ObjectivesTo develop postgraduates with the theory and practice of applied research in health sciences and to the principles underpinning health and social care practice. Programme objectives: * To improve the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of health and social change. * To develop leadership qualities for effective service delivery and partnership at all levels. * To foster critical understanding of clinical governance with a variety of settings. * To develop skills in being creative and innovative within different health and social care organisations. * To develop understanding of the most prominent theories, models and concepts of health behaviour and be able to selectively apply appropriate models in different health and social care contexts. * To be able to conduct a sustained critique of models of health improvement and health change using the perspectives of the social and behavioural sciences. * To foster critical understanding and be able to conduct a basic political analysis of the variable influences on health policies and demonstrate the factors likely to enhance or hinder success. * To develop research knowledge and skills to enable practitioners to critically appraise health and social care research, and conduct small scale research structures relevant to their own professional practice. * To provide the graduate with a range of specialist and transferable skills.
Entry requirementsEntry A first degree in a relevant subject, and/or mature student status with appropriate professional qualifications.
Academic titleMSc/Pg Diploma/Pg Certificate Health Science
Course descriptionThis study programme aims to extend your scientific and professional knowledge in order to provide the skills needed to synthesise literature and research findings applicable to your own discipline. Core modules include Research methods; Statistics and Epidemiology; Health Economics; Social and Behavioural Sciences. These core modules are taken together with the two other MSc courses to promote inter-professional learning.
During the second year you will take compulsory, programme-specific modules, followed by modules chosen from the list of elective modules making up 20 credits.
* Leadership, Quality, Innovation and Change (20 credits)
* Behavioural Science in Health and Social Change (20 credits)
* Plus elective modules (see option modules listed below) (20 credits)
Total: 60 credits
If you wish to achieve your MSc you will need to complete successfully your research dissertation.
Option modules offered by the School of Healthcare Sciences:
* Behavioural Science in Health and Social Change (20 credits)
* Biology and Physiology for Advanced Practice (20 credits)
* Community Participation (10 credits)
* Enhancing Parenting Skills (20 credits)
* Epidemiology and Needs Assessment (10 credits)
* Public Health Nutrition (10 credits)
* Health of the Individual, Family and Community (10 credits)
* Investing in a Valued Workforce (10 credits)
* Principles and Practice of Public Health and Health Promotion (20 credits)
* Promoting Mental Health and Well Being (10 credits)
* Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
* Managing and Developing People (20 credits)
* Knowledge and Skills of Advanced Clinical Practice (60 credits)
Programme philosophy
This MSc programme has been developed in collaboration with health and social care organisations in the UK. The programme builds upon the theoretical perspective and research evidence on health behaviour and health related policy from the disciplines of psychology, sociology and health and social care management. Opportunities for an individual programme of study are provided so that a coherent personal development plan can be organised.
Intended programme outcomes
The programme draws upon relevant contemporary policy and academic research, applied in the UK and international dynamic health and social care context. The programme outcomes are a statement of what the graduate should know and be able to do on completion of the programme. This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop:
1. theoretical knowledge and understanding;
2. cognitive skills and the following key transferable skills:
3. communication
4. study
5. interpersonal
6. information technology
7. problem solving skills.
Overall, the intended outcomes are summatively assessed through assignments, in the form of essays, reports, research proposal and papers, and individual and group presentations. There are no examinations. The individual modules have varying degrees of formative assessment.
The choice of teaching methods used on the course has been influenced by the basic principle of adult learning, which is most effective if it is linked with the students' existing experiences and demands their participation in the learning process. A variety of methods might be employed in any single teaching and learning process; it is thus intended that individual student learning styles will be accommodated.
The professional and life experiences which students bring provide a valued and valuable resource for learning; methods used will seek to capitalise on this rich resource and encourage learner participation.