Master of Public Health (MPH) Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to train public health specialists who can understand current and emerging health issues and provide leadership in health education, services, and research. It aims to equip health professionals from different backgrounds with the skills needed to advance primary health care (PHC) goals. Graduates of this program are expected to become leaders who are well-rounded generalists with skills in prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation, and health management.

The program also focuses on preparing public health experts who can analyze public health challenges in the country, efficiently plan and manage health services, provide expert advice, and carry out research in social, demographic, clinical, and biomedical areas.

Objectives of the MPH Program

• Prepare specialists who understand public health problems, both current and emerging.

• Plan and manage programs that address these problems effectively.

• Strengthen PHC activities at all levels.

• Provide leadership in health education, services, and research.

Specific Skills Gained

After completing the program, graduates will be able to:

• Promote public awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles through health promotion and disease prevention programs.

• Manage health services, especially as public health managers in rural and urban settings.

• Lead in various health-related fields.

• Coordinate health efforts within and across sectors.

• Initiate community health development programs.

• Develop competent health workers at district, zonal, regional, national levels, and universities.

• Identify and train health workers and volunteers.

• Serve effectively as community health and PHC practitioners with a balance of academic knowledge and practical skills.

• Monitor, supervise, and evaluate health promotion, disease prevention, health care, and rehabilitation programs.

• Conduct epidemiological, clinical, biomedical, social, behavioral, educational, and operational research.

• Act as experts, advisors, or counselors in health services, education, and research.

• Plan and manage health-related aspects of natural and man-made disasters.

• Pursue further advanced studies.

Program Duration

The MPH course lasts for one academic year.

Course Schedule

The program starts from the 2nd of Baishakh (mid-April) each year, and the final exams take place in Chaitra (mid-March).

Student Evaluation

Students will be assessed continuously through modular assessments during the course, accounting for 20% of their grade. They must also take a comprehensive final exam covering nine compulsory theory papers (Paper I to IX), each worth 100 marks. To pass, students need at least 50% in each theory subject and 60% for their dissertation.

A minimum of 90% attendance is required in each semester to be eligible to sit for exams.

The thesis evaluation includes:

• 20% based on preparation, methodology, development, implementation, and data analysis.

• 30% from expert evaluation of the thesis presentation.

• 50% from oral defense (viva voce).

Theory exams include long and short essays, multiple-choice questions, practical, and oral components. Practical and oral exams are marked by separate examiners, and the average score is taken.

Re-examination Policy

Students must pass all theory papers and complete their dissertation under supervision, following the format set by Tribhuvan University. They must also defend their research successfully to earn the MPH degree. Students who fail must retake the exams with the next batch.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should hold one of the following degrees from recognized institutions:

• MBBS, BDS, BPH, BN/BNS/BSc Nursing, B.Sc MLT/BMLT, BAMS, B.Pharmacy, B.Optometry, B.V.Sc, BASLP, or equivalent.

They must be registered with the appropriate professional council in Nepal, such as:

• Nepal Medical Council,

• Nepal Nursing Council,

• Nepal Health Professional Council,

• Nepal Pharmacy Council,

• Nepal Ayurveda Council, or

• Nepal Veterinary Council.

Candidates must score at least 50% in the Medical Education Commission’s entrance exam to qualify for the merit list.

Entrance Exam Format

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with a single best answer.

• Four options per question (A, B, C, D).

• 200 questions total.

• Distribution: Recall (30%), Understanding (50%), Application (20%).

• Duration: 3 hours (including one optional toilet break).

Exam Subject Weightage

Admission Process

• All Nepali and foreign applicants must take a common entrance exam.

• Separate merit lists are published for Nepali and foreign candidates.

• Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% marks to qualify.

• Admission is granted based on merit through open counseling where applicable.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH curriculum consists of 10 papers, each carrying 100 marks:

• Papers I to IV are taught in the first semester (3 months).

• Papers V to VII are taught in the second semester (3 months).

• Paper IX covers Health Systems Management.

• Paper X is the dissertation.

Research proposal development starts in the second semester, with data collection, analysis, and report writing carried out in the third and fourth semesters.

Teaching and learning activities include lectures, seminars, presentations, proposal development, field research, data analysis, and report writing.

Course Modules

• Paper I: Epidemiology

• Paper II: Biostatistics and Computer Applications

• Paper III: Environmental Health and Disease Control

• Paper IV: Medical Sociology, Anthropology, and Population Studies

• Paper V: Family Health

• Paper VI: Health Promotion and Health Education

• Paper VII: International Health and Primary Health Care

• Paper VIII: Research Methods in Health Sciences

• Paper IX: Health Systems Management

• Paper X: Dissertation