Community and Public Health

UCAS Code: B910
Classification: BSc (Hons)
Course Mode: Full time
Course Duration: 3 Years
Course Location: The Sciences Complex, City Campus
Subject Area: Health Studies
From To UK Fee * International Fee
01 Sep 2012 31 Aug 2013 £7,800 £9,000

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Are you interested in the nation's health and that of individuals? This unique programme gives you the opportunity to study the most important health and community issues facing our society today.

Whether it is the health effects of climate change, the role of private provision of health or the enduring inequalities in health, this programme will allow you to explore the policy and practice implications for health in the 21st century.

It will enable you to focus on linking theory with practical knowledge and experience. You will receive a firm grounding in critical analysis and research skills, in addition to broadening your knowledge of health both nationally and globally.

Recent government legislation is changing fundamentally the provision of health and social care and is giving rise to new challenges in working in health improvement and disease prevention.

This programme is based on the concept of working ‘upstream’ to promote and improve health in communities.

Public health is about preventing health problems before they happen. It is often described as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society – including public and private organisations, communities and individuals.

Public health is a growing area of study and challenges us to improve the health and well-being of people in local communities and around the world.

The programme has recently been extensively updated to reflect the importance of public health and how this impacts on communities.

The programme offers you the opportunity to undertake a work based placement, supported by a placement supervisor.

We are confident this programme will prepare you well for employment in a wide range of settings - including health care, public health, social care and the voluntary and community sectors.

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Course Content

Level 1

Core modules:

  • Community Perspectives on Health
  • The Politics of Health
  • Work-based Practice
  • Fundamentals of Social Sciences
  • Introduction to Research
  • Determinants of Health

Level 2

Core modules:

  • Research Methods in Health
  • Social Exclusion and Health

Option modules include:

  • Health Promotion Theory and Practice
  • Basis of Substance Use and Misuse
  • Health and the Media
  • Changing Health Behaviours
  • Work-based Partnerships 

Level 3

Core modules:

  • Law and Ethics
  • Critical Issues in Health
  • Dissertation

Option modules include:

  • Global Issues in Health
  • Building Healthy Communities
  • Placement
  • Prevention and Intervention of Substance Misuse

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Entry Requirements

Our typical offer is for 260 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/AVCE or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).

We accept Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Communication and Application of Number.

Access Course: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access Programme and a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or equivalent as part of your course.

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline, Tel: (0191) 515 3000.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Learning strategies are designed to be varied, flexible and are built on existing practices within the University.

There are a variety of different delivery methods that address different learning styles to support and encourage active student participation.

These include student discussion groups, tutorials, workshops, practical sessions, use of student group learning, student directed learning and e-learning, for example, the use of WebCT.

Assessment throughout the programme uses a diverse range of methods that are appropriate to the learning outcomes of the modules.

This includes written coursework, projects, poster and oral presentations, time constrained tests, multiple choice questions and seen and unseen examination.

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Work Experience

The programme offers you the opportunity to undertake a work based placement at each level of your studies, supported by a placement supervisor.

The health programmes have built up a large portfolio of areas for placement opportunities, for example, health and social settings, health development units, public health teams, drug and alcohol services, children’s centres, leisure centres and health centres.

As much of the responsibility for public health moves from health to local authorities there will be employment opportunities in areas such as addressing the wider determinants of health (e.g. education, housing, transport, environment); developing community based approaches to addressing health, working with marginalised communities and health development and health promotion roles.

Multi-agency partnerships will continue to create job opportunities, in line with government initiatives, to improve health through addressing health inequalities and tackling the health damaging effects of smoking, alcohol, drugs or poor nutrition.

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Career Opportunities

Community and public health practice requires graduates who have knowledge of a wide range of academic disciplines.

As much of the responsibility for public health moves from health to local authorities there will be employment opportunities in areas such as addressing the wider determinants of health (e.g. education, housing, transport, environment); developing community based approaches to addressing health, working with marginalised communities and health development and health promotion roles.

Multi-agency partnerships will continue to create job opportunities, in line with government initiatives, to improve health through addressing health inequalities and tackling the health damaging effects of smoking, alcohol, drugs or poor nutrition.

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Supplemental Information

If you are interested in individual and community health and would like a career in health based community settings then this is the course for you.

Whether it's to change people's poor health behaviour, working in drug and alcohol venues, complementary settings, health promotion or public health, then this programme offers you the theoretical and practical experience to develop your career in health and community setting.

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Facilities

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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Related Courses

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Faculty Contact Details:

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Recruitment and Marketing

 

Course Contact Details

Programme Leader:

Caron Walker

Tel: 0191 515 2520

Email:

caron.walker@sunderland.ac.uk