You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
You will study four modules, followed by an independently studied MSc dissertation or an alternative work-based project. This will include two core modules along with two modules, from a choice of six options.
Core modules
Leading and Managing Change in Health and Wellbeing
This module will discuss policy agenda and strategies used in wellbeing. The module considers how individuals can work in organisations to lead and manage change. This will include concepts associated with preparing for change (consideration of the policy), implementing change (leading) and evaluating the change (sustaining the change that has been implemented). Sociology and psychology of health and wellbeing will be explored, taking into consideration a range of national and international perspectives. Various definitions of wellbeing, and social explanations for health inequalities based on social class, ethnicity, gender and age will be discussed. You'll reflect on your role in leading change and consider what skills are required.
Research Practice
In preparation for your extended research project, this module develops your understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods in relation to research in health. You will explore contemporary debates in research methodology and ethics, and develop the skills to be able to select and use an appropriate method for your extended study.
Dissertation or Work-based Project
You can choose between completing a traditional research dissertation or a negotiated work-based research project.
Option modules
You will be required to choose one option module from:
Mental Health and Wellbeing in Contemporary Society
This module critically explores reasons for patterns and trends in mental health, along with strategies and responses to address this growing issue. Your studies will focus on positive mental health, taking account of positive psychology, as well as mental ill-health, from a national, European and global viewpoint.
Weight Management: Social and Behavioural Aspects
In this module, you’ll explore the breadth of social and behavioural factors influencing weight. You will consider the impact of the obesigenic environment, the role of cultural, social and psychological factors in eating and exercise behaviours, and the causes and effects of disordered eating behaviour. You’ll also examine and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The Healthy Environment
In this module, you will consider what is meant by the term ‘environment’ to develop your understanding of the role of the social and built environment in contemporary health. The role of culture in nutrition and health-related practices will bring a real-life focus to the module, and your own role as an activist for promoting a healthy environment will be brought into focus.
You will be also be required to choose one option module from:
Workplace Wellbeing
This module examines wellbeing and its effect upon national issues such as disability and unemployment, sickness/absence, long-term conditions, NHS spending and their associated tax burden. Within your own workplace, you will consider the application of strategic arguments into action and interventions in the business environment and will review and develop project management skills for planning and leading complex projects. Key issues relating to workplace wellbeing will be considered including ethical considerations, trends and patterns, health needs assessment, policy agenda, health communication theories, planning and evaluation methods. The influence of Public Health and its impact on local government and private sector approaches to workplace wellbeing will be explored through a range of case studies.
Healthy Ageing
We are living in an increasingly ageing population with 50% of the UK population over the age of 50. Maintaining independence and quality of life are important objectives not just individually, but also for governments who are facing a crisis in medical and social care costs. This module will explore global ageing, attitudes, policies and practices, questioning whether our ageing population is an economic burden or an underused resource.
Contemporary Issues for Specific Populations
This module responds to the challenging and emerging nature of health and wellbeing issues by focusing on the complexity of health and wellbeing needs for diverse, and often marginalised, populations. Through guest lectures and drawing on contemporary topics in health and wellbeing, you will explore experiences and responses to health and wellbeing challenges that are outside of the mainstream.
Course structure
This programme is a distance-learning course delivered online. The programme is delivered on a part-time basis over two or two and a half years or full-time over one or one and a half years. Both options begin in September and involve online introductory learning weekends, one at the beginning of each semester (September and January).
The rest of the study is completed through a range of online asynchronous learning material, webinars and with the support of course tutors and peer networks. One-to-one tutor support is available through a range of distance learning technologies and frequent feedback is given on contributions to learning forums.
