Health Promotion and Public Health BSc

This module introduces the concepts of health promotion and public health with examples of contemporary health and social care practice. The module will cover the following learning topics:

• Definitions of health and ill health
• Contemporary health care systems
• Wider determinants of health
• Concepts of health promotion and public health
• Models of health promotion addressing public health strategies
• Ethical principles underpinning health promotion initiatives

This module introduces students to the key definitions and principles of epidemiology in public health practice. The module will explore causation of disease in populations and examine the differing trends in populations in relation to disease incidence and prevalence.

This module will cover the following learning topics:

• Causation, incidence and prevalence in relation to population disease
• Differing trends in populations in relation to disease incidence and prevalence.
• Analysis and interpretation of public health data.
• Sources of public health information
• Patterns of disease and ill health in population health.

This module will explore the concept of social constructivism and require the students to understand how perceptions of health and illness influence the behaviour of individuals and communities.

The module will cover the following learning topics:

• Healthism and hierarchies in health
• The effects of illness on individual identity
• Shame, stigma and fashion in disease and illness
• Differences of perceptions of health and illness
• Diagnosis and compliance.

This module aims to develop understanding of the way individuals identify, understand, talk about, and experience health and illness. Understanding the psychology of health and illness involves knowing the cognitive processes that promote psychological wellbeing, maintain health, and prevent disease. This module will consider how health promotion activities relate to personality factors, health beliefs and behaviours, and models of behaviour change.

The module will cover the following topics:

• Psychological factors involved in the maintenance and change of health behaviours
• Understanding how psychological factors contribute to health- related individual, group and population behaviours
• Evaluation of existing health promotion initiatives and their relation to psychological theories and models of behaviour change
• Psychological health outcomes including quality of life and chronic health status

The global health module enables students to examine the social, cultural, and political boundaries placed upon global health and health promotion and the impact on health outcomes. The role of global governing bodies and policy are critically reviewed in the context of current topical public health and wellbeing issues.

The module will cover the following topics:

• The role of governing bodies in global health
• Health inequalities from a global perspective
• Health priorities for improving global health
• Communicable and non-communicable disease in the context of global health
• The influence of health care systems in addressing health needs

This module will cover the following learning topics:

• Evidence based public health and health promotion
• Evidence identification and searching
• Critical appraisal of evidence
• Quantitative research methods
• Qualitative research methods
• Mixed research methods
• Service evaluation and audit

This module will explore the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention and control measures for communicable diseases, blood borne viruses (including HIV), TB, meningitis, hospital acquired, food and water borne infections as well as environmental impacts on population health (e.g. air and water pollution, housing) and bio-terrorism. It will cover the basic principles of infection control, outbreak control, and immunisation. Finally, it will consider current statutory and non-statutory approaches to harm prevention and harm reduction.

The module will cover the following learning topics:

• Health Improvement
• Assessment of critical health issues
• Ethical and Legal considerations
• Decision-making
• Planning for Health Improvement
• Implementation of health improvement strategies
• Application of evaluation methods

This module builds on the foundations of the introduction to health promotion and public health. The module requires students to apply the principles of working in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to facilitate health improvement in a multi-disciplinary context.

This module will cover the following topics

• Knowledge and understanding of evidence based health promotion initiatives on key contemporary topics
• Commissioning processes enabling health-enhancing activities in multiagency and multi-disciplinary contexts
• Principles of working in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to facilitate health improvement.
• The evidence base in health promotion, health protection and public health activities.
• Holistic assessment of the health needs of individuals/ families and/or communities.

This module explores the physical, mental, and psychosocial influences that effect an individual’s health across the life span.

This module will cover the following topics:

• Knowledge of physiological developments from pre conception to end of life
• Applying social determinants of health to individuals and communities across the lifespan
• Considering the impact of mental health and wellbeing for individuals at differing stages in their lifespan
• Exploring approaches to improve health status at differing stages throughout the lifespan
• Examining the influence of culture and diversity on health behaviours across the lifespan

This module requires students to engage in a 4-week work placement. The placement is integral to the programme. The placement outcomes are assessed in a portfolio.

This module will cover the following topics:

• Collaborative working and communication to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities
• Public health practice following ethical and professional boundaries
• Activity engagement with individuals and/or communities to deliver health and wellbeing interventions
• Health needs assessment, service design and delivery to improve access to health improvement service
• Barriers and facilitators to accessing services and interventions

This course will equip students with knowledge of key theories and principles that influence teaching and learning in the context of health education and health promotion activities. Students will also be supported to develop the practical skills necessary to foster the motivation and self-efficacy that is required for individuals and groups to take action to improve their health. Strategies for the effective communication of information across a wide variety of learning platforms will be explored. The tensions that exist between theory and practice will also be examined in relation to contemporary policy issues and research.

This module will provide students with an understanding of responsibilities of leadership in contemporary health promotion environments and develop their skills and competencies as leaders in a multidisciplinary environment. It will investigate leadership theories as well as the qualities involved in effective leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. It will explore health promotion strategies and programmes embedded in health-promoting schools, and hospitals, healthy workplaces, cities, and communities to demonstrate the importance of leadership in health promotion programs and activities.

The module introduces students to contemporary issues within health promotion and public health. The module explores current debates and emerging health promotion and public health issues worldwide and analyse the response to these by government bodies and health organisations.

This module ill cover the following topics:

• Topical issues in health promotion and public health at local, national, and global levels.
• Multimedia campaigns in the context of current health promotion and public health initiatives
• Barriers and facilitators to change in the context of larger scale campaigns for individuals and communities

This module enables students to develop the knowledge and skills to maximise their employability for a diverse range of roles in health promotion and public health.

The module will cover the following topics:

• Key skills including the development and implementation of health improvement plans and policies
• Strategies to prioritise workload and activities
• Problem solving skills in complex and changing environments.

Research dissertation – build on your placement experience by examining relevant evidence and producing a health improvement project. 

The module will cover the following learning topics:

• Independent working
• Critical thinking and decision making
• Health needs assessment and evaluation
• Project development and leadership
• Resource management
• Change management
• Strategies to disseminate evidence

This module will explore contemporary concepts in the prevention, promotion and maintenance of healthy sexual and reproductive public health.

The module will focus on the role of health promotion and public health in relation to mental health. Some of the main themes which will be covered within the module will be:

• Historical, contemporary and critical perspectives on mental health
• Stigma and discourses in relation to mental health
• Mental health and long term conditions
• Health promotion with people experiencing severe and enduring mental health problems
• Creative practice and public mental health