MSC HEALTH PROMOTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH* *Subject to validation
endorsement pending
the professional University
MSC HEALTH PROMOTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH* *subject to validation
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW This new course follows the MSc Health Improvement and Health Promotion programme that has run successfully since 2009. At a time when strategies and policies for improving individual and population health are firmly on the agenda of governments globally, this course has been specifically designed to meet these challenges and demand from stakeholders and perspective students. The importance of innovative approaches to health and social care has never been more critical with the widening inequalities gap, the continuing global financial crisis and climate change. The new public health approach has different characteristics from the old public health model and now includes prevention and promotion whilst giving recognition of the social determinants of health. This course will allow you to develop the skills required to meet existing and emerging challenges locally, nationally and internationally. You will explore the principles of health promotion and public health and address current issues in improving health and the prevention of disease. You will examine the impact of health inequalities and explore global health and health psychology and the principles of behaviour change. You will be taught via our virtual learning environment CampusMoodle where you will work both individually and within a group environment, with formal and informal sessions. You will take part in online tutorial sessions through the virtual classroom utilising innovative technologies to facilitate engagement and encourage discussion and debate. Key guest speakers are invited to join the modules to bring topical and current issues to the learning experience. In addition to the Module Leader, E-tutors from practice settings facilitate the discussion forums and online tutorials to help relate theory to practice. WHO SHOULD ATTEND This course is suitable for those working in the key areas of health, public health, health improvement, health promotion, local authorities, local government, education, social care, sports & leisure, private sector, occupational health, oral and dental health and the third sector both in the UK and internationally by providing you with a professional qualification that will develop your understanding of this complex field and strengthen, enhance and improve your career prospects. Students on the existing programme come from a wide range of disciplines including public health, physiotherapy, dietetics, third sector, nursing and midwifery, oncology and occupational health.
Typically you will have a degree, plus one year’s experience. Applicants who do not have a degree but who have a professional qualification and a minimum of two years’ work experience will also be considered. BENEFITS TO YOU The flexibility of online distance learning means that you can study at a pace and time that fits in with your work commitments and home life. If you do not want to commit to studying a full Masters degree, you can complete single modules and qualify for either a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma. The course will allow you to develop a theoretical, conceptual and critical understanding of health promotion and public health practice. You will be able to apply this directly to your own work practice enabling you and your employer to see the benefits of the skills and knowledge you are developing immediately. This understanding will be applied to analysis of policy, psychological, ethical and political debates that inform health promotion and public health practice today. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities have increased significantly with the global changes in health and the challenges that lifestyle related diseases are presenting. The increased emphasis on preventable causes of disease has resulted in the inclusion of these skills in the roles of a wide range of health professionals. This MSc course supports defined competencies at advanced practitioner and specialist levels in current frameworks for regulation and development of the wider public health workforce. Employment opportunities now range from clinical practice to opportunities within local authorities, commissioning boards, occupational health, education, work based health programmes, sports and leisure centres and social care. Other related areas and opportunities include community development, non-government agencies, charitable and voluntary organisations. BENEFITS TO ORGANISATIONS Professional development can increase staff morale and improve retention of highly skilled professionals. Students can focus on specific employer requirements and learning can be applied to the student’s current area of work. Students will acquire the necessary skills in strategy and policy development that can then be applied to your organisation.
YOU WILL LEARN TO • Discuss the development and current practice of public health, health promotion and improving health. • Critically examine the prevalence, characteristics and impact of health inequalities. • Examine global health issues including occurrence and transmission of non-communicable diseases and environmental hazards. • Critically engage with the principles, methods and application of epidemiology. • Analyse the impact of community development on the health of communities and population groups.
• Principles and Concepts: Health Promotion and New Public Health • Health Inequalities • Global Health • Evidence-based Public Health • Health Psychology and the Principles of Behaviour Change • Population Health & Wellbeing • Leadership and Partnership Working for Health • Research Methods • Research Project
contact us For more detailed information on this course please contact: Gil Barton Tel: +44 (0) 1224 263274 Email: g.barton1@rgu.ac.uk To discuss customised delivery of this course please contact: Pamela Kirkpatrick Academic Lead for Enterprise in Health and Social Care Tel: +44 (0) 1224 263276 Email: p.kirkpatrick@rgu.ac.uk
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