This module introduces students to theories and concepts in health improvement. Health Improvement is central to the theory and practice of the ‘new public health’ and is essential for anyone working in public health. Students will have an opportunity to trace the development and evolution of health improvement, and will be able to develop their own health improvement knowledge and skills with an awareness of a broad range of issues surrounding the topic.
Lectures will be delivered via weekly lecture/workshop sessions which will involve a lecture element, in-class discussions and in-class group work. Students will also conduct a field trip to a local health improvement organisation. Students are expected to do self-directed learning (SDL) and will be expected to prepare for the contact sessions in advance using materials and readings which will be placed on the VLE one week before each session. Students will need to do the reading and any activities prior to the session and the sessions will then be used to consolidate this learning.