PP5000 - Public Health Theory and Practice

Teaching and learning strategies for this module will include lectures to outline the main concepts, trends and theories. Facilitated group discussions will be integral to the module where you will explore key concepts in more depth to draw out individual and collective analysis. You will be expected to engage with directed independent study tasks, as well as working in informal groups to present your ideas. Online forums and discussion groups will also be introduced to enhance your learning.

Lecturers will facilitate seminar groups to support academic development. You will have access to lecturers at specifically designated times via online forums; email; group tutorials and one to one meetings. Formative and summative assessment tasks include ‘feedforward’ in preparation for assignments, and ‘feedback’ to identify aspects of students’ strengths and also aspects which require development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP).

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Debate the complex processes underpinning the design and delivery of public health interventions, with specific emphasis on how at risk groups, diseases and populations impact on their success/effectiveness.

2. Reflect upon the idea of behaviour change to appreciate the challenges and opportunities relating to changing illness or lifestyle behaviours and their prevention.

3. Develop an understanding of individual and population health in relation to disease and risk prevention strategies.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Develop transferable research skills by continuing to read and analyse the contribution of published research and policy on public health.

Formative Assessment

A range of formative tasks will be embedded into the content of the module including presentations, small group discussions and independent library based research. Formative assessment will also involve carrying out case studies on public health policy and practice initiatives.

Summative Assessment
A case study of a public health intervention that critically evaluates the pros/cons and impact on the population in question (3000 words) (MLOs 01, 02, 03, 04, 05).
1. Identify and briefly outline a key public health policy or initiative.
2. Critically debate the rationale behind its introduction
3. Draw on and critically apply relevant public health theory to explore the impact on public health practice
4. Critically consider the impact of this on individual / population health

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The aim of this module is to support you to develop a critical understanding of public health theory, policy and research and apply this to the complex and dynamic health and social care context.

In this module you will critically explore and analyse key concepts relating to public health theory and practice. This will include developments in public health policy and prevention research and approaches to practice. You will examine the changing public health context and the emergence of ‘lifestyle illnesses’ which affect population health and individual health behaviours. You will be introduced to behavioural science and behaviour change theory, to equip you with a detailed understanding of the challenge and opportunities for improving health behaviours and lifestyles in individuals and populations.

The module also will examine research conducted on healthcare risks, lay beliefs, help seeking behaviour and the ‘prevention paradox’. Key sessions will support you to critically explore a range of public health initiatives from past and current literature, critical evaluation of case studies and the evidence and personal knowledge based on your own, and other students’ and tutors’ experiences.