Health in Social Science (MA)

Despite medical gains and increasing knowledge and treatments, new challenges for health and wellbeing arise continually and affect all of us in this globally connected world. The worst impacts, however, are always on those who live with major social disadvantages in their lives. Such critical issues (social justice, climate justice, gender, disability and others) are considered in many of the courses you will take. As well as the challenges we face, we also consider how we might tackle those challenges, for example, in terms of how we manage health and how we might create healthy neighbourhoods. 

Health in Social Science is an interdisciplinary programme with a great deal of flexibility and a wide range of course choices, meaning you can tailor your learning to suit your interests. While you may know where you'd like to be heading after graduation, many students arrive feeling less certain about careers and excited about what university might have to offer. Our programme is ideal for those who want the opportunity to explore across a wide range of disciplines and we will help guide you in selecting your path of study.

Our four-year undergraduate honours degree offers a contemporary perspective on how societies and individuals experience and manage health; something that affects everybody on this planet. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of health and illness and examine how communities, cultures, and societies influence and shape health outcomes.

Our courses

In Years 1 and 2, you will explore foundational courses such as Mapping Health and Illness across Society, which examines the social nature of health, and Identity and Experience in Health, focusing on societal responses to illness. Contemporary Issues in Health and Wellbeing and Language and Communication in Health and Society develop critical thinking on global health complexities and communication.

In Years 3 and 4, students specialise further. Psychological Perspectives on Health and Care covers theories of mental health, while Ethical Values and Challenges in Care addresses professional ethics. Understanding and Investigation: Methods for Health Research develops your research skills for dissertations. Health Management and Management of Health explores health systems and policies, and Positive Health for Individuals and Communities examines local and global health challenges.  

Links to industry 

The School is also linked to five research centres, all of which hold seminars and talks throughout the year. Many of our option courses connect students to groups, charities and non-governmental organization (NGOs) in the local community, meaning you can make a difference to society while you study, and gain experience for a related future career.  

Study abroad

You will have opportunities to undertake a range of international experiences. Living and studying abroad can broaden your horizons, enhance your academic perspective and help make the most of your time as an undergraduate student. You will receive further information in advance of your start date about how and when you will choose option courses, including the availability of courses and timetabling. Overall, our programme blends theory, research, and practical skills to prepare you for addressing contemporary health issues at various levels.