The Principles and Practice of Child and Family Health and Wellbeing

A unique feature of this module is that it is linked to a masterclass on a key public health issue delivered by expert and key note speakers.

Key facts

  • Module codeEYPP02
  • Start date The next intake will be confirmed in March 2024.
  • Duration11 weeks
  • Time commitment20 hours per week
  • Credit value SCQF 20
  • SCQF level Level 11
  • Fees 2023-24: £950.
  • Mode of study part time
  • Delivery online

Overview

This module is concerned with studying the key elements of public health and related health inequalities and their impact on the health and wellbeing of children and their families. The module is a core module for student health visitors on the MSc/PgDip Early Years Practice Health Visiting, but it would also be relevant for teachers, school nurses and practitioners working with children, young people and their families.

Students will be able to explore the key elements of public health and related health inequalities; and consider the impact of related health inequalities on children and their families’ health and wellbeing. The module encourages students to critically analyse the wide range of influences on children’s health and wellbeing to then consider the importance of intervening early in children’s lives to provide supportive interventions. Students will develop advanced knowledge and skills in public health approaches for improving and promoting children, young people and their families’ health and wellbeing.

This module is offered by the multi-award winning Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, led by a group of world-leading academics, with strong and established research records, real nursing experience and a wealth of world-class publications who will support you both personally and academically.

Flexible learning

This short course forms part of the MSc Early Years Practice Health Visiting. You can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:

If you’re interested in studying more than one module from this course, please email our Admissions team at postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk to discuss your course of study.

Entrance requirements

You are required to have the ability to study at degree level (minimum academic level SCQF Level 9).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Objectives

Specific objectives

  • Synthesise knowledge and understanding of the key influences on children and young people’s health, wellbeing and childhood development.
  • Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the key determinants of health and wellbeing and related health inequalities.
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills in public health approaches for improving and promoting children, young people and their families' health and wellbeing.
  • Apply a critical understanding and synthesis of current policies, legislation and guidance for children’s services including the application/knowledge of any supporting evidence base.

General objectives

  • Manage your own learning, reflect on it critically and seek and use constructive feedback.
  • Apply expert skills and understanding in communicating with children and young people, parents/carers and other professionals.
  • Critically reflect on your own interpersonal and inter-professional communication skills.
  • Demonstrate advanced personal organisation, planning and evaluation skills.

Cognitive objectives

  • Demonstrate an inquiry-based approach to practice.
  • Critically reflect on individual and peer working practices.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills including the ability to construct a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information, exercise critical judgement and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Structure and content

Indicative content:

  • The determinants of health and related inequalities.
  • Public health approaches to promoting and supporting children, young people and their family’s health and wellbeing.
  • Key principles and theories of contemporary health improvement methods including strength/assets-based approaches.
  • Gathering, analysing and interpreting public health data across a range of resources.
  • Landscapes of health, social and education policy in relation to early years practice and related research and theories.
  • Childhood development including neurophysiology/biopsychology and social development.
  • Key theories and research in relation to peri-natal, infant and children and young people’s wellbeing.
  • Relationship theories and facilitating therapeutic relationships.
  • The main influencing factors affecting children and young people’s health and wellbeing including a critical examination of abuse, neglect and vulnerability.

Delivery and assessment

The module will be delivered using a range of approaches which will include: webinars, pre-recorded lectures, videos, podcasts; and other activities such as guided reading, quizzes, discussion boards.

Canvas (our virtual learning environment), Microsoft Teams and other tools will be used in the teaching of the module.

This module utilises a blended approach to teaching and learning to stimulate critical discussion and enhance learning, generate deeper understandings and foster the development of graduate attributes. The learning and teaching activities are varied and are aligned to the intended learning outcomes. They include:

  • webinars,
  • pre-recorded lectures,
  • online discussions,
  • podcasts,
  • e-learning activities,
  • independent guided study.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a discursive essay in which you will be required to critically discuss a key public health concern for children and their families; and critically analyse and synthesise the approaches that may be taken to address this.

Module coordinator

Mrs Alison Hackett

Employability

This module supports the development of a wide range of skills including critical thinking and writing, advanced personal organisation, planning and evaluation skills, and advanced communication skills.

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.