Health and Wellbeing PgCert/PgDip/MSc/2015
Health and Wellbeing Programme Qualification Modules/PGCert/PgDip/MSc Duration MSc: Full-time, one year; part-time two or three years Postgraduate diploma: Full-time one year; part-time two years Postgraduate certificate: Part-time one year Individual module: One term Location St George’s, University of London UK and EU application deadline: 28 August 2015 International application deadline: 29 June 2015 Applications accepted from: UK, EU and International candidates
This new and innovative programme offers a strategic, population focus on health, wellbeing, and social care. You will have the option to study strategies for health improvement, approaches to strategic management, the commissioning cycle, mental health and wellbeing, or global perspectives in health.
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elcome to St George’s, W University of London. t George’s, University of London is the UK’s only university S dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. Sharing a clinical environment with a major London teaching hospital, our innovative approach to education results in well-rounded, highly skilled clinicians, scientists, and health and social care professionals. We have more than 250 years of excellence and innovation in research and education. Alumni include John Hunter, also known as the father of modern surgery, and Edward Jenner, creator of the first smallpox vaccine. In the fields of infection and immunity, cardiovascular and cell sciences our aim is still to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. We also work to deepen understanding of population health and the social care sciences. T he SGUL Graduate School is a thriving community of students, undertaking Taught or Research Degrees through various modes of study. All postgraduate students have 24 hour access to our dedicated ‘Graduate Centre’. Our compact size lends a genuine sense of community, and allows our postgraduate students to access a rich and varied academic culture ranging from patient care to research laboratories and overseas. Through interprofessional education, students from all disciplines come together to learn as an integrated team. St George’s is a five minute walk from Tooting Broadway tube station, and it takes 25 minutes to get into central London. One of the world’s most exciting cities is right on our doorstep. If you want to get involved in student life, our Students’ Union delivers hours of on-campus entertainment. Whether you start your own club or society or just become a member, it’s a great way to make friends, pursue your favourite sport, or try a new activity; whatever it takes to make the most of your time at St George’s.
Why study this programme?
This new and innovative programme offers a strategic, population focus on health, wellbeing, and social care. It will provide a solid grounding in epidemiological approaches to measuring and comparing distributions of health, disease and the wider determinants of health, and a sociological perspective on the emerging policies and structures of UK health and social care. You will have the option to study strategies for health improvement, approaches to strategic management, the commissioning cycle, mental health and wellbeing, or global perspectives in health.
The course will address the current challenges for UK health and social care, including integrated care, working across boundaries, public engagement, patient self-management, definitions of wellbeing, and the new commissioning landscape. You will develop expertise in evaluation and critical thinking, as well as practical skills such as project management and health needs assessment. Modules in research methods, data analysis and critical appraisal will prepare you for undertaking a research project, which can be related to your chosen specialism or area of interest.
Who is this programme for? >
Those working in a strategic, policy, analytical or management role (including health and social care professionals, managers, analysts) with an interest in or responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their local populations.
> New graduates seeking a similar career in the health or social care sector Roles in health and social care are changing rapidly following the implementation of the Health & Social Care Act 2012, and this programme will enhance the competitiveness and prospects of anyone seeking such roles in the future.
Learning Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical workshops, supplemented by webbased learning materials and online discussion forums. The programme teaching team is highly experienced in the delivery of MSc level courses. We get to know our students as individuals, and will identify your learning needs in order to provide the support you require to achieve the programme learning outcomes. Each student has an accessible individual supervisor to support them in their research project, providing one-to-one tutorials. Self-directed study To give you a better idea of the time you will need to dedicate to your studies, for a 15 credit module you would normally be expected to spend approximately 120 hours of self-directed learning. This will vary somewhat depending on the individual student but is in line with expectations for similar courses at other UK universities.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the MSc students will be able to:
Modules which may be selected, according to the route of study:
> Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of the principles and practice of population health and health and social care systems and policies, for the UK within a global context
MSc Eight x 15-credit modules, and a research project Students will normally take five health and wellbeing modules, and three research skills modules
> Critically evaluate and weigh up evidence from a range of sources, including research, policies and expert opinions
Postgraduate Diploma Eight x 15-credit modules Students will normally take five (or six) health and wellbeing modules, and three (or two) research skills modules
> Critically apply theory and research evidence to the practice and management of health and social care > Discuss and negotiate health and social care issues within a multi- disciplinary, multi-agency, and integrated care context > Propose strategies for health improvement and wellbeing which are evidence-based, integrated, and patient centred > Plan and conduct quantitative and qualitative research and service evaluations > Perform statistical and qualitative analysis and interpretation of data, and financial analysis including business plans > Demonstrate skills for lifelong independent learning and development, able to adapt to emerging challenges within the health and social care sector.
