School of Nursing and Human Sciences

Understanding the Course:

From the cellular to the global: health matters in contemporary societies
Health needs to be understood in a variety of ways and with regard to social contexts. To develop this kind of understanding, we can explore the following kinds of questions:

• What kind of bodies are we supposed to have? How does this relate to the society in which we live?
• What are the biological dimensions of health and illness?
• What is it like to experience illness and disability?
• What determines the distribution of health within societies?
• What are the various implications of changing technologies of health intervention?
• What are the varying forms of health action?
• How is health influenced at various levels - individual, community, societal and global?
• What kinds of personal, social, political and ethical awareness are relevant to health matters?

If you think these questions are interesting and that you would like to learn how to actively engage in health action projects or campaigns, this course may be of interest to you.

About You:

You should be interested in health issues and especially in the idea of health action in doing something to achieve positive health outcomes. You should be keen to work with others, ready to challenge and be challenged and willing to work hard.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university (see How to Apply section), the following requirements apply: OD3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS OD3 or HD3 in one of physics, chemistry, biology, physics with chemistry, agricultural science.

GCE Requirements::

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level D or GCSE C Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level D or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Course Structure:

You will undertake a range of modules including modules in which you will:

• Find out about various perspectives- biological, social, political, ethical, psychological- that you can employ in examining health issues.
• Learn about health research.
• Actively engage in health projects or campaigns.
• Develop your own 'healthy qualities'.
• Examine particular health-related issues like 'drugs in society', 'nutrition and health' and 'trauma and abuse in society'.

As part of the course, you will have ample opportunities to engage in activities and project work that you find personally relevant and interesting.

With a particular emphasis on health action in the everyday world, you will also get to participate in a voluntary community project in Year one, to design and implement a small health campaign (working with fellow students) in Year Two, and to conduct a health action project as part of a final dissertation in Year Three.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Health issues are explored from multiple perspectives - biological, social, political, ethical and psychological.
• A strong emphasis is placed on research inquiry into and action on key contemporary health issues.
• There is potential to focus on health issues of personal relevance and interest to you.
• You will have opportunities for active engagement in health action projects and campaigns locally, nationally and globally.
• You will work with a dynamic lecturing team that has diverse health-related expertise and experiences.

Career Prospects:

As graduates from this course, you will be well placed for a future career in a health-related profession. There are postgraduate entry routes into a variety of such professions, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and health promotion. The B.Sc. in Health and Society will provide a strong basis for this kind of further study. In addition, this degree is suitable for anyone who wishes to pursue roles in overseas development, community development and the voluntary sector.

GCE Requirements::

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level D or GCSE C Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level D or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Entry Requirements:

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level D or GCSE C Mathematics plus GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level D or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Transfer Applications
Applications for entry to first year Health and Society are welcomed from students who may wish to transfer from another level 8 course, who have achieved the requisite points and fulfil the requirements for the course.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

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Fee information