Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons)

This module aims to enable you to gain an understanding of the nature of contemporary society from a sociological perspective, with an emphasis on linking social theory and sociological insights to your own life experiences, as well as applying them to the study of wider social problems. Sociology focuses on the systematic study of human societies, particularly modern industrial and post-industrial societies, by exploring social interaction, social structures and social change. You will analyse the social construction and representation of social institutions and social groups within society and study how social divisions and inequalities are generated and sustained in terms of the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups. You will study the major sociological concepts and theories that relate to studying social life and their relevance for accounting for social divisions and inequalities.

Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts of mental health, mental wellbeing and mental health promotion. Mental health problems are very common; however, the stigma attached to those experiencing such problems is long-standing and impacts widely on those experiencing mental ill health, their family and wider society. You will study the concept of mental ill health and misconceptions that often arise when considering such conditions. The module focuses on helping you to develop insights into the support needs of people with mental health problems and their families within the context of service provision. You will assess current perspectives in these debates by exploring a number of important practice issues such as service-user perspectives, the impact of recent mental health legislation, the role of the approved mental health professional and the development of mental health services.

Compulsory

This module will develop your ability to recognise and evaluate core research strategies and methods in social science research. You will learn about a range of research methods and tools, and place these within the context of broader research strategy along qualitative and quantitative lines, examining each critically and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. You will develop skills in literature reviewing, research design and ethical literacy, and will have the opportunity to develop a small-scale research proposal of your own devising. You will develop your own analytical abilities by examining previously conducted research and making the links between research findings and the methods used to gather data.

Compulsory

This module aims to raise your awareness of contemporary lifestyle behaviour and its impact on health and wellbeing and health promotion methods that can be used to enable behaviour change. A healthy lifestyle is important in terms of quality of life and plays a key role in the prevention of a large number of diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer and obesity. You will analyse national epidemiological studies and data relating to sexual behaviour, physical activity, substance abuse, alcohol consumption, smoking, diet and stress, looking at how each factor can affect the health of an individual and its effect on society as a whole. Factors relating to why behaviour change may take place and relevant theoretical arguments are also examined.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to critically analyse the requirements and expectations for effective leadership and management in community and public health settings in a challenging and ever-changing environment. It will draw upon global, contemporary debates, and cover topic areas such as social economy, strategic, operational and project planning and management, human resource management, funding and finance, marketing and business analysis. This will be done in the context of your role as stakeholders working towards economic, social and environmental regeneration and sustainability. This module examines the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and techniques required for managing projects, initiatives and organisations and explores the role of leadership in relation to business themes such as globalisation, strategy, innovation and organisational development.

The aim of this module is to not only equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful leader and manager, but also identify the core processes and mechanisms that underpin innovation and enterprise, allowing you to consider becoming a social entrepreneur and set up your own organisation in the future.

Compulsory

Community-based and ecological approaches to health promotion have evolved steadily over a number of decades to become an alternative to individually focused efforts to improve health. This module will enable students to develop a critical understanding of health promotion by asking them to examine the relationship between theory and real-life experiences of professional practice.

The module builds on the different conceptions of health and health promotion models covered in previous years and asks you to analyse the wider contextual factors, policies and drivers that shape health promotion practices. It enhances your critical awareness of approaches, methods and techniques that different professionals in different settings apply to promote community participation, change and better health. You are encouraged to share a reflective account of the practices you observed and contributed to and produce a report that offers insights into whether and how community engagement and change, as a process and an outcome of health promotion efforts, is facilitated, or hindered, in real life.

Compulsory

This module aims to introduce social policy and its application in the UK, as well as making comparisons between UK and global welfare services. It investigates the origins of social policies in the UK and their development as well as delivery mechanisms in contemporary society and the impact that policy has on service users. The many factors that influence social policy, including conceptual, political, and other agents of social change will be explored. Tracing developments primarily from 1945 to the present, you will compare and contrast major competing perspectives and examine key contemporary issues for policy makers, welfare recipients, providers and stakeholders. You should develop an understanding of sources of state welfare services and other diverse sources such as the market, family and voluntary sectors.

Compulsory

This module allows you to undertake a research project using secondary research. You are expected to formulate a research question and demonstrate an ability to critically analyse secondary research. A critical analysis of either a postcode locality, vulnerable group, social problem or policy agenda in the UK will be undertaken. You will extend this through evaluation of academic research and examine potential processes that could be facilitated for community development. As part of the project you should demonstrate an ability to work independently, a high level of organisational skills as well as demonstrating awareness of issues of health and safety, ethical considerations and time management.

Compulsory