Health Studies
Modules Summary
Year 1 (level 4)
- Exploring Health and Social Care: this is the core introductory module that focuses on the notion that health is a complex and contested concept, which is determined by social and economic conditions; that the context of care varies from that provided informally by families, to those services delivered by professionals; and finally, the module introduces you to the development of health and social care policies in the UK.
- Exploring Childhood: this optional module explores the meaning of childhood at different times and in different cultures; you will examine the physical and emotional development of children within the changing nature of the family; look at the different ways that each of us learns about our identity as children and understand more about recent legislation that concerns childhood, such child protection.
Year 2 (level 5)
Compulsory module:
- Health and Well-being: Individuals and Communities. This is the compulsory module that examines the barriers to 'well being' for vulnerable groups and then considers the influences that shapes policy in the field of health and social care. In the final part of the module we consider international inequalities and the global challenges these present.
Optional modules:
- Social Science Research: examines the research methods used currently to measure health and encourages you to start taking a more critical approach to the papers, articles and books you read.
- Public Health and Health Promotion: aims to broaden your understanding of the
variety of ways that physical, emotional, environmental and social factors
impact on our health; you will examine the role of professionals in
improving the nation's health and consider the extent to which health
improvement is an individual responsibility or a social problem. This
module also enables you to take a critically look at a variety of actual
health promotion activities.

Year 3 (level 6)
All modules at level 6 in Health Studies are optional:
- Dissertation: the dissertation is an opportunity to carry out a more detailed academic study in a particular selected area - possibly focusing on a topic which matches your ideal career, or simply something that interests you. It is an exercise in independent learning, but one that is supported by research training, group seminars, on-line resources and regular contact with an allocated academic member of staff who will be your supervisor.
- Disability: a life course approach considers the way disability and disabling practices affect people of all generations but in different ways. You will examine the different ways that notions of disability have been used at different times and across cultures - particularly in the media - to help you understand more about the importance of social construction of what is regarded as normal and what might be considered different.
- Debates in Health and Social Care: looks at some of the most important challenges facing contemporary health care systems. Examining real-world issues and problems means that this module is of particular benefit to you if you are considering employment in the public or private health sectors.
- Psychology of Health: aims to broaden and deepen your understanding of psychological perspectives on the relationship between mind and body in health.
- Community Engagement: you have an opportunity to learn more about the voluntary sector. The relationship between the voluntary and community sector with other support and provider organisations is explored. In this module you are able to do some volunteering and to reflect on that experience, so if you already do some voluntary work or are thinking about volunteering this might contribute to your learning.
- Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care: if you are interested in pursuing or developing a management career in the public sector, this module will help you by examining organisational structures, management and leadership styles, managing performance and partnership working. These are all critical issues in current management thinking.
- Health and Social Care Work-based Evaluation: if you are working in an approved health and or social care setting you may be able to use your experience to inform your practice and problem-solving skills to make appropriate changes to your ways of working.
Related points of view:
Field Trip to Chew Valley Lake
This field trip consisted of a visit to Chew...
Why I chose Bath Spa
I think the primary reason for choosing this...
Field trips
Environmental
Science is a particularly valuable...
Meet the staff
Professor Rob Mears
Head of School
Paulene Hudson
Course Leader: Health Studies
Dr Michael McBeth
Subject Leader: Sociology and Health Studies
Mary Stoate
Course Leader: Health and Social Care Management
