Public Health

In this module you'll explore historic and current trends in public health, with an emphasis on the reduction of health inequalities and the causes of premature death through pre-emptive action. Weekly units will examine the key determinants of health including environmental, behavioural, socio-economic, cultural and disease factors. Global perspectives are integrated into each unit providing knowledge and skills that demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, and valuing human diversity.

This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts and methods of epidemiology and its application in primary and community health. It covers the principles of epidemiological research, provides an overview of different study designs and when each design is indicated, drawing on real-life examples. It also covers the interpretation of results of epidemiological studies, explains sources of bias and confounding and different methods of statistical measurements used in epidemiology. No prior statistical experience is required, however familiarity with quantitative data would be an advantage.

This module offers you the ability to understand and evaluate statistical data with the use of software. You will also gain an understanding of how appropriate statistical techniques are chosen for a particular context. You will develop information technology and academic writing skills to present and interpret statistical information in a report. This module does not assume previous statistical knowledge and the analyses included in the teaching and assessment are those which are commonly seen in health-related research and policy papers.

Assessment is via a written statistical report.

In this module you'll consider the context and techniques involved in global public health policy development, the factors influencing evidence-based public health policy and its impact on the health and wellbeing of specific populations and groups. You'll explore ideological frameworks that impact on organisation perspectives and policy making, with an emphasis on the policy process and assessment of policy impacts.

In this module you'll explore theoretical and practical aspects of health promotion, including how to develop action plans for health promotion. You'll be introduced to behavioural theory as it relates to changes in health behaviour and lifestyle, as well as looking at the larger social dimensions related to lifestyle. The module will also provide you with tools for assessing community health needs, planning health promotion activities, and considering the advantages and disadvantages of engaging communities in developing their own healthy lifestyles.

In this module you'll focus on research as part of a body of evidence used for professional practice and provides you with an overview of methodologies and methods currently used in research in health and social care working environments. It equips you with skills to locate, appraise and apply research, and to plan and execute a piece of research work. It seeks to prepare you to develop a suitable research question as a basis for identifying an appropriate research methodology for a small-scale research-based literature review. By the end of the module, you will be able to prepare a rationale for your chosen research project.

The aim of this module is to draw together and enhance your ability to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed previously across the whole programme (especially Applied Research Methods) in a piece of investigative or literature-based research. You will be expected to demonstrate the ability to define a clearly focused research issue, as well as a wide appreciation of the context of the chosen topic. Research methods may vary considerably and you will work with an individual supervisor to evolve a methodology appropriate to the chosen topic. The subsequent inquiry should be based on systematic reading and data collection (as appropriate) and be accompanied by an awareness of the direct implications of the research to Professional Practice and Policy as well as other research in the area.

This module helps you to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the complexity of communicable diseases in the context of public health. This practice-focused module examines the history, causes and epidemiology of communicable diseases from a broad public health perspective. Associated morbidity and mortality, nationally, internationally and globally are considered together with trends in established and emerging infections. You will explore methods to prevent and control infection including outbreak management, using surveillance, screening and vaccination strategies.

This inter-professional module will provide you with the skills, knowledge and strategies to promote and develop effective leadership qualities, enabling you to work in partnership within diverse teams/agencies across professional and organisational boundaries. You’ll be given the opportunity to enhance your individual professional development needs as a precursor for supporting your continuing professional development and future employment opportunities, both nationally and internationally. You’ll be encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary working with peers, combining teaching and learning activities from a variety of health and social care programmes.