Aims

1. To provide an introduction to health care organisation and practice
2. To demonstrate the ways in which health and illness is managed and shaped by society institutions and individuals.
3. To develop understanding of how health and social care organisations shape the practices of professionals working within them

Outline Of Syllabus

This undergraduate module, based on multi-disciplinary research expertise and teaching strengths in relation to Health Service Research and Public Health within the University, provides an introduction to health and social care organisation, practice and policy.

Social understandings of health and illness are identified. The National Health Service (NHS) and international health care systems are introduced along with the roles of health and social care workers, health care practice and delivery and multi-agency working. Health care policy and health interventions are also introduced. Public health and Key features of current and future trends in the health of the population are identified, including the impact of ageing. The key challenges to maintaining the health of society, particularly in relation to health inequalities, are also discussed.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to impart information in a concise manner, to highlight areas of importance and to interrelate with directed reading and self-directed study.

Formative seminars will allow students to self-check knowledge and understanding throughout the module. Private study is used for self-directed learning including further reading and preparation for assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Essay requires students to draw on the course material to think critically about a case study (a health care problem that has stimulated public debate) from alternative perspectives (eg. individual, societal, economical, professional), and to present a coherent argument in answering the set essay question.


MDiet candidates must obtain an overall mark of 40 or above to pass the module, however, if the module has more than one assessment students must also achieve a mark of at least 35 in each component of the assessment to pass the module.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.