SHN7133 - Contemporary Perspectives, Policy, Leadership and Systems

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Critically evaluate contemporary public health challenges and their impact on population health within local, national, and global contexts;
2 - Critically appraise leadership theories, models, and approaches, and evaluate their application to leading change, collaboration, and innovation in public health practices;
3 - Evaluate the structure, governance, and performance of health systems using systems thinking approaches to address complex public health issues and improve health outcomes; and,
4 - Synthesise and apply evidence from research, policy, and practice to develop evidence-informed recommendations for addressing public health priorities, reducing health inequalities, and improving population health.

Content:

This module explores the contemporary perspectives, policies, leadership approaches, and systems that shape public health practice in the UK and globally. Students will critically examine the factors influencing population health and health inequalities, and explore how policy, leadership, and systems thinking can be used to improve health outcomes.

Drawing on current evidence, policy, and real-world case studies, the module develops knowledge and skills in public health leadership, policy analysis, collaborative working, governance, and evidence-informed decision-making. Students will consider the role of public health professionals in leading change across complex health and care systems and in addressing current and emerging public health challenges.

Coverage of contemporary topics means that this module lends itself well to co-creation of content. During some of the weeks, you will be invited to collectively suggest topics to be included in the module and contribute materials towards those sessions.

The module aligns with the UKPHR Practitioner standards (2026), supporting the development of capabilities in systems leadership, policy and strategy, partnership working, the use of evidence, and ethical public health practice.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning will be delivered through lectures, interactive workshops, and learning activities that encourage critical discussion, collaboration, reflection and independence.

Contemporary policy documents, research evidence, and real-world case studies are used to promote critical evaluation and application to public health practice. Students will also engage in facilitated discussions, problem-based learning activities, and reflective exercises that encourage systems thinking and collaborative approaches to addressing complex public health issues.

Guided independent study will support your preparation for taught sessions and assessments, with learning resources made available through the Moodle, the university's virtual learning environment.

The learning and teaching approach supports the development of postgraduate-level critical thinking, evidence-informed decision-making, leadership, communication, and collaborative working, in alignment with the UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (PHSKF).

The skills developed via these learning and teaching methods will help prepare you for the assessment and for future roles in public health.



Interactive Lectures
Hours: 25
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Workshops
Hours: 25
Intended Group Size: 25

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 250



Further Detail Relating to Assessment

Assessment 1: Critical report (2500 words) – 50%
You will produce a report that critically analyses a contemporary public health challenge within local, national, and global contexts. Drawing on current research, policy, and practice, you will evaluate the issue using systems thinking approaches, critically examine relevant policy and health system responses, and assess their impact on population health and health inequalities. The report will conclude with evidence-informed recommendations for improving public health outcomes. This assessment develops your ability to synthesise evidence, critically evaluate complex public health issues, and apply systems thinking to policy and practice.

Assessment 2: Professional presentation (15 – 20 mins) – 50%
You will deliver a live professional presentation proposing a leadership approach to address a contemporary public health challenge, demonstrating the application of leadership theories and collaborative approaches to leading change within complex health systems. Within this you will provide a critical reflective commentary in which you evaluate your own leadership approach. Reflection should be informed by relevant leadership theory and evidence, demonstrating insight into professional practice and future leadership development.



Formative assessment will take place near summative assessment points to prepare you for those.

You should refer to the Module Handbook for full details.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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