Table 3 Major themes extracted from the open-ended question

Needs-based planning

Practice-based learning

Study tours to Australia;

Field visits to health facilities;

More hand-on practices;

Improved integration of theories into practices.

Strategic thinking and leadership

Strategy;

Implementation with a clear goal and aim;

Strategic decisions;

Policy leadership, technical support, social mobilisation and participation.

Research skills

Research components;

Research methods for non-academics;

Big data.

Public health emergency response

Public health emergency response;

Preparedness;

Global public health emergency;

Crisis management.

Flexible delivery

Delivery mode

More face to face time;

Student-lecturer interactions;

Diverse modes;

More online delivery;

More case studies;

Individualised training plan;

More guest lectures.

Timetabling

Flexible;

shortened blocks;

Longer blocks.

Expanded career pathway

Doctoral program

Progress to doctoral course.

Extended impact

Quantity

More similar courses;

Wider access.

Quality

Flow-over effect;

Excellent.

Structure

Just right;

Good structure.