Medical Sociology, Social Policy, and Health Economics
10 ECTS
Medical Sociology, Social Policy, and Health Economics
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Module Description
This module provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the social, policy, and economic dimensions of health and healthcare.
It covers key concepts and theories from medical sociology, examines the role of social policy in shaping health outcomes, and introduces fundamental principles of health economics.
Students will learn to analyse the social determinants of health, evaluate health policies, and apply economic principles to health care decision-making.
This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how social, policy, and economic factors influence public health.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:
- Level 6 Degree related to the subject area of the programme.
OR
- Level 6 degree not related to the subject area of the programme and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board)
OR
- Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to the subject area of the programme and 2 years of work experience in a position related to the subject area of this programme (subject to interview by admissions board).
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the sector of public health.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the public health industry.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate public-health related information.
Career Paths
This programme aims to equip target audience with the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in this application. The programme prepares for positions such as:
- Consultant in Public Health
- Leadership, management and administrative roles of health services, programmes or facilities
- Epidemiologist/biostatistician
- Health promotion and communication specialist
- Health Policy Analyst/Planner
- Global public health professional
- Environmental health scientist
- Public health educator/researcher
How you’ll be assessed
The module comprises of:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically analyse key concepts of health, wellbeing, illness, and the aetiology of disease.
- Critically examine and interpret different approaches to healthcare, including the psychology of decision-making in health behaviour.
- Critically evaluate equality, equity, and policy in public health.
- Analyse fundamental principles of health economics.
- Appraise global health policy and economics.
- Participate in evidence-based policy development and advocacy.
- Engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teamwork.
Knowledge
By the end of the module/unit, the students will be able to:
- Critically analyse key concepts in health, wellbeing, illness, and the aetiology of disease.
- Critically examine and interpret different approaches to healthcare, including the psychology of decision-making in health behaviour.
- Critically evaluate equality, equity, and policy in public health.
- Analyse fundamental principles of health economics.
- Appraise global health policy and economics.
- Participate in evidence-based policy development and advocacy.
- Engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative teamwork.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Apply sociological theories to understand and address health inequalities.
- Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of health policies using sociological and economic frameworks.
- Identify the strengths and limitations of different health policy approaches.
- Propose evidence-based policy recommendations to improve health outcomes and equity.
- Use economic evaluation methods to assess the value of health interventions and policies.
- Interpret economic data and studies to inform health policy and practice.
- Apply ethical principles to the analysis and development of health policies and economic evaluations.
- Ensure cultural competence in the design and implementation of health policies and economic strategies.
- Develop policies that promote health equity and improve health outcomes.
- Communicate complex public health concepts effectively with diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
- Demonstrate the acquisition and application of important soft skills including peer working, a strong sense of responsibility, a professional work ethic, critical thinking, autonomy, and problem-solving skills.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Communicate health policy effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Develop clear and concise reports, dashboards, and presentations to disseminate health policy and related interventions.
- Advocate for public health policies that promote equity and improved outcomes and inform stakeholders.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Apply data visualisation techniques to present health information effectively.
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.