Students will explore five broad themes during the delivery of this module.
Epidemiology: Epidemiology is the study of how health and disease are distributed across populations and what factors influence this distribution. Students will learn how to collect, use, and interpret public health data, gaining insight into the processes behind public health surveillance and horizon scanning. They will develop an understanding of the methods used to track and predict health trends and threats.
Determinants of Health: Students will explore the various factors that shape individual and population health and examine how social, economic, and political contexts influence health outcomes. The theme will cover how the wider determinants of health, including environmental and cultural factors, contribute to health inequalities across different populations. Students will consider how health is affected throughout the life course, gaining insight into how early life experiences, social relationships, and community resources impact health.
Planetary Health and Sustainable Healthcare: Planetary health recognises the interconnectedness of human health and the health of our environment especially on co morbidity of conditions across the lifespan. In this theme, students will explore global health equity and learn about strategies to address these health challenges through a sustainability lens. The focus will be on developing a healthcare system that meets the needs of the present without compromising resources for future generations. Students will consider the role of sustainable healthcare practices and the role of the globalised healthcare workforce.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: This theme introduces students to the foundational principles and practices of health promotion and disease prevention in public health. A key component of this theme is training in ‘Making Every Contact Count’ (MECC) Healthy Conversation Skills, which prepares students to use everyday interactions to encourage healthier lifestyle choices, including around dietary choices, and physical activity. Through this, students will develop motivational interviewing skills to support individuals in making sustainable behaviour change.
Global Health Systems and Policy: This theme explores the worldwide organisation, financing, and delivery of healthcare systems. Students would explore how health policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated, examining the role of governance and policymaking in shaping health outcomes. Topics of study include comparisons of different health systems, understanding health economics, and analysing the impact of policies on population health. This theme will help students to understand the complexities of managing health services and resources at national and international levels.