BSc (Hons) Public Health with Foundation Year

In public health, communication skills and understanding the techniques that you can use to communicate effectively are essential to disseminate simple as well as complex health issues and advice to both individuals and large populations. This module will provide you with a clear background to communication theories, models of communication, and education theory, as well as an examination of key theoretical themes and perspectives on health communication. As well as providing you with an insight into the theoretical frameworks for effective communication by integrating ideas from educational theory and the study of communication techniques into the specific context of health promotion, it will also include discussions around new and emerging social media, mass media and digital technology as well as social marketing techniques. Integrating ideas from the fields of communication studies, education, sociology and psychology, you will learn how to plan, develop and deliver targeted public health information clearly and appropriately to a variety of audiences. In doing so you will understand how factors such as experience, culture and health literacy influence effectiveness. You will also have the opportunity to develop practical skills in communicating with individuals, groups and other health professionals; all essential skills that employers are looking for in public health graduates.

This module introduces you to the key concepts, theories and models in the discipline of Health Psychology. Health Psychology is concerned with the study of psychological processes in health, illness and healthcare. Health Psychologists study the behavioural factors that are associated with staying healthy, as well as exploring how people who are ill can be helped to adapt to, or recover from, their illness. You will be introduced to four main areas of Health Psychology: the prevention and management of illness, the identification of psychological factors contributing to physical illness, the promotion and maintenance of health, and the use of Health Psychology research to inform interventions. On successful completion of the module, you will be able to explain and evaluate how Health Psychology theory and research has aided our understanding of the influences on health-related behaviour, and how psychological and physiological processes are associated with ill health. You will be encouraged to apply Health Psychology to real-world examples. The assignment seeks to develop your capacity to use Health Psychology to both analyse a significant current public health topic and to provide an evidence-based intervention to address this topic; this will assist you in your present or a future public health role.

This module introduces you to major concepts and principles for modern Public Health practice. You will learn about the key aspects underpinning Public Health at local, national and international levels. At the local and national level, the Public Health Knowledge and Skills Framework will be examined to help you to develop an understanding of the required knowledge, core skills and competencies to effectively practice in Public Health in the UK, or overseas, as well as developing an an understanding of the range of public health roles and career opportunities. At the international level, you will be exposed to global health policies and practice through examples of initiatives and policy interventions. Throughout the module, the ethical issues underlying public health policy and interventions both today and in the future will be discussed. In addition, you will gain basic team working skills as part of a collaborative approach to working in groups, which is a key skill that employers are looking for in a competent public health graduate.

Surveillance and assessment of population health are two of the core competencies outlined in the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework, and key principles of public health practice. This module introduces you to the basic concepts and principles of public health surveillance, epidemiology, and statistics in population assessment, so that you can go on to develop these throughout your studies and then effectively employ these skills in public health practice. The module provides you with a key understanding of concepts but also enables you to develop your practical skills in this area. You will apply data to a decision journey approach, and in doing so will develop an understanding and appreciation of what are data, and how raw data informs decision-making in public health. Using an observational study, you will have the opportunity to learn to discuss and analyse basic data, interpret and develop contextualised knowledge and intelligence in a public health environment. By the end of the module you will understand and be comfortable using key terms, concepts and principles in this area.

This module explores how disease is socially produced and distributed. You will be introduced to the major themes and principles within the discipline of Sociology and develop your awareness of how social determinants play a major role in shaping individuals' and groups' life chances, health status and life expectancy. You will explore the major sociological perspectives, their strengths and weaknesses and their application to the study of Public Health issues. In your exploration of a range of sociological theories you will explore and understand the ways in which these provide a basis for a deeper understanding of current health issues, public health policy & practice; and through an appreciation of issues such as class, gender, and ethnicity you will begin to appreciate how the sociology of knowledge challenges medical power. The module will ultimately enable you to cultivate a 'sociological imagination' in understanding public health issues - a frame of mind that provides a critique of the biomedical model of health and illness.

Health promotion is a powerful and core strategy in the prevention and promotion of key public health issues. Drawing on the disciplines of social policy, psychology, sociology, marketing and communication theory this module will enable you to examine key health promotion practices and appreciate how the theory can be applied to key public health issues as well as other health issues of interest to you and your chosen field of practice. This will include investigating policy, the importance of an appreciation of the social determinants of health and how health promotion approaches are used as part of a comprehensive health strategy. The module explores the theoretical framework, policy implications and practical application of health promotion and will offer you a foundation for practice if you are interested in working on promoting individual health and wellbeing, the health of a community or the health of populations at local and national levels.

This module will provide you with a critical introduction to infodemiology and the role of technology in health and wellbeing. It is a relatively new area which has significant application in the field of Public Health. The module examines online health information and digital health from a public health perspective in order to equip you with the critical knowledge and skills to appraise the potentials, risks and implications of using technology and its impact on wellbeing at the individual, community, organisational and public levels. The module will help you to examine the abundance of health information in the cyberspace, which might be harmful or not evidence based. Such information can be misleading, it worsens inequalities and influences the public perceptions of health and wellbeing. The module will help to build working knowledge on how to mitigate misinformation, manage infodemics and evaluate innovative approaches with technology to promote equality and wellbeing at several levels. In particular, this module will expand and broaden your understanding of public health in the information age and the role of cyberspace to undermine or promote wellbeing. The content of this module will be largely informed by the research and consultancy activities of the lecturing team providing you with a contemporary and research-informed experience. The skills you will gain on this module will be of value to employers who recognise and value the use of new technology in addressing key public health concerns.

