OF BEDFORDSHIRE
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
School of Society, Community and Health
Begin@Beds
We are delighted that you will be studying with us. This booklet provides you with some key information that you will find useful in preparing you for your course and for your first few weeks and months at University.
Dr Lana Burroughs Head of School
Hi, my name is Dr Bhavneet Singh and I am the course lead for the BSc (Hons) in Public Health. This is a brand new course and we are so excited that you will be joining us in September. The first week will be an induction week where you will be introduced to your course, course team and fellow students. We will be there with you every step of the way of your course. You will also be assigned a personal academic tutor (PAT) who is there to support you throughout the course through weekly office hours. So, you can always book an appointment if you need to chat with them.
Bhavneet Singh Course Lead
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS
Course Lead
Dr Bhavneet Singh
bhavneet.singh@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Information Desk (SiD) beds.ac.uk/sid
Treehouse Community & Faith Centre beds.ac.uk/faiths/luton
Mental Health Services
beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (student union) help@bedssu.co.uk
The following is a typical Welcome Week schedule:
Day 1 am
Introduction to: Student support services, student union and library services. Ice breaker and social integration. pm Meet the course team, afternoon tea with a game of ‘operation’ and ‘pin the organ’ with prizes.
Day 2 am
A day in the life – what to expect, getting the most from Breo, Q&A with staff and students. pm First personal academic tutor (PAT) meeting.
Day 3 & 4
ID and document check appointments. Student Union events.
For more information on joining your course, visit Begin MSc Public Health @Beds where you will find updated info, tips and dates of your course induction week etc.
YEAR 1 STUDENTS WILL BE STUDYING
Study Skills for Public Health
How to find your Timetable
Foundations of Public Health
Information about your learning with BREO
Introduction to Community Health Assessment
Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub
Visit the Library
Key concepts in Health Promotion and Behaviour
Begin@Beds Start your student journey
Thrive@Beds My Beds Life
Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
Inclusivity and Diversity in Public Health
The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the teaching and learning strategy which is designed to:
• have an immediate relevance to current/future public health role;
• draw on expertise-by-experience;
• foster active learning and be learner-centred in approach.
Types of assessment for these units include:
Essays
Leaflets/Posters
A distinct feature of the course is the range of assessment tasks that allow you to undertake workplace relevant assessments that can have an immediate/future impact in public health practice. This helps put into practice what you are learning in university and increases your self-confidence.
Reflective Care Studies
Audits
Oral Presentations
In-class tests
• Public Health – NHS (www.healthcareers.nhs.uk)
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• New challenges for public health in the 21st century https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/public-health-in-the-21st-century/66474/
• The Anticipated Future of Public Health Services Post COVID-19: Viewpoint https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8216329/
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire
• Parking – University of Bedfordshire
As a first year Public Health student you will begin your journey with a 12-week teaching. This course helps to improve your specialist knowledge and skills to improve the population’s health and protect against global threats. On this course, you learn how to prevent ill health and promote wellbeing locally and globally, opening up a range of rewarding career paths.
The course provides a broad base of scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many occupations and potential career opportunities and offers the opportunity to explore the differing health needs of populations; the influences on health; and how to prevent ill health and promote health and wellbeing. On graduation, you will have the knowledge and skills to help people live longer and stay healthier while reducing demand for, and delays in, primary health and social care treatment. Potential employers include health service organisations, government, local authorities,industry, and charitable and international organisations focussing more on the promotion and protection of the public’s health and wellbeing.
Do I need to complete a placement?
No. While this course does not require students to complete a placement in order to graduate, guest speakers will provide opportunities for students to engage with employers in public health and healthcare-related sectors and reflect on public health practices. We will be exploring opportunities with Luton Borough Council, as well as a possible voluntary opportunity over the summer period with an NGO in Northern India, and virtual voluntary internships with Think Pacific.
What happens if I miss class due to being unwell or having difficulties with childcare or travel?
We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your Personal Academic Tutor or Unit Lead.
Is there someone who can help me with my assessments?
The lecturing team are always available to guide you with the theory based content and you might want to book a 1:1 tutorial with your Unit Lead. If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) who deal with extensions for assessments. Their email is mitigation@beds.ac.uk
Is there somewhere for me to get support if I have a learning difference such as Dyslexia?
Yes! There is plenty of help available and students may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, stating any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. There is also help available for practice based learning.
Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with?
Yes! The Student Union will provide lots of information about the sporting clubs, activities and events available for all students at UoB. For more information visit bedssu.co.uk
Simulation suite beds.ac.uk/simulation
Learning Difference support information beds.ac.uk/student-support/disabilities2
There is a lot to take in when you begin studying on a professional course like this one. The teaching team have been working in public health (global and international) and health systems for many years and here are some of our key reasons to ‘love this job’!
Public health is global health: Public health work transcends borders and cultures, addressing health issues that impact populations around the world.
Interdisciplinary approach: Public health draws on a range of disciplines, from medicine, nursing and epidemiology to allied health, social sciences, promoting a holistic approach to health.
8 REASONS WE LOVE BEING IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Making a difference: We have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of communities and populations.
Diverse career opportunities: Public health encompasses a broad range of disciplines and specialties, providing a variety of career opportunities.
Collaborative work: Public health work often involves collaboration and partnerships with a range of stakeholders, from community organisations to government agencies and healthcare providers.
Lifelong learning: Public health is a constantly evolving field, requiring continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research and trends.
Innovation: Public health work involves developing innovative solutions to address complex global/international health challenges, from designing new interventions to implementing health policies.
Combining science and social justice: Public health combines scientific knowledge and research with a commitment to social justice and equity, promoting health for all.