Social Determinants of Health and Public Policy (U03848)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HEA-3-SDHPP

The course aims to examine the social determinants of health and health inequalities and to evaluate appropriate public policy responses. The course explores in detail current theories explaining the development and persistence of inequalities in health. In particular it will encourage students to examine theories focusing on behavioural/cultural, psycho-social, structural/materialist, and life course explanations of health inequalities. The course will also investigate the role of government in determining economic and social policy, and the impact of economic and social policy on inequalities. It will specifically consider how government approaches to taxation, provision of the welfare state, and the funding and delivery of public services can impact on the equitable distribution of resources within society. The course will finally consider the impact of specific areas of public policy (for example relating to health services, transport, and/or food) on health inequalities.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

International Public Health Policy, (School of Health in Social Science, Schedule D)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:
Understand the extent of inequalities in health within and between countries
Examine contemporary debates regarding the causes of inequalities in health
Understand that inequalities in health reflect wider inequalities in society
Understand the role of government in determining economic and social policy and its impact on the distribution/redistribution of resources within society
Examine the impact that aspects of public policy have on the extent of inequalities in society
Effectively communicate the course's core concepts through written and oral presentations.