Students’ views about alternates to traditional dissertation for Master in Public Health: results of a virtual focus group

A traditional dissertation remains a component of most Master in Public Health programmes, but there is increasing interest and use of alternatives. A virtual focus group of six students studying an online distance Master in Public Health explored their perceptions about dissertations and preferences for alternatives. Students value the dissertation as a means of consolidating learning and focusing in-depth on chosen topics. Alternatives were viewed as attractive but not always practical. Participants felt that additional options need to be accompanied by guidance to ensure students make the most appropriate choice for their future. Three types of students with different needs emerged; students aspiring to progress to a PhD should do a traditional dissertation, students already employed in a relevant role may choose a work-based dissertation or replace the dissertation with taught units, and students doing the master to increase their employability could choose a placement-based dissertation or replace the dissertation with work experience reflection. Innovations that introduce alternatives to the traditional dissertation would be welcomed by MPH students studying online, but they would need to be accompanied by suitable career advice to ensure students choose the most appropriate route for their future aspirations.