module specification

The Practice Based Public Health and Health Promotion Project module will enable you to design and conduct a small project in public health relevant to a specific area of practice or interest. You will conduct a project by collecting and interpreting secondary data analysis, and designing an intervention for health improvement using one particular intervention method. A key focus will be on the identification of the social determinants of health at the local area level in the UK and on a strategy to improve public health and reduce health inequalities within the area of practice and with a view to consolidating transferable skills for future employment in Public Health and Health Promotion. The syllabus is informed by the public health core and defined areas established in the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2019).

The module will give you the opportunity to use the learning gained through the Project based Research and Evaluation and the Public Health and Health Promotion modules. Within the project guidelines, you will be studying independently with support from your supervisor and members of the module team. In addition, you will analyse and debate Public Health issues from your practice, using student-centred learning approaches such as self-directed learning and online and face-to-face group discussion.

Module aims:

● To enable students to integrate and apply the skills and knowledge base underpinning their public health education in a sustained piece of independent academic work (practice-based project).                                                                
● To develop students capacity to identify contemporary public health issues and to propose strategies of service improvement as a result of independent learning from different sources and experiences.
● To provide learning opportunities that support the public health role within the context of the social determinants of health i.e. to improve priority public health conditions and reduce health inequalities.  
● To help students develop research and evaluative skills to support an evidence-based approach to their Public Health practice.

Available for Study Abroad? NO

● Public health roles and functions (LO3, LO5)

● Identifying local health needs (LO1)

● Exploring practice contexts (LO1)

● Exploring public health & health promotion strategies (LO3)

● Social determinants of health and health inequalities (LO3, LO5)

● Applying public health methods (LO2)

● Proposing and planning a practice-based project (LO2, LO4)

● Recognising ethical challenges (LO3, LO5)

● Gathering, interpreting and managing information (LO2)

● Working with feedback (LO5)

● Approaches to stakeholder analysis (LO3, LO5)

● Reflective practice (LO5)

● Producing a complete practice-based project (LO4)

The teaching and learning strategy of the module emphasises self-directed and independent study, and scheduled teaching activities. 

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed with opportunities to:

● Engage in guided text-based learning activity during semester 1.

● Engage in online class discussion (discussion forum).

● Reflect on practice, recognising, valuing and utilising practice as a learning resource and reflective practice as a requisite for CPD in public health.

● Listen to podcasts and video-recorded sessions.

● Experience Seminar presentations using Collaborate (or other real-time virtual classroom software).

● Engage in face-to-face sessions during semester 2.

● Access support and guidance from a supervisor.

● Work independently in developing their practice-based project.

Students will prepare for online sessions and discussions by completing the self-directed learning activities and by participating and contributing to online discussions (enquiry and problem-based learning) and face-to-face seminars designed to facilitate understanding of theory. They will reflect upon their personal development (reflective log) and practice with peers and lecturers, working in online groups to consider strategies for service improvement. They will be supported in the enhancement of self-awareness and personal/professional growth through the use of strategies that include reflective practice and critical thinking.

On completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Identify and define an appropriate public health topic for study within the area of practice.

2. Select appropriate methods of study and approaches to analysis, justifying the research methodology. 

3. Critically evaluate the application of evidence and theories to justify a proposal for health improvement in an area of practice.

4. Produce a fluent and accurately written project for a specific practice context, demonstrating critical-thinking and awareness of current public health issues in relation to the selected health topic.                 

5. Critically debate public health issues, practice and policy through engagement in online learning activities, and becoming an active member of the online community.

The purpose of the formative and summative assessments is to give students an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills as well as their critical and reflective analysis. The assessments will also provide students with the opportunity to develop transferable skills that will prove valuable to them in their future career.

Students’ achievement of the learning outcomes will include a range of formative and summative exercises and tasks including:

● A Practice-Based Public Health Profile and Strategy (2500 words) 25% (LO1, 3) (summative assessment)

● Profile outline draft (formative assessment)

● Online activities – contributions to forum discussion (performance) 25% (LO5) (summative assessment)

● Chapter/section drafts to supervisor (formative assessment)

● Practice-based project (6000 words) based on a public health issue within the student’s area of practice or interest 50% (LO1,2,3,4) (summative assessment)

Please see reading list in Talis:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/BE27E175-370E-F2A1-AF48-E945D6524C28.html?lang=en