Fundamentals of Public Health
€1,000
Gain a practical understanding of public health principles, health systems, disease prevention and health promotion to support evidence-based leadership and action on population health challenges.
Micro-credential
6 weeks
Online - Part-time
5 ECTS
December 2026
About
The School of Population Health's Fundamentals of Public Health micro-credential explores the science and practice of public health in contemporary society.
Learners will examine how health is shaped by social, environmental and commercial determinants, and how evidence informs public health policy and decision-making. The module covers global health, disease prevention, health promotion, health protection and the role of health systems in improving health outcomes.
Participants will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand population health challenges, reduce health inequalities and contribute to evidence-based public health leadership.
This 5 ECTS micro-credential is delivered online and can be stacked with other modules within the MSc in Population Health Leadership pathway, and is aligned to Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
This module supports RCSI's strategy 'Innovating for a Healthier Future' through the development of public health leadership capability and evidence-based practice. It is delivered alongside students enrolled on the MSc in Population Health Leadership and provides a fully stackable learning pathway.
Understand social determinants of health
Evaluate disease prevention strategies
Apply health promotion frameworks
Critique health systems and policies
Use evidence in public health decision-making
Address health inequalities through leadership
Suitable for
Health professionals, policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, managers and professionals seeking to develop expertise in public health practice, policy and population health improvement.
What you will learn
Explore public health principles, health determinants, health systems, prevention, promotion and protection.
Faculty highlight
Biography
Dr Eithne Sexton
Dr Sexton is lead for the Fundamentals of Public Health micro-credential and member of the School of Population Health. She works with the Public Health and Epidemiology team to develop evidence-based public health leadership education.
Find out more
Register your interest
For further information, please contact the School of Population Health by emailing EithneSexton@rcsi.com.
Course information
Sustainable Development Goal alignment:
- SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing
- SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13 Climate Action
- SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
On successful completion, learners will be able to:
- Explain the social determinants of health and how they can be effectively addressed to improve population health
- Evaluate the role of disease prevention, control and health promotion in public health practice
- Critique the role of health systems in improving health outcomes for the populations they serve
- Apply evidence-based policy and the principles of health protection to public health practice.
This micro-credential is Module 3 of the MSc in Population Health Leadership. It may be stacked with other Population Health Leadership micro-credentials towards a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Population Health Leadership.
Topics include:
- Public health at a global level
- Social determinants of health
- Disease prevention and health promotion
- Health systems and improving health outcomes
- Evidence-based policy and population health
- Health protection and disaster management.
Duration: December 2026 – January 2027.
Learning activities include:
- 20 hours' synchronous learning
- 10 hours' asynchronous learning
- 60 hours' independent study
- 35 hours' assignment preparation.
- Ongoing learning activities (20%)
- Written assignment (80%)
- Submission requirements as outlined in the assignment descriptor.
This module offers 5 ECTS credits at NFQ Level 9.
Admissions
Applicants should hold a primary degree or equivalent qualification. Standard RCSI postgraduate English language requirements apply.
If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.
Learning occurs in many contexts including work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such – rather, it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.
RPL may be used to gain:
- Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.
- Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.
You must meet the English language requirements (unless exempt): IELTS score of 6.5, Duolingo 115-120, or equivalent score on another standardised test. Please see below for list of exemptions.
Exemptions may apply for:
- If you have completed your school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) through English in a country where English is the majority native language
- If you have completed their school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) in an English speaking institution in a country where English is not the majority native language and where an IELTS score of 5 or more was a requirement for admissions to the programme
- If you have been working in a country (three years or more) where English is the majority native language or for an employer where English language is the official language
- Graduates of an RCSI Undergraduate, Master's or Professional Diploma programme in Dublin and Bahrain.
Please note: Certified proof must be uploaded as part of your application.
Total programme fee: €1,000.
How to apply
Applications for this programme will open shortly.