Overview
Public health is considered the science and art of promoting and protecting health and wellbeing, preventing ill-health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society.
The Public Health & Community Studies BA (Hons) degree has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to excel in a multidisciplinary community environment and to effectively support a variety of agencies, communities and individuals in promoting health and wellbeing.
With increased attention from government on the improvement of population health, this is an excellent time to study the underlying factors that contribute to ill health and how you as a practitioner can work to promote health and wellbeing as well as tackling the social inequalities within the localities you serve.
Why CU Coventry
We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Employability
Dedicated Careers & Employability department who will assist you in finding employmentTop Quality Courses
Taught by industry professionals, awarded by Coventry UniversityNo End of Year Exams
Our modern teaching techniques mean no last-minute cramming and less stressProfessional Recognition
Specific courses contain additional industry recognised qualifications from awarding bodies
Course information
The Public Health & Community Studies BA (Hons) degree aims to teach the skills and knowledge relevant for progression into statutory, voluntary or private sectors. Opportunities can be found in areas that address the wider determinants of health - such as education, housing and transport – by developing public approaches to promote health.
Throughout the course you will address health inequalities, including tackling the damaging effects of smoking, alcohol, drugs and poor nutrition as well as analysing government initiatives.
Course Specification
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Modules
Coventry has been ranked top 15 in the UK for 5 years running in the The Guardian University Guide 2016-2020. CU Coventry is part of the Coventry University Group.
In more detail...
If you’ve ever thought of becoming a social entrepreneur by setting up your own organisation, or considered how you can make a positive change in the community, our course will equip you with all the skills, knowledge and experience needed to start your journey into the public health sector.
Facilities
Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library & Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites. Plus, you can take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Coventry University Students’ Union (CUSU).
Staff
This course has been developed and is taught by practising professionals and industry experts. Our academics bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom with many continuing to undertake research and other projects alongside teaching, meaning our students gain a well-rounded and relevant teaching experience. (Staff subject to change.)
Practical experience
Throughout your studies, you will find that the course is underpinned with practical elements. In previous years, students have visited a variety of public institutions, such as the Museum of Mental Health, Parliament, housing charities and CU Social Enterprise to experience modern organisations and how they operate in the public sector.
Placements*
At CU Coventry, we put a strong focus on getting our graduates ready to enter the job market. This can be done in a variety of ways - one key element is work placements. With this degree, you are given the opportunity to undertake short and long-term placements in between your second and third year.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a qualification awarded by Coventry University
- You will receive support with applying for short and long-term placements*, to gain the experience employers desire, with our in-house Careers & Employability department*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, event, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- You will have the opportunity for multi-campus learning in Coventry, London and Scarborough
- In order to make higher education accessible to as many people as possible, we keep our tuition fees competitively priced
- Small tutorial group sessions ensure that you receive the mentoring help and support you need
- We deliver one module at a time during each block. This means you can dedicate your time to specialise in each subject without the distraction of numerous modules and multiple deadlines.
Your main study themes are:
- Inequality: Inequalities in health run throughout the programme. You will look at several factors that contribute to the inequality, such as geographical locations and financial incomes. You will critically appraise inequalities and learn to identify bias and injustice in communities.
- Social Determinants: Social Determinants are key to public health practice and can affect communities and public health. Themes explored in this programme include, infrastructure, classism, education, social networks and area of residency.
- Vulnerable Communities: You will develop the ability to identify vulnerable communities. Many communities that suffer from bad health are vulnerable; you will be able to critically assess significant correlations and demonstrate how help and support can be provided to encourage better health.
- Social Enterprise: Throughout the course you are encouraged to develop independently and academically, through reflection, information searching and experimental projects. You will learn to work autonomously, understand and assess communities critically and create solutions confidently.
This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field*. Alternatively, part-time study is also available. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please contact cuc@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.
Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.
Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.
Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, event, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.
Assessment methods vary and include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.
Breakdown of final grade assessment (approximate and subject to change):
60% Coursework
40% Assessments
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of legislation, strategies and policies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests
- Critically appraise theories related to the development of a health promotion strategy, considering social determinants that could influence the effectiveness
- Develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable market research activities
- Operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions
- Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.
Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.
Part-time
If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support.
Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers.
With the Online International Learning (Oil) Project, students of the Public Health & Community Studies course gain access to exciting international opportunities with universities across the world, such as the University of Venice, where students can take part in online seminars, network with students and course leaders and sit in on relevant lectures.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, event, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Entry Requirements
CU Coventry has assessed that you can achieve the required grades and we have demonstrated this belief by making you an offer. This is our commitment to you so then we ask that you reciprocate this commitment by selecting us as your ‘firm’ choice and activating your offer.
We will consider other qualifications for a pre-result unconditional offer if you have an appropriate proven performance at GCSE (or equivalent) level and predicted grades in line with grades that we expect to see at A-level. Other qualifications that we may consider for a pre-result unconditional offer include: The International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Cambridge Pre-U and combinations of qualifications (e.g. BTECS plus A-levels).
An unconditional offer is what it says it is. So, if you don’t meet your predictions then your place is still guaranteed. However, we would hope and expect that you continue to work hard to make the most of your potential and be best prepared to study at university level.
No, the unconditional offer is only available to those who will take up their place in the year for which they applied.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we have a number of programmes which upon successful completion and meeting any additional entry criteria, qualifies you onto a place on this degree course, such as Foundation Years or Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Course essentials - additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.Fees & Funding
We price our courses competitively in an attempt to make higher education accessible for a wide range of people. Your tuition fees will cover all of your classes, online tutorials, some of the learning materials and access to our Library & Learning Services.
Funding
As a full-time or part-time student resident in the UK or EU, you can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees at CU Coventry from Student Finance England.
Career prospects
With a growing demand for skilled health professionals, graduates of this course have an expansive list of career paths to explore.
With the majority of graduates going directly into a public health profession, others have chosen to study further in the field, with several students undertaking a master’s degree in subjects such as Public Health and Nutrition, International Business Management and Social Policy.
Where our graduates work
There are a variety of career paths from this degree programme. Graduates have gone on to work successfully in leading companies such as the Royal Derby Hospital and Coventry University.
Disclaimer
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance at that time. For international students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus will apply for the first year of study. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
