Public Health and Social Care in Practice (Full-time) (MSc)
The MSc in Public Health and Social Care in Practice, offered at our Birmingham Campus, is designed for those who want to make a real difference in health and social care. This course is perfect for anyone looking to work in this important field, whether you are already in a job or just starting your career. As our society faces challenges like an ageing population and increasing health issues, the need for skilled professionals in this area is more important than ever.
This course addresses the transformation of social care for older people. As people live longer, there is a need to rethink how to support their needs. The programme also tackles current public health issues such as lifestyle-related diseases, which can often be prevented through healthier living. It highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, recognising that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. You will gain the knowledge and skills to understand and address long-term conditions, helping you find effective solutions to complex health problems.
In today’s fast-paced world, it is essential to use resources wisely. The demand for health and social care services is rising, making it necessary to find efficient and effective ways to meet these needs. This course equips you with the tools required to manage resources well and deliver high-quality care.
The MSc in Public Health and Social Care in Practice covers all key areas relevant to health and social care. You will learn about public health, which focuses on protecting and improving the health of communities. You will also explore health promotion, which involves encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Understanding health care policy is crucial, as it shapes how health services are delivered and accessed.
Ethical considerations in care are a key part of this programme. You will learn to think critically about the moral implications of your decisions and actions in health and social care settings. The course also covers modern technologies and the role of AI in health care management, exploring how these advancements can improve the organisation and delivery of care services.
You will develop your ability to make decisions based on evidence. This means learning to use research and data to guide your actions, ensuring you make informed choices that benefit your clients. The programme encourages a deep understanding of critical issues in health and social care, helping you identify challenges and find effective ways to address them.
Course details
- Full-time
- On-campus
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
The MSc in Public Health and Social Care in Practice emphasises a student-centred approach to learning. Our philosophy prioritises the development of critical thinking, practical skills, and evidence-based decision-making. You will engage in collaborative learning, utilising contemporary resources and technologies to prepare for real-world challenges in health and social care.
Throughout the course, you will explore essential concepts such as public health, health promotion, and social care. The curriculum covers key theories, policies, and ethical frameworks, equipping you with the skills to tackle current public health challenges. You will develop robust research skills and learn to analyse complex health issues, preparing you to make informed decisions in your future career. The course culminates in a research project that allows you to apply your knowledge to address real-world problems, demonstrating your ability to make evidence-based decisions and enhancing your professional readiness.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.  
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.  
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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A variety of assessments will be used to challenge students. There is a strong academic focus within the programme alongside the development of practical skills.
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No additional costs are mandatory.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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This qualification is designed to facilitate your career and increase your expertise in the fields of public health and social care. Online advice and support is available from the UWTSD Careers Service as well as from MyCareer.