Health & Society

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MSc

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Part Time, Full Time

| Admissions status: Open
The master's in Health & Society uses participatory teaching and learning methods to encourage involvement and use of experience and understanding. Praised by external examiners for the depth of reflection it encourages. Draws on the expertise of leading researchers and teachers in a range of health-related fields, including sociology and ethics.

KEY BENEFITS
  • Uses participatory teaching and learning methods throughout to encourage student involvement and make full use of experience and understanding.
  • Praised by external examiners for the depth of reflection it encourages in students.
  • Draws on the expertise of leading researchers and teachers in a range of health-related fields, including sociology and ethics.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Students report that the programme has assisted them to reflect on their role or potential role in health- related occupations, and in understanding the nature and direction of the contemporary health care enterprise.
Programme leader/s
Dr Peter Duncan
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two to six years PT, September to September.
Location
Waterloo Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Education and Professional Studies
Closing date
31 August or until programme is full.
Intake
No set number.
Fees
PT Home: £2550 (2013)
PT Overseas: £6000 (2013)
FT Home: £5100 (2013)
FT Overseas: £12000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 7207
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email Website

PURPOSE
For students from a variety of backgrounds including school teaching, nursing, medicine, dentistry, NHS and local authority health education and health promotion services and voluntary agencies. To develop and enhance knowledge, understanding and critical reflection on theories and ideologies central to the notion of health, and appreciation of the social influences and context of health and health related practice. Participants will develop awareness of modern social theory and how it can be used to chart and understand the relationship between health and society.

DESCRIPTION

The four core taught modules are:

  • Health: Concepts & Theories;
  • The Social Context of Health;
  • Values, Ethics & the Public Health;
  • Research Methods.

There is also a taught special study:

  • Theorising Health and Society.

Students also need to complete a dissertation by independent supervised study.



STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
  • Dissertation.
  • Health: Concepts & Theories
  • Research Methods
  • The Social Context of Health
  • Values, Ethics and the Public Health
  • Theorising Health & Society.


FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Successful completion of the compulsory modules, the relevant special study module and the dissertation leads to the MSc. All taught modules are assessed by assignments. There are no written exams.

MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.

Module code: 7SSEH001
Credit level: 7

This course explores and debates key concepts and theories related to the idea of health. It encourages critical appraisal of the epistemological and ideological underpinnings of theoretical work in this area. It focuses on philosophical concepts of health, theories of health promotion, theoretical explanations of health action and health behaviour change and understanding of mental health
Module code: 7SSEH008
Credit level: 7

This module encourages participants’ capacity to engage in research, and to critically appraise the research of others. It considers the relevance and applicability of separate research paradigms to different aspects of research. It explores how and why methodological choices are or might be made in research.
Module code: 7SSEH002
Credit level: 7

This course encourages critical awareness and appreciation of social influences on, and the social context of, health. It considers social determinants of health and illness, inequalities in health and the relationship between public policy, health and disease.
Module code: 7SSEH003
Credit level: 7

This module encourages the development of capacity to engage in systematic reflection on the assumptions, concepts and values inherent in the fields of health/health care. It provides an introduction to the nature of ethical and values-related debates, discusses key issues in public health ethics and debates the relationship between public services and the idea of 'professional ethics'.


ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice

Minimum 2:2 honours degree and/or a registerable professional qualification appropriate to the programme, eg in nursing.


APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications are considered by the Admissions Tutor. Home students may be invited for interview and both home and international students are asked, if appropriate, to complete a short written task. We endeavour to process all applications within four to six weeks of receipt in the department.

PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Please identify and describe your practical experience in the field, and indicate any previous theoretical learning you have undertaken in the area. Please also explain why you wish to study from an MSc in Health and Society and how and why you think it will support your future career or other plans.



FUNDING
Some students are funded by their employers; others are self-funded.



Related programme student profile

Education & Social Science MRes
Having studied at King’s for my undergraduate degree, I had no hesitation in continuing my studies here at graduate level. I initially chose to come to King’s due to its reputation, coupled with the fact that it is located in one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in the world. Being in London has undoubtedly enhanced my experiences whilst studying and has enabled me to carry out research with world renowned institutions and key individuals in my research area.



As the College is situated just on the river Thames in the middle of the Southbank cultural centre, it has been very easy to take advantage of visiting the National Theatre to watch world-class artistic performances. It is also highly convenient and central to many other London areas.



The MRes programme has been a highly rewarding and demanding experience. The lecturers encourage students to pursue their own research interests whilst being schooled in the essential techniques of a researcher, and it is this unique combination of academic freedom and expert teaching and guidance that has now given me the skills, confidence and ability to pursue my own career in research. I have found King’s College to be at the centre of this multicultural, global city, both geographically and through its academic engagement with issues that go far beyond its borders.