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Health and Wellbeing in Society modules

First year 

  • Introduction to Health, Wellbeing and Society is designed to provide students 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.
  • Introduction to Social Research Methods introduces students to a range of social research methods used within social research. Students will be introduced to some of the fundamental tools of social research and develop introductory level skills in research design, analysis and critical appraisal.
  • Psychological and Sociological Theories of Health and Illness introduces a range of psychological and sociological approaches, theories and concepts, which are relevant to understanding an individuals’ health and wellbeing. Students will develop the skills needed to explain the impact of illness on the individual from psychological and sociological perspectives.
  • Health Improvement and Lifestyle 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.
  • Health and Disease in Communities 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.
  • Debates and Dilemmas in Health and Social Care furnishes students with the concepts and theories in fields of study such as ethics and politics to address contemporary health debates and dilemmas. 
  • Psychological Aspects of Health critically examines the way in which psychological factors contribute to health and illness. Students will develop the skills need to apply psychological concepts and theories within the field of health and health care to understand the occurrence, development and progression of illness.

Second year

 

  • Sociological Aspects of Health sociologically and conceptually explores salient issues in the sociology of health. In particular, it considers contemporary issues and debates around e-health and medical technologies, the relationship between health, risk and responsibilities, and explores established theoretical contributions to understanding health.

  • Applied Social Research Methods builds upon Introduction to Social Research giving students a deeper insight into various social research methods within social research. Students 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

Third year 

Core Modules

  • Health Promotion and Public Health reviews past and recent development in public health and considers concepts, principles and methodologies associated with different sub-fields of the subject. It introduces students 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.
  • Health and Wellbeing in Society Project provides the student with the opportunity to select and research, independently, a specialised topic in the health field in considerable depth. Students may conduct an empirical or library-based study.

Optional Modules 

  • Leadership and Management in Diverse Settings familiarises students 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 equip students to 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 is particularly for students 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 students 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 introduces key concepts related to addictive behaviour, encourages students to critically analyse current global approaches to problematic substance use and permits them to develop viable alternatives. 
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing explores what is meant by 'mental wellbeing' and to investigate 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 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 highlights to students 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 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 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.