David Foxcroft, Professor of Community Psychology and Public Health

I research the prevention of behaviour problems in young people, with a focus on the prevention of drug and alcohol problems. A number of projects have come out of our research and are now being used in the UK and Europe. Our Strengthening Families Programme, adapted from an American model, has been rolled out nationwide.

What Brookes offers is excellent staff and leading researchers

I teach on the master’s in Public Health, and the master’s in Children, Young People and Family Wellbeing, which is a distance learning course.

I teach a module on substance misuse. We get students from all over the world – South Africa, Canada and Iraq – as well as the UK. Having a broad mix of students adds to the richness of the module and the quality of the discussions.

People are drawn to Oxford for its academic reputation, and what Brookes offers is excellent staff and leading researchers, nationally and internationally, who are committed to delivering high-quality teaching.

Social Work and Public Health

The Department of Social Work and Public Health aims to educate evidence-informed researchers and practitioners who contribute to the development and support of healthy resilient communities.

Why study at Oxford Brookes?

At Oxford Brookes we take a holistic approach to individual, family, community and societal wellbeing. Read more…

Strong collaboration between our researchers and external practitioners ensures that we are delivering current, evidence-informed knowledge and skill for all levels of professionals. We also collaborate across the disciplines to ensure that we are at the forefront of informing and influencing current policy and practice.

For example, Professor Joanne Neale is lead investigator (with colleagues in Leeds) on a qualitative study of the role of emergency hostels in supporting  homeless drug users (funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust). The study involves semi-structured interviews with 40 homeless drug users in London and South Central England. Additionally, a virtual advisory group of professional and service user stakeholders is helping to inform project design, fieldwork, analyses and dissemination of the findings.

Many of our courses are accredited  by national organisations and regulatory bodies, leading to eligibility for membership upon graduation. For example, students who successfully complete the Higher Professional Education course (all levels) are eligible for associate membership of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), and for Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) recognition, currently as a practice teacher. Graduates completing the MA or PGDip in Social Work are eligible for registration as a Qualified Social Worker with the General Social Care Council.

What are the benefits?

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  • We have an excellent reputation for the quality of our education, research and student support. For example, we were awarded the highest commendation possible, for all programmes and courses, by the Quality Assurance Agency, following their major review of our educational provision in 2005.
  • Flexible study options with a diverse range of teaching methods, including blended and distance learning through the online Oxford Brookes Virtual Learning Environment.
  • We maintain close links with the full range of local health and social care facilities, many of which have national and international reputations. In addition, we have substantial and growing links with overseas universities and health/social care environments through our exchange programmes, research links and other education collaborations.
  • Our courses are designed and delivered to foster multidisciplinary perspectives, cultural competence, activism in public and social health policy, interdisciplinary and creative collaboration and professional leadership.

Research

Our internationally recognised research plays an important role in developing new standards of care in social work and public health settings, and creates a supportive and collaborative community in which to study. Read more…

To find out more please visit our research degrees pages.

 

Taught Courses

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Our student experience centres on developing advanced professional skills and knowledge. Many of our lecturers have reputations for excellence and have established links with both national and international organisations.

Which courses can I study to start in 2012?

Learn more about the courses you can study to start in September 2012. Read more…