module specification

PT5058 - Public health for Physiotherapy (2026/27)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2026/27
Module title Public health for Physiotherapy
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
40 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
77 hours Guided independent study
33 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100% 40 A submitted poster presentation of health promotion relevant to physiotherapy and an accompanying video recording detail
Running in 2026/27

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Wednesday Afternoon

Module summary

In this module, you will explore the principles, values, and practices that underpin public health and health promotion within contemporary physiotherapy and wider healthcare settings. The module introduces you to population‑level approaches to health, the social determinants of health, and the role of allied health professionals in promoting wellbeing, preventing illness, and reducing health inequalities. You will examine how public health priorities shape clinical practice, service delivery, and professional responsibility, and you will develop the foundational skills needed to integrate health‑promotion strategies into individual and community‑based physiotherapy practice.

Through lectures, case‑based activities, group work, and reflective tasks, you will analyse current public health challenges and consider evidence‑based approaches to behaviour change, community engagement, and health communication. You will also be introduced to key national and global policies that guide public health strategy and explore how these influence physiotherapy across diverse settings and patient populations. The module contributes to your overall professional development by encouraging you to adopt a preventative, person‑centred perspective that complements your growing clinical skills across the programme.

Specifically in this module you will:

  1. Develop an understanding of public health principles and how they apply to physiotherapy practice across clinical and community pathways.
  2. Explore the social, environmental, and behavioural determinants of health and their impact on population wellbeing.
  3. Explore evidence based health promotion strategies, including behaviour change models and patient centred communication.
  4. Develop skills in identifying public health priorities relevant to physiotherapy and proposing appropriate interventions.
  5. Reflect on your professional responsibilities in promoting health, preventing illness, and supporting equitable access to services.
  6. Begin to integrate public health perspectives into your developing identity as a healthcare professional.

 

Prior learning requirements

None 

Available for Study Abroad? NO

 

Syllabus

Knowledge

  • Introduction to public health principles, frameworks, and priorities, including health promotion, disease prevention, and population level approaches (LO1).
  • Overview of key public health policies and strategies (national and global) that influence physiotherapy practice and service delivery (LO1, LO4).
  • Exploration of the social, environmental, and behavioural determinants of health, and how these contribute to health inequalities across populations (LO2).
  • Introduction to epidemiology, public health data sources, and health needs assessment, enabling you to interpret data and identify priority areas for action (LO4).

Skills

  • Application of behaviour change theories (e.g., COMB, Health Belief Model, Motivational Interviewing principles) to support individuals in making positive health choices (LO3).
  • Development of effective health promotion communication strategies, including tailored messaging, goalsetting, and engaging different population groups (LO3, LO4).
  • Practice of community focused approaches, such as asset based thinking and partnership working, to support health improvement initiatives (LO3, LO4).
  • Skills in interpreting public health evidence, policy documents, and local health needs data to support decision making and intervention planning (LO4).

Attitudes

  • Development of a person centred, preventative mindset, recognising the role of physiotherapists in promoting health and wellbeing beyond clinical treatment (LO1, LO4).
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing health inequalities, especially for marginalised and underserved populations (LO2, LO4).
  • Willingness to reflect on your professional responsibilities, personal biases, and areas for growth in delivering health promotion messages and public health interventions (LO4).
  • Engagement in collaborative, socially accountable practice, valuing community partnerships and interdisciplinary approaches to public health (LO4).

 

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

This module provides a balanced blend of scheduled teaching and guided independent learning to support your development of key public health and health promotion capabilities.

You will attend weekly structured sessions that combine lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussions, and case based activities. These scheduled learning activities introduce the core principles of public health, the determinants of health, and evidence based health promotion strategies while giving you opportunities to apply concepts through interactive and collaborative learning.

The teaching approach emphasises active engagement and critical thinking. You will analyse public health case studies, interpret population level data, and discuss real world examples of health promotion initiatives across different communities. Workshops will enable you to practise communication techniques, behaviour change approaches, and health promotion planning in a supportive environment. Throughout the module, you will participate in reflective exercises that help you to examine your developing professional identity and consider the responsibilities of physiotherapists in promoting health and reducing inequalities.

Alongside scheduled sessions, you will engage in independent study activities, such as reading key literature, exploring online public health resources, and consolidating concepts introduced in class. You will also undertake independent research and preparation for assessments, including reviewing policy documents, synthesising evidence, and reflecting on your learning in relation to personal and professional development (PDP).

A blended learning approach supports your learning throughout, with access to digital materials, guided activities, and recommended online platforms that complement in person teaching and allow you to extend your understanding beyond the classroom.

 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the core principles, frameworks, and priorities of public health and explain how these relate to physiotherapy practice at individual, community, and population levels.
  2. Explain the social, environmental, and behavioural determinants of health and analyse how they contribute to health inequalities within different populations.
  3. Apply evidence based models of behaviour change and health communication to develop appropriate, person-centred health promotion strategies.
  4. Interpret public health data, policies, and evidence to identify health needs relevant to physiotherapy service users and communities, and reflect on developing professional responsibilities in promoting health, preventing illness, and supporting equitable access to healthcare, identifying areas for ongoing development

 

Bibliography

Public Health Physiotherapy | London Metropolitan University

Key Professional and Policy Resources