The overall module aim is to provide a conceptual and practical understanding of public health problems. By exploring a range of scenarios, the student will gain an understanding of how commonly encountered public health problems can be approached.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student should be able to:
- Assist in the response to an emerging public health scenario, using a structured and rigorous approach.
- Assess the sources of, and analyse the strengths and limitations of, data used in assessing health needs.
- Appreciate the role of evidence when designing interventions. Based on a critical appraisal of the literature, make recommendations for a new service development, considering local health priorities and resources.
- Understand the principles of methods of assessing health needs, be able to design a health needs assessment, and be able to discuss different methods of setting priorities for responding to them.
- Design an evaluation plan and be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of differing approaches.
- Understand the role public health practitioners can play as agents of change and in advocating for public health; gain some basic skills in public health advocacy and communication.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- Data/epidemiological investigation.
- Critical appraisal of the literature.
- Health needs assessment.
- Prioritisation and strategy development.
- Evaluation.
- Public health advocacy.
- Public health communication.
Mode of delivery
This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).
Assessment
The assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module's intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. Formative assessment methods may be used to measure students’ progress. The grade for summative assessment(s) only will go towards the overall award GPA.
The assessment for this module will be online.
The written assessment will be in the form of a policy briefing.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
This module is recommended for students in MSc Public Health.
It builds on work undertaken in Issues in Public Health (1123), Basic Epidemiology (2001), Basic Statistics for Public Health & Policy (1121), Principles of Social Research (1104) and Introduction to Health Economics (1103) in Term 1 which students are expected to have studied. Whilst some non-compulsory modules (e.g. Health Services (1107) and Health Care Evaluation, 1400) may add useful background information, such knowledge is not assumed.
Part-time MSc PH students are recommended to take this module in year two of their programme, and those wishing to take it in year one should have completed Issues in Public Health (1123) before commencing this module. Non-MSc PH students wishing to opt for Principles and Practice of Public Health (1608) are expected to have taken Issues in Public Health (1123) and Basic Epidemiology (2001).
External applicants need to demonstrate knowledge of, and familiarity with, the core principles of Public Health before being accepted into the module.
Applications for Term 3 E modules are currently open and will close on Tuesday 1 April 2025. Applications should be made online via our .