Master of Research in Public Health

SUMMARY

Level
Masters(MNQF Level 9)
Duration
2 years(4 Semesters)
Modes
Available Modes (Full-Time)
Course Fee
Course FeeMVR 42,480

current Intake

current Intake
February Intake 2026
Campus
Male' (Full-Time (Blended))

Overview

The Master of Research in Public Health program is designed to equip future public health leaders in the Maldives with advanced research skills to address the nation's evolving health challenges. Building on the Maldives’ strong legacy of primary health care and public health successes, the program responds to the epidemiological shift toward non-communicable diseases by developing professionals who can lead data-driven, evidence-informed solutions. Delivered through a flexible blended-learning model, the course empowers students to conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research that supports innovation, system strengthening, and sustainable health outcomes in a population-based context.

Entry Requirements

General Entry

  • i) A related Bachelor's Degree OR a realted Graduate Diploma at level 8 AND
  • ii) Must have 2 years of experience in health - related field.

Alternative Entry

  • i) 25 years old, completion of a Level 5 qualification and 7 years of relevant experience (of which 3.5 years of experience is obtained after completion of a Level 5 qualification), and completion of an MQA approved Pre - Master's Program OR
  • ii) 25 years old, completion of a Level 6 qualification and 6 years of relevant experience (of which 3 years of experience is obtained after completion of a Level 6 qualification), and completion of an MQA approved Pre - Master's Program.

Language Requirements

  • i)If the undergraduate qualification was not studied in English Medium a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS is required.

General Notes

  • Entry requirements are indicative. Depending on the sequence and the number of applications received, all qualifying students may not gain entry.
  • Circumstances may require the University to defer or cancel some courses, especially when the minimum class size (10 for certificate & diploma courses, 15 for Degrees courses) is not achieved.
  • Passes at GCE OL/SSC and HSC is considered to be grades "C" or above and passes at GCE AL is considered to be the grades "E" or above.

Structure

Semester 1

Name Credit Points Fee (MVR)
PUB515
Foundations of Public Health (CORE)
2,655
PUB517
Epidemiology (CORE)
2,655
PUB519
Biostatistics (CORE)
2,655
RES501
Research Methods (CORE)
2,655
Semester Total 60
10,620

Semester 2

Name Credit Points Fee (MVR)
PUB521
Health Promotion (CORE)
2,655
PUB523
Public Health Leadership and Management (CORE)
2,655
PUB605
Non-communicable Disease Control (CORE)
2,655
Elective (CORE)
2,655
Semester Total 60
10,620

Semester 3

Name Credit Points Fee (MVR)
RES601
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (CORE)
3,540
RES603
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (CORE)
3,540
RES605
Data Analysis (CORE)
3,540
Semester Total 60
10,620

Semester 4

Name Credit Points Fee (MVR)
PUB623
Public Health Research (Thesis) (CORE)
10,620
Semester Total 60
10,620

Elective

Name Credit Points Fee (MVR)
PUB601
Health Economics (ELECTIVE)
2,655
PUB603
Primary Health Care (ELECTIVE)
2,655
PUB609
Communicable Disease Control (ELECTIVE)
2,655
PUB611
Public Health Nutrition (ELECTIVE)
2,655
PUB613
Contemporary Issues in Public Health (ELECTIVE)
2,655
Course Total 224 CP
Total: 42,480

Fees stated above are tuition fees for local students. Fees for international students is twice the stated fees. All fees are quoted in MVR.

While every reasonable effort has been exerted to ensure the accuracy of the fees published by the Maldives National University, it is important to note that the University reserves the prerogative to modify fees without prior notification, whether prompted by altered circumstances or otherwise. Applicants are hereby alerted to the fact that the outlined plans for various courses (including but not limited to lecturers and terms) as disclosed in the University's publications are indicative of intent. Such representations shall not be construed as constituting a binding offer or covenant for which the University assumes liability. Should you desire to pursue a specific subject as an elective, it is incumbent upon you to verify its availability in the respective term. In the event of any verbal communication from a University representative conflicting with a document officially published by the University, the latter shall be deemed authoritative.

Careers

Graduates of the Master of Research in Public Health are well-positioned for advanced roles across the Maldivian health sector. The program prepares professionals to lead research, shape policy, and strengthen public health systems. Possible career pathways include Public Health Researcher, Epidemiologist or Data Analyst, Health Policy Analyst or Advisor, Program Coordinator, Academic or Lecturer in universities and health training institutes, Program Officer or Consultant in international organizations and for NGOs, and donor-funded health projects, etc. With experience, graduates can progress into senior leadership roles such as Directors of Public Health, Heads of Research, or Technical Experts for international organizations.