SHN7143 - Global Public Health and Health Inequalities

Objectives:

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

1 - Critically assess the impact of major global public health challenges, policies, and health systems on population health and health equity;
2 - Analyse critically the social, economic, political, environmental, and structural factors that contribute to health inequalities at local, national, and global levels;
3 - Appraise current public health strategies and interventions designed to reduce health inequalities, drawing on relevant evidence, ethical principles, and concepts of social justice; and,
4 - Propose and justify realistic recommendations to tackle specific inequalities for a given public health issue and population group.

Content:

This module examines global public health with a focus on the causes and consequences of health inequalities across and within populations. You will explore how social, economic, political, environmental, and cultural factors shape health outcomes worldwide, and how these factors contribute to unequal patterns of illness, access to care, and life expectancy.

Throughout the module, you will consider major global public health challenges such as communicable and non-communicable diseases, poverty, migration, conflict, climate change, and unequal health systems. The module also introduces key concepts including the social determinants of health, health equity, and public health governance, helping you understand how local and global forces influence population health.

By engaging with contemporary evidence, case studies, and policy debates, you will develop the ability to critically analyse the drivers of health inequality and evaluate strategies to reduce them. The module encourages reflection on ethics, social justice, and the role of public health professionals in promoting fairer health outcomes for all.

The module aligns with the UKPHR Practitioner Standards (2026), supporting the development of capabilities in understanding the wider determinants of health, identifying and monitoring health inequalities, applying evidence to public health priorities, and making recommendations to improve health equity.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Teaching and learning on this module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and guided independent study. Lectures will introduce core concepts, theories, and contemporary issues in global public health and health inequalities, while workshops will provide opportunities for discussion, debate, and critical engagement with key literature, policy, and case studies.

You will be encouraged to participate in interactive learning activities such as group discussions, case-based learning, problem-solving exercises, and critical appraisal of research and policy documents. These activities are designed to help you apply theoretical perspectives to real-world public health challenges and to explore the complex determinants of health inequalities in different contexts.

Independent learning will form a significant part of the module and will include directed reading, engagement with academic literature, policy reports, and global health data sources. You will also be expected to reflect on contemporary public health challenges and develop informed, evidence-based perspectives on strategies to improve health equity.

Learning may also be supported through the use of online resources, discussion boards, and formative tasks, enabling you to consolidate their understanding and prepare for assessment.



Interactive Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Workshops
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: 25

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 250



Further Detail Relating to Assessment

Component 1: Essay (written)
You will produce a 2500-word essay critically analysing the causes, patterns, and responses to health inequalities in relation to a global public health challenge.



Component 2: Policy brief (negotiated)
The mode of assessment will be negotiated with your tutor.

If you choose to complete an oral presentation, you will not be eligible to request an extension to the assessment deadline. If you subsequently require additional time, you will need either to apply under the Mitigating Circumstances Policy or request an extension and revert to the agreed written submission format.

You will produce a 2,500-word policy brief addressing a contemporary global public health issue. The brief should identify a relevant health inequality, analyse its determinants using appropriate evidence, evaluate the current policy context, and propose realistic recommendations for reducing inequitable health outcomes.
OR
You will produce a 10 minute oral presentation policy brief addressing a contemporary global public health issue. The brief should identify a relevant health inequality, analyse its determinants using appropriate evidence, evaluate the current policy context, and propose realistic recommendations for reducing inequitable health outcomes.



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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