MSc Health Studies  MSc Health Studies Bath Spa University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1533723740Bath Spa University.jpg

INTRODUCTION The postgraduate health programme is a multi-disciplinary programme that aims to meet the needs of professionals working or considering work in health and allied fields. It is also suitable for new graduates who are interested in pursuing a professional career in this field. The programme comprises an MSc Health Studies, and a specialised route in Healthcare Management. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT The programme is suitable for anyone who has an interest in health and social care-related issues. Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds including professionals from the public, private and voluntary sectors graduates and those holding professional qualifications as well as people who want to work in or have an interest in health and social care. The programme focuses on taught modules, each worth 30 credits. To qualify for the MSc you must complete the dissertation module, worth 60 credits. You will gain credits when you complete each module, and these are accumulated for an award. You select two modules for the PGCert, four modules for the PGDip and four modules plus dissertation for the award of MSc. The programme is flexible and allows you to choose modules that complement your professional interests. For example, those working in, or aspiring to management level positions, may choose modules relating to management, leadership and policy. Individual advice is always available to assist you in choosing the modules that are likely to be most relevant to you. You can study on a full or part-time basis, subject to a maximum of three years full-time, or five years part-time for the MSc. ? Health Studies: This is the most flexible route. Students working towards the award of MSc must complete the Research Methods module prior to beginning their dissertation. All other modules are selected according to personal interest. ? Health Management: This is a specialised route in which there are three compulsory modules: Research Methods, Management and Leadership and Policy and Politics of Health. In addition, the focus of the dissertation will concern management issues. The work-based module offers a further opportunity for independent study linked to workplace issues. MODULES Students select two modules for the PGCert, four modules for the PGDip and four modules plus a dissertation for the award of MSc. Typically students choose modules that complement their professional interests. ? Research Methods is designed to develop understanding about the research process, health services research, epidemiological research, audit and assessment of quality in research. You will gain an understanding of, and an ability to apply the basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research methods in this module. ? Public Health examines the major aspects of public health in the UK today. It includes: measuring health status, identification of risk factors, health needs assessment, health promotion, and surveillance and communicable disease control. You will study key determinants of behaviour change and different strategies used to instigate change. ? Quality Leadership and Management provides opportunities to develop understanding and competencies in leading and managing, and to facilitate your own personal development. Principles, concepts and procedures relating to health and allied professional environments will form the focus of the curriculum. ? Policy and Politics of Health reviews the rise of managerial influence in health services, and the shifts in power relationships between the medical profession, other health professionals and managers in the modern NHS. You will examine policy shifts in the service the idea of a primary care led NHS the changing role of consumers the search for efficiency and quality in health care and the measurement and evaluation of health services. ? Society and Health introduces the socio-economic basis of health, illness and inequalities. In addition you will examine different theoretic