This module explores the role of power in health inequalities across a range of disadvantaged and marginalized groups; these may include women, older people, black and minority ethnic people, immigrants and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people. Through an examination of contemporary issues and research you will explore and be able to explain how these disparities are created and reproduced within the broader socio-political framework. Covering critical theoretical interventions, cultural contexts, evidence-based models and new social movements, you will gain an understanding of how social identity (intersectionality) is a key factor in shaping an individual’s life and health chances, and how recognition of this reality can provide the basis for action at the individual, community and societal level, to achieve greater health equity. The module aims to develop your understanding and interest in the examination of power and how it can maintain health inequalities as well as overcome them.

Research is important for all health professionals as it enables them to investigate and understand how their practice can be improved to benefit the populations they serve. You will examine research throughout your programme of study but this module will strengthen your knowledge by providing you with an understanding of the research process and means of gathering, analysing and drawing meaningful conclusions from academic literature in a coherent manner. In this module you will examine the most common qualitative, quantitative, and desk-based research designs and methods in health so you can demonstrate an understanding of the process and the respective data collection methods. You will understand what can be achieved through the use of different methods and how they can work alongside each other as well as a step-by-step understanding of how researched is planned and carried out.

Health systems are political entities that are complex, change and evolve over time. This module will provide you with a broad understanding of the political and economic context of health, health care and health policy, and help you to navigate the past, present and future changes. Crucial to this understanding is an illumination of the landscape of health inequality and the systemic role of power and ideology in shaping health policy. The influence of the state and ‘top-down' organised vested interests (e.g. the mega-rich, the media, the medical profession, Big Pharma, multinational food corporations) - as well as bottom-up pressure groups, will be analyzed using a series of case studies. In addition to the critical evaluation of current policy, another theme is a comparative awareness of the nature of health care systems in other countries, as well as more theoretical ‘alternative’ visions of health organization. You will also explore recent developments and contemporary debates in health and health policy both in the UK and overseas which are viewed through this comparative/critical lens.

Health authorities and governments rely upon accurate and timely data to inform policy and practice so epidemiology is an essential skill for anyone in public health or related roles which require you to understand and apply the principles of disease causation and prevention. The module will explore the essentials of this science that is fundamental to health improvement and health care. You will explore and establish the pattern, frequency, trends, and causes of a disease, and understand the ways in which epidemiological data are presented, as well as the distinction between association and causation, relative and absolute risks, and apply other core epidemiological concepts and principles. By exploring the nature, scope and methodology of epidemiology you will understand how the discipline supports public health activity.

This module emphasises the critical examination of the causes and dimensions of health inequalities at the global level through the lens of globalisation. It will equip you with the working knowledge to critically analyse health issues within a contemporary global context and enable you to understand how global level determinants influence population health outcomes, with comparisons both between and within countries. The module includes a critical introduction to the process of globalisation, the changing patterns of global health, including the spatial, economic, political, and cultural dimensions. In addition to examining the subsequent global health inequalities. It also covers specific global issues, their link to globalisation, and the impact on health in different settings or on specific populations. You will also examine the theories and evidence underpinning global inequalities in health, as well as international health cooperations and guidelines to tackle global health inequalities. This includes examining global health actors such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and actions taken to improve health globally with more emphasis on low-income countries. This covers the role of international aid, health systems, and contextual factors. This module will help you to apply evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of public health intervention and develop your role in promoting health within local, national, and international communities.

Public health is primarily concerned with the health of populations rather than health of individuals. Public health features include improvement in health using health promotion and the prevention of disease and disability using health protection measures. In this module you will focus on improving and protecting health at a population level. You will develop skills and knowledge needed for competent public health practice around preventing ill health and tackling health inequalities. You will develop skills of assessing health needs, both in settings provided in taught sessions and in settings you are familiar with. You will enhance your problem-solving skills by planning a strategy to improve health, based on sound evidence, theories, and principles.

Effective leadership is important in achieving public health outcomes, but are leaders born or are they made, what are the qualities of a good leader, and what strategies can leaders employ to help improve public health services and practice? These are just some of the many questions you will explore in this exciting and contemporary module which focuses on effective leadership and management strategies necessary for future public health practice. Through a focus on self-knowledge and individual growth, contemporary examples of leadership, healthy working relationships and collaborative leadership in the workplace, you will develop your public health knowledge, skills and competencies required to improve population health and well-being. The module has several key learning outcomes that will provide you with an opportunity to examine and reflect on the personal qualities you currently have those you need to develop, how you can lead others in a team to gain successful outcomes, models and theories that can assist you in the planning and management of services and the importance of collaborative working and decision making for effective leadership, change and sustainability. The module will ultimately enable you to demonstrate the critical role you can play within public health and related fields through effective leadership strategies.

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of research methods of relevance to your degree discipline. This knowledge will then be drawn on in order to compile a research proposal (incorporating an appropriate data collection instrument) for a ‘real world’ project.