or face to face, depending on the ongoing response to Covid-19 by ourselves. They will, over three years, gain a broad level of knowledge, and develop skills and behaviours, in line with the requirements of the Public Health Practitioner Apprenticeship standard. We are looking forward to sharing our expertise to build knowledge and skills across 15 bespoke modules including: Evidence Based Health Promotion; Public Health Intelligence; Designing, development and evaluating Health Improvement Programmes; Commissioning for Health; and, Policy and Strategy in Public Health.

This is a really innovative programme to support the future development of the UK public health workforce. Dr Margaret Coffey, Programme Leader for the programme said:

“We are truly delighted to be at the forefront in relation to offering the Public Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship. We see it as a critically important platform for developing the public health talent for the future. We are looking forward to developing strong, positive relationships with employers and line managers to help support the personalised development of each and every apprentice”.

At the end of the three-year degree apprenticeship programme, successful apprentices will be able to register as a Public Health Practitioner. If you’re interested in finding out different types of roles public health practitioners may have, see: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/public-health/roles-public-health/public-health-practitioner. With the breadth of roles that exist across public health, this degree apprenticeship provides an exciting new route for employers to support, develop and retain the future public health workforce.

For more information, see https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses/507

We welcome general enquiries about the programme. Please contact: m.coffey@salford.ac.uk

The University of Salford’s School of Health and Society is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).