Characteristics of good supervision: a multi-perspective qualitative exploration of the Masters in Public Health dissertation.

Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi,Jacqueline Reilly

doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdw107

Abstract

BackgroundA dissertation is often a core component of the Masters in Public Health (MPH) qualification. This study aims to explore its purpose, from the perspective of both students and supervisors, and identify practices viewed as constituting good supervision.MethodsA multi-perspective qualitative study drawing on in-depth one-to-one interviews with MPH supervisors (n = 8) and students (n = 10), with data thematically analysed.ResultsThe MPH dissertation was viewed as providing generic as well as discipline-specific knowledge and skills. It provided an opportunity for in-depth study on a chosen topic but different perspectives were evident as to whether the project should be grounded in public health practice rather than academia. Good supervision practice was thought to require topic knowledge, generic supervision skills (including clear communication of expectations and timely feedback) and adaptation of supervision to meet student needs.ConclusionsTwo ideal types of the MPH dissertation process were identified. Supervisor-led projects focus on achieving a clearly defined output based on a supervisor-identified research question and aspire to harmonize research and teaching practice, but often have a narrower focus. Student-led projects may facilitate greater learning opportunities and better develop skills for public health practice but could be at greater risk of course failure.

Highlights

A dissertation is often a core component of the Masters in Public Health (MPH) qualification
Supervisor-led projects focus on achieving a clearly defined output based on a supervisor-identified research question and aspire to harmonize research and teaching practice, but often have a narrower focus
The Masters in Public Health (MPH) was historically the first opportunity to gain the core knowledge and expertise demanded of the discipline,[1] with a dissertation commonly required

Summary

Introduction

A dissertation is often a core component of the Masters in Public Health (MPH) qualification. The modern MPH reaches a range of students with varied disciplines and backgrounds—more so than was historically the case in the UK. This echoes the growing diversity within the public health workforce.[3,4,5,6] The prior disciplines of students, span the breadth of the arts, humanities, sciences as well as the world of healthcare.[3] This increased diversity has allowed a genuinely inter-disciplinary and increasingly international approach which is a necessity for future public health practice and research.[7,8,9]

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