This module is designed to provide you with a historical perspective on the origins of social services, the development of the welfare state and the provision of welfare services during the latter half of the Twentieth Century and the beginning of the Twenty First Century. You will explore the basic concepts and debates concerning the nature of health and welfare and health and welfare service delivery and have the opportunity to develop a variety of academic study skills for both independent and group work.

This module introduces you to a range of social research methods used within social research. You will be introduced to some of the fundamental tools of social research and develop introductory level skills in research design, analysis and critical appraisal.

This module introduces a range of psychological and sociological approaches, theories and concepts, which are relevant to understanding an individuals’ health and wellbeing. You will develop the skills needed to explain the impact of illness on the individual from psychological and sociological perspectives.

This module is designed to introduce you to different perspectives on health improvement. The module considers the various processes that constitute health, including biology, physiology, policy, psychology and sociology. It also explores factors that influence health and lifestyle and the different approaches to improvement, locating these within a wider public health context.

This module introduces the discipline of epidemiology and key concepts and methods. The module examines the multi layered and multi-dimensional causes and risk factors that produce health inequalities and identifies the required action at all levels. It will provide a knowledge base to equip students to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between epidemiology and public health policy and practice, and of the challenges facing epidemiology in contemporary society.

This module furnishes you with the concepts and theories in fields of study such as ethics and politics to address contemporary health debates and dilemmas.

This module critically examines the way in which psychological factors contribute to health and illness. You will develop the skills needed to apply psychological concepts and theories within the field of health and health care to understand the occurrence, development and progression of illness.

This module builds upon Introduction to Social Research giving you a deeper insight into various social research methods within social research. You will be encouraged to extend their understanding of epistemological traditions, forms of research and ethical issues introduced in first year by developing a critical understanding of 'real world' research designs; understanding major methods of data collection and the fundamentals of data analysis in qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research.

This module reviews past and recent development in public health and considers concepts, principles and methodologies associated with different sub-fields of the subject. It introduces you to theories to guide practice, explores the evidence base for intervention and features a special focus on actions to improve the environment to create a more health-promoting setting. Important perspectives and themes are explored via a focus on a variety of topical issues and debates within the public health discourse from local, national and international standpoints.

This module provides you with the opportunity to select and research, independently, a specialised topic in the health field in considerable depth. You may conduct an empirical or library-based study.

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Leadership and Management in Diverse Settings

This module familiarises you with key management and organisational theories relevant to diverse health settings, providing an opportunity to critically assess the application of these concepts and theories to the delivery of health and social care. The module will provide a knowledge base to help you develop a critical understanding of the theoretical, organisational and applied practices associated with the delivery of health and social care, as well as exploring the mixed economy of welfare and welfare pluralism.

Contemporary Issues in Health Research

This module is particularly for those wishing to pursue empirical research and to develop key research skills suitable for academic and health sector research careers. The module is built around current trends in health research linked to research interests and expertise of research staff. Topics covered may include (but are not limited to): sport and mental health, public inquiries and inquests. The module will allow you to ‘deconstruct’ research projects to understand the methodological processes and decision-making. The module will explore ethical dilemmas in contemporary research and the processes involved in ethical decision-making and management within higher education. The module will also cover dissemination practices such as presentations, academic peer-review processes and publishing matters.

Substance Use, Addictive Behaviour and Health

This module introduces key concepts related to addictive behaviour and encourages you to critically analyse current global approaches to problematic substance use and permits you to develop viable alternatives. 

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

This module explores what is meant by 'mental wellbeing' and investigates the many different influences that impact on this. Some of the topics covered will be: the link between exercise and mental wellbeing; the impact that society has on wellbeing; the link between mental health and physical health and an exploration of the value that practising mindfulness has on our wellbeing.

Health, Wellbeing and Society in Professional Contexts

This module aims to ensure that you understand the basic aspects of working within a variety of professional environments, and start to reflect on how your strengths, weaknesses and passions can guide you in making your career choices. You will be guided in developing skills and attitudes relevant to future employment through self-evaluation, and critical reflection on data protection, interpersonal skills, person-centered practice and professional portfolio development. Throughout this time, you will also complete 45 hours of work with DMU Local and/or another health-related professional environment. Following graduation, there will be a range of employment opportunities available to you, and this module seeks to prepare you for these by providing you with a broad appreciation of the range of work that you can undertake in your future career, and by supporting you as you begin to consider where you stand in relation to these.

Health, Technology and Society

This module will highlight to you the range of implications technology has on our daily lives and individuals’ health and wellbeing. The topics will be diverse in nature and cover elements such as internet addiction, cyberbullying, digital health inequalities and other current trends in digital health research.

Social Exclusion and Health

This module explores the concept of social exclusion. Different theoretical perspectives are reviewed. The module also explores related topics, for example, poverty, inequalities in health and social capital. Consideration is given to specific groups, for example, lone parent families, people with a disability, gypsies and travellers, the homeless and older people and the impact of social exclusion on these groups.

Gender, Health and Health Care

This module examines the relationship between gender and health. It seeks to explore the extent and character of gender differences in health care institutions, ideologies and practices. In particular, it examines the gender differences in relation to health status; the use of health care services; and the division of labour in health care. It also explores various gender-relevant themes in health and health care: for example, reproduction, sex work and domestic violence.