Overview
In the post-pandemic era, the paradigm of global healthcare has shifted from individual treatment to population-based prevention. For health professionals in Bangladesh—ranging from MBBS doctors and nursing leaders to biomedical scientists—the challenge has always been to find a program that bridges local community needs with international epidemiological standards. The MSc in Public Health (MSPH) at IMU University, Malaysia, serves as this bridge.
As Malaysia’s first and most established private medical university, IMU provides an environment where Bangladeshi students can thrive without the extreme culture shock found in Western nations, while still gaining a degree recognized by global bodies and the Public Service Department (JPA). Whether you are looking to lead a division at the DGHS in Dhaka or join an international NGO like the WHO, IMU’s MSPH is the definitive catalyst for your professional growth.
This blog provides an overview of the Master of Public Health course at IMU University, tailored for Bangladeshi students.
Why Study Public Health at IMU
For a Bangladeshi student, the ‘why’ behind a university is as important as the ‘what’. IMU distinguishes itself through several pillars:
- Pioneer Status: IMU is Malaysia’s first private healthcare university, with over three decades of experience. It isn’t a general university; it is a specialized healthcare hub.
- The ‘One Health’ Concept: IMU integrates human, animal, and environmental health into its curriculum—a critical approach for professionals from Bangladesh, where zoonotic diseases and environmental health are major public concerns
- Holistic Assessment: Unlike traditional systems that rely on high-stakes exams, IMU’s MSPH is 100% assignment-based. This favors deep learning, research, and practical application over rote memorization.
- Dual Degree Pathway: Through a strategic partnership with the University of Arizona (USA), students can opt for a credit-recognition pathway to earn a second degree from a top-tier US institution.
Strategic Hub: Located in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, the campus is at the heart of Malaysia’s medical innovation, providing students with proximity to major hospitals and the Ministry of Health.
Facilities & Benefits for Bangladeshi Students
IMU offers world-class facilities designed for postgraduate success:
- Learning Resources: Students have 24/7 access to a massive digital library, specialized public health software for biostatistics, and virtual mentoring platforms.
- Field Visits & Practical Exposure: The program goes beyond the classroom. Students participate in field visits to the Ministry of Health, local district health offices, and NGOs to observe public health infrastructure in action.
- Cultural Resonance: With a significant population of Bangladeshi students and professionals in Kuala Lumpur, you will find halal food, prayer facilities, and a supportive community easily accessible.
- Mentorship: Every postgraduate student is assigned a dedicated faculty mentor to guide their dissertation and career trajectory, ensuring you are never just a number in a classroom.
Programme Structure
IMU offers two main modes of delivery along with a Dual Master Degree Pathway, ensuring flexibility for both full-time students and working professionals.
Degree / Program Mode | Intake Months | Full-Time | Part-Time |
MSc in Public Health (Conventional) | March and September | 1 Year | 2-6 Years |
MSc in Public Health (ODL) | March, September, and December | 1 Year | 2-6 Years |
Dual Master Degree Pathway (IMU MSPH + University of Arizona MPH) | March and September | 1 + 1 Year | Maximum 6 Years |
Curriculum Breakdown (Modules & Subjects)
The curriculum is divided into core modules and electives, designed to build a progressive mastery of the field.
Core Modules (Compulsory)
- Principles & Methods in Epidemiology: Understanding disease patterns and causality.
- Biostatistics: Mastering data analysis tools for health research.
- Population Health: Focus on family health, maternal care, and ageing populations.
- Health Management & Economics: Learning the business side of healthcare and policy efficiency.
- Environmental & Occupational Health: Addressing workplace hazards and climate-related health risks.
- Research Methodology: Preparing for high-level scientific inquiry.
- Dissertation (9 Credits): A significant research project where students solve a real-world health problem.
Elective Modules (Choose according to interest)
- Healthcare Operation Management
- Epidemiology of Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases
- Public Health Practice
- Multivariate Regression Models
- Medical Sociology
General Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements: To maintain the high standards of the program, IMU requires:
- Direct Entry: A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Health, etc.) with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 out of 4.00.
- Assessment Entry: If the CGPA is between 2.00 and 2.50, you may still be considered if you pass a rigorous internal assessment by the University Senate.
- MPH-UA Pathway: Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate CGPA of 3.00.
English Language Proficiency: Since the medium of instruction is English, international students from Bangladesh must provide:
- IELTS: Band score 5.0
- TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 42
- PTE: Overall score of 47
- Exemption: If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, you may request an exemption by providing a ‘Medium of Instruction’ (MOI) certificate from your university.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunity
Tuition Fees:
- Conventional & Open & Distance Learning (ODL) Mode: RM 40,000 to 54,500
- University of Arizona Pathway: Includes an additional fee of approximately USD 10,000 for the US credits.
Scholarships Opportunity:
Bangladeshi students applying for the MSc in Public Health at IMU can reduce costs through several funding avenues. While some IMU scholarships prioritize locals, international students can access postgraduate bursaries, program-specific discounts, and admission-based grants depending on the intake. Furthermore, applicants should explore external funding, such as the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) or other international grants for master’s studies.
Career Opportunities after MPH from IMU University
A degree from IMU is a global passport. The MSc in Public Health at IMU prepares you for diverse roles:
In Bangladesh:
- Public Sector: Roles in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) or the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).
- Development Sector: Lead health programs for NGOs like BRAC, Grameen Health, or Save the Children.
- Research: Join prestigious institutes like ICDDR,B as a Research Investigator.
Abroad:
- International Agencies: Careers with the WHO, UNICEF, or the World Bank.
- Corporate Sector: Occupational health safety officers for multinational corporations.
- Academia: Pursue a PhD or join universities as a Public Health Lecturer.
Conclusion
For a Bangladeshi student, the Master of Science in Public Health at IMU, Malaysia, offers the ideal balance of affordability, quality, and proximity. The coming intakes feature a contemporary and culturally relevant curriculum, backed by a university synonymous with healthcare excellence in Asia. By choosing IMU, you aren’t just getting a degree; you are joining a network of global health leaders.
FAQs
Yes. The MSPH is a multidisciplinary program. Graduates from Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and even Science backgrounds are welcome, provided they meet the CGPA requirements.
Yes. The ‘Dissertation’ module is a core part of the program (9 credits). You will work under a supervisor to conduct original research, which is an excellent preparation for a PhD.
While Conventional and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) share the same curriculum and academic standards, they differ in delivery. Conventional programs prioritize on-campus, face-to-face interaction, whereas ODL offers a flexible, remote, and primarily asynchronous model tailored for working professionals.
