| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-17 | - |
Program Overview
This 11-week professional development course provides an interdisciplinary foundation in social determinants of health, examining their impact on health inequalities and healthcare systems. Participants will explore key concepts, theories, and strategies to reduce inequalities, preparing them for careers in public health, healthcare, policymaking, and social work. The flexible learning format allows for individual pacing and can be used as a module towards eligible postgraduate degrees at City, University of London.
Program Outline
Social Determinants of Health Professional Development Course
Degree Overview:
This professional development course offers an interdisciplinary foundation in social theory and methodological instruments for those interested in impacting health inequalities and healthcare systems. Participants will examine the relationships between social, economic, and political factors and health outcomes, focusing on:
- Determinants of health
- Health equity
- Inequalities and inequities
- Assessment of health inequalities
- Explanatory perspectives and models
- Socioeconomic position and health
- Social cohesion, capital, integration, networks, support, and health
- Multilevel influences on health (e.g., neighborhood and place)
- Gender as a social determinant of health
- Ethnicity, race, discrimination, and stigma as determinants of health
- Cultural/behavioral, materialist/structuralist, and life-course perspectives
- Strategies to reduce inequalities
Outline:
Duration:
11 weeks (starting January 17th, 2024)
Schedule:
Wednesday and Friday
Credits:
15
Content:
- Part 1: Introduction to Social Determinants of Health (Weeks 1-3)
- Defining and assessing health inequalities
- Key concepts and measurements
- Explanatory perspectives and integrated models
- Socioeconomic position and health
- Social cohesion, capital, integration, networks, support, and health
- Part 2: Multilevel Influences on Health (Weeks 4-6)
- Neighborhood and place effects
- Gender as a social determinant
- Ethnicity, race, discrimination, and stigma
- Part 3: Strategies to Reduce Inequalities (Weeks 7-9)
- Cultural/behavioral, materialist/structuralist, and life-course perspectives
- Evidence-based interventions
- Part 4: Case Studies and Applications (Weeks 10-11)
- Applying concepts to real-world scenarios
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures
- Group work
- Practical exercises
- Self-directed study
- Moodle (online Virtual Learning Environment)
- Formative assessment (small group presentations)
Assessment:
- Critically analyze health inequalities and their underlying social determinants.
- Evaluate evidence-based interventions to address health inequalities.
- Apply social theories and models to specific case studies.
Careers:
- Public health professionals
