Public Health Practice
In this module, you will be introduced to core concepts in public health. The module will provide you with a grounding in key theories, principles and methods in public health today.
Key facts
Overview
Public health is what we do as a society or prevent disease, promote health and prolong life, and recent events have reminded us of its central role in all our lives.
In this module, you will be introduced to core concepts in public health. The module will provide you with a grounding in key theories, principles and methods in public health today, alongside up-to-date evidence for the current state of health across the globe.
You will explore:
- National and international mental and physical health challenges
- Population health versus public health
- Determinants of health and health inequalities
- Design and evaluation of public health interventions
The module is suitable for both novice and experienced public health practitioners or those looking to work in this area, and is taught by experienced researchers in public health and public health policy.
Entrance requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent in any subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Objectives
The learning outcomes of this module are:
LO1: Summarise the key theories and principles within public health
L02: Critically reflect on the evidence for the various health outcomes and determinants of health across the lifecourse
LO3: Synthesise and critically apply research evidence to the design of complex public health interventions
LO4: Critically examine different evaluation methods for complex interventions
LO5: Critically appraise the evidence used to develop national and international public health policies and programmes
Structure and content
You will be expected to participate in online discussions/problem solving sessions. Students access electronic learning resources such as podcasts.
Students will be introduced to concepts including, but not limited to, the current physical and mental health burden across various countries, population health vs. public health, the determinants of health and health inequalities, and the design and evaluation of public health interventions.
Indicative content:
- Key principles of public health
- Public health approaches (e.g. epidemiology, surveillance, evaluation etc)
- Physical and mental health and multimorbidity
- Determinants of health; Health across the lifecourse
- Design and evaluation of complex interventions
- Evidence hierarchies and evidence-based public health policy
Delivery and assessment
The module will be delivered using a range of on-line approaches including: pre-recorded lectures, webinars, reading, quizzes, discussion boards, group work, student presentations.
To pass the module you must pass both assessments A1 (short answer exam) and A2 (essay) with at least 50% for each.
Module coordinator
Agi McFarland
Employability
The module will help you develop an understanding of current public health priorities and areas of work which will be directly applicable to the working environment, either within policy, practice or research settings.
The majority of our students are already working in health or social care prior to commencement and remain employed throughout the duration of their studies.
Our students develop a wide range of transferable skills during their study that make them attractive to other employers e.g.
- team working;
- IT skills;
- literature searching;
- critical appraisal;
- presentation skills;
- writing and data analysis.
What next?
Contact us
If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.
For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.