Postgraduate Certificate Four x 15-credit modules Students will normally take at least three health and wellbeing modules Stand-alone modules Any of the health and wellbeing modules may be taken as stand- alone modules Choice of modules will be discussed with applicants prior to starting the course, to ensure the optimal combination for your needs. Additional option modules from St George’s and Kingston University may also be available. Degrees must be completed within a five-year period from first registration.
Degree Structure For the full-time routes of study (MSc / PgDip) teaching is typically on two days per week, normally Wednesday and Thursday. For the part-time routes of study (MSc / PgDip / PgCert) teaching is typically on one day per week, normally Wednesday or Thursday. Core Modules
Health and wellbeing modules:
Population health & wellbeing (compulsory) Autumn term
15 credits
Health & social care policy and systems (compulsory)
Autumn term
15 credits
Strategies for health improvement
Spring term
15 credits
The commissioning cycle
Spring term
15 credits
Applied strategic management
Summer term
15 credits
Mental health & wellbeing
Summer term
15 credits
Global perspectives in health*
Autumn term
15 credits
Research skills modules:
Research methods
Autumn term
15 credits
Statistics
Autumn term
15 credits
Data analysis: qualitative & quantitative
Autumn term
15 credits
Critical appraisal
Spring term
15 credits
Research project planning & management Spring term
15 credits
Research project
*Note: The Global Perspectives in Health module has an earlier start date, in mid-September.
Across the year 60 credits
Assessing your progress
Progress throughout the course is assessed through a range of methods including:
> Essays
> Reports
> Evaluations and critiques
> Written exam
> Dissertation (for MSc)
Your future This programme aims to develop graduates who can confidently address the current challenges of UK health and social care provision, including integrated care, working across boundaries, public engagement, patient self-management, value-based healthcare, and the new commissioning agenda. Graduates will be well prepared for a career (or promotion) in the health and social care sector, within local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, NHS and private trusts, and the voluntary/third sector, or equally prepared for a move into academic research or lecturing.
Entry Requirements If you meet the minimum entry requirements set out below, you will be considered for interview.
Undergraduate degree or equivalent
Applicants should normally have, or be expected to achieve*, a minimum second class degree (2:2) in a subject which offers an appropriate grounding, e.g. healthcare, life sciences, or social sciences (or an equivalent international qualification). Non-standard entry Alternative professional qualifications in health or social care may be considered and applicants holding these qualifications are encouraged to apply. Non-standard candidates may be required to submit supplementary details (e.g. transcripts) and/or asked to complete a short qualifying essay. *Must be completed, awarded and certified by 1 August 2015. Failure to comply with this may result in withdrawal of offer by St George’s.
English language English language tests are valid for only two years, as English language ability changes from year to year. If you have completed a test which is now considered to be out of date, you may be required to complete another. Please note that applicants are only permitted a maximum of two test attempts within a one year period. IELTS: IELTS overall 7.0, with no less than 6.5 in each of the sub-test components.
Pearson test: Pearson (PTE Academic) Test overall 67 with 67 in Listening, 67 in Reading, 67 in Writing, 67 in Speaking. ambridge English Advanced Cambridge English Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English) with C (Certificate in Advanced English): a minimum score of 185 and no less than 176 in each section. Cambridge English: Proficiency Cambridge English: Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English) (also known as Certificate of with a minimum score of 185 and no less than 176 in each section. Proficiency in English):
International qualifications We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries. If you would like an admissions officer to review your qualification, please send a copy of your qualification to pgadmiss@sgul.ac.uk. Ensure that the qualification is translated into English (if not already in English), by a certified translator.
Other essential criteria
Personal statement Applicants will be required to outline their reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement on the application form. References Applicants will be expected to provide two satisfactory references to support their application, both dated within the last year (from date of application). One of these must be a recent academic reference and the other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/ employer reference.
References
Your referees should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. It is not permitted for family, friends, partners or ex-partners to write your reference. References supplied should cover your suitability for the programme and ability to engage in academic processes according to the guidance and questions included on the Reference Request Form. Should you, or your referee, require further guidance regarding the reference itself please do not hesitate to contact the postgraduate admissions officer. References should be submitted using the Reference Request Form available to download on our website. References will need to be returned confidentially by your appointed referees to the postgraduate admissions officer (contact details can be found on the Reference Request Form). References supplied by the applicant will not be accepted. Please note that all supporting references should be received by the postgraduate admissions officer two weeks after application submission, at the latest.
Application and interview
Admissions timeline
Applications open on 30 November 2014.
09 December 2014
PG Open event
Closing date for submitting applications:
January 2015
Open evening dates published online
> 28 August 2015 (Home/EU applicants)
> 29 June 2015 (for International applicants). Late applications submitted by Home/EU candidates may be considered after the stipulated deadline of 28 August 2014.
The application form for 2015/16 entry is available to download on St George`s website
29 June 2015 International applications close; last minute applications sent to pgadmiss@sgul.ac.uk 28 August 2015 UK and EU applications close; last minute applications sent to pgadmiss@sgul.ac.uk May - September
Interviews held approximately once a month
End of September 2015
Term starts
The application form and supporting documentation should be returned to: Postgraduate admissions officer Admissions, Registry St George’s, University of London Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE
Or, emailed directly to: pgadmiss@sgul.ac.uk
Applicants will be required to submit additional documents to support their application form, without these, the application will be considered incomplete. The documents are highlighted in the document check list which is available on our website International applicants Applicants applying from outside of the UK and EU should visit the following links for further application advice, including guidance on: immigration, English language requirements, accommodation, UK fees and finance and international student support. For more information please check our international section. Interviews Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited for an interview (or a Skype interview for international students). Interviews for this course will take place approximately once a month throughout the spring and summer months.
Fees & Funding
Please see our website for up to date fee information.
*2015 entry fees are subject to annual review and change
To find out more about available schlorships, please visit our website.
Questions and Answers
Who can apply for this course? The course is designed for those working in a strategic, policy, analytical or management role (including health and social care professionals, managers, analysts) with an interest in or responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their local populations It is also suitable for new graduates seeking a similar career in the health or social care sector How much does it cost and how long does it take?
You can study the course between one year, full-time and up to three years, part-time. The fees and duration are as follows:
Please see our website for up to date fee information.
*2015 entry fees are subject to annual review and change
To find out more about available schlorship, please visit our website.
Can I study individual modules? Yes, the duration of each module is 15 weeks and you can study them independently on a stand-alone basis. Each module is worth 15 credits What do the modules cover? Population health & wellbeing
Health & social care policy and systems
Strategies for health improvement
Commissioning for health & social care
Applied strategic management
Mental health & wellbeing
Global health & healthcare
Global health justice
Research methods
Statistics
Data analysis (quantitative & qualitative)
Critical appraisal
Research project planning & management
What can I do with the degree? The aim is to develop graduates who can confidently address the current challenges of UK health and social care provision, including integrated care, working across boundaries, public engagement, selfmanagement, commissioning and value-based healthcare If you need further information, please visit the website or contact the Student Recruitment Team via study@sgul.ac.uk
PG open events sgul.ac.uk We hope this brochure opens a window onto who we are and what we do. In short, you can undertake a specialist postgraduate qualification, on a hospital site in a thriving London location, leading to an extraordinary future in a research career. The best way to get a real sense of the culture at St George’s, its proximity to the Hospital and how that will positively impact on your learning is to come to one of our Postgraduate open events. We will do our best to: > Tell you about your course of interest > Give you a tour of our facilities > Give you some insight into student life > Offer advice on finance >
Give you a chance to question current students and academic staff
For more information and to register onto an open event please visit www.sgul.ac.uk/visitus E study@sgul.ac.uk T +44 (0)20 8725 2333
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The material contained in this brochure is a guide only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that its content is correct and up-to-date at the time of printing, St George’s, University of London reserves the right, without prior notice, to cease to offer programmes of study, or to amend curricula, methods and modes of teaching and assessment, entry requirements and any other details. St George’s, University of London confirms its commitment to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities and endeavours to avoid discrimination against any person on the grounds of religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status or politics. We strive to ensure that all members of the institution behave with courtesy towards each other that students and staff can work in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We encourage applications from members of groups that are currently under-represented.