Hear from Megan who is currently studying MSc Global Public Health for tips to prepare for, and for during studying this course.  Megan has put together her unofficial reading list for anyone who is interested in this course.

Twitter

Create a professional twitter account and follow all of your tutors to see their interests and their involvements. You can follow health movements here too, one I followed was #TRIPSwaiver for ending vaccine inequalities in the pandemic. Having a separate twitter account for your academic and professional work enables you to filter everything and keep focused, it can also be added to your LinkedIn so employers can see your genuine interests. Some of my favourite accounts are:

• @uni_essexhealth – this is the school twitter account, they will tweet upcoming events and opportunities amongst other news!
• @EssexIPHW
• @Vjoffe – Professor and Dean of the School of Health & Social Care
• @AKapilashrami - Programme Lead for MSc Global Public Health
• @Prof_A_Bateman  - Professor at Essex
• @PHMglobal
• @WHO
• @SHOC_OBHC
• @NIHRinvolvement

 After we had guest speakers in our lectures that I found especially interesting, I liked to follow them on twitter to find more out about their work. It’s a great way to keep your interest in current events without always reading full articles.

2. Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to develop ideas and interests, listening to them on your commute to uni can keep you up to date and introduce you to topics that you wouldn’t necessarily come across in your studies. Some that I have listened to are:

• Public Health Insight by PHI Media – also helps with job skills too
• Public Health On Call by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• This Podcast will Kill You by Exactly Right

3. Books

Critical thinking skills are essential! Two books that have helped me are:

• Critical Thinking Skills: Effective analysis, argument, and reflection by Stella Cottrell
• A Beginner’s Guide to Critical Thinking and Writing in Health and Social Care (2^nd Edition) by Helen Aveyard, Pam Sharp & Mary Woolliams

Knowing how to analyse sources and think critically will be of utmost help when it comes to writing your first assignment.

My best advice would be to fully engage in all materials and resources. Attend every event put on by the school and your interests will develop and the course will be so enjoyable. Keeping up to date with debates in the field and doing as much preparation beforehand in regard to issues will make the transition into studying Public Health simple and create an exciting future for your studies and career. 

Best of luck with your studies, 

Megan