Module Aims

The module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of wider determinants of health (i.e. the social structures, institutions and relationships that affect health), including what these are, how they are measured, how they relate to health, and potential mechanisms responsible for these relationships. The module builds on core teaching in Term 1, and makes use of research examples drawing on quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. 

Module Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:  

1. Describe key examples of inequalities in health  

2. Select appropriate measures of social determinants of health  

3. Recall and discuss the implications of social determinants of health for understanding public health problems and their solutions  

4. Critically appraise proposed theories linking social determinants to health 

Pre-requisites

• Principles of Public Health
• Research Skills
• Principles of Epidemiology

Teaching Strategy

The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, workshops, small-group exercises, and class discussions. Some reading may be required prior to some sessions. 

Assessment

Critical appraisal of a study exploring the social determinants of health. Your appraisal should include the following: summary of the findings of the study, making sure to include a description of the problem; identification and description of the underlying theory, and assessment of how appropriate it is; a critique of the principle measures of social determinants used. You will be expected to draw on wider literature as necessary.  

Module Length

4 days