Course Content
Introduction to Global Health:
This introductory module to global health will explore contemporary health challenges within the context of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), differing health systems and policy approaches. The module provides a comprehensive understanding of the different political structures, actors, policies, economic systems and theories (such as the social determinants of health) underpinning global health initiatives, programmes and practices.
Critical Issues in Global Health:
This module will build on the Introduction to Global Health module by exploring critical issues in global health in more depth. Using problem-based learning and case-studies, the module will enable students to critically appraise aspects such as sociological, psychological, political, legal, environmental, social, cultural, and spiritual factors that influence global health in different contexts. Students will gain an understanding of challenges that cross disciplines and borders, as well as the importance of transdisciplinary teamwork and systems thinking.
Global Health Skills:
This module will focus on students developing skills to work with communities and incorporates some opportunities for reflection on Global Health competencies and skills for employability. The module will start from the perspective of self-awareness and critical reflection on issues such as unconscious bias and cultural competence as well as completion of a skills audit. The module will incorporate a broad range of theoretical perspectives including determinants of health, engagement and consensus decision making, community development, leadership and change management, lobbying, policy writing and evaluation and advocacy.
Researching Global Health:
This module is designed to give the student the opportunity to critically evaluate the fundamental and procedural aspects of Global Health research, as well as engaging with evidence and evidence-based practice. The context surrounding research will be explored and interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches will be critically appraised.
Global Health Dissertation:
This module is a student-led, self-directed piece of work, which sees the student undertake an individual project from start to finish. This can be an empirical or non-empirical project utilising a variety of methods. The student will conceive and execute the project with support from a suitably qualified staff member to guide their work, playing a small consultative role. The main responsibility lies with the student to organise their time, agree and meet interim deadlines with their supervisor and maintain contact and dialogue throughout. Students will choose a dissertation topic and approach that is relevant to their academic and/or vocational interests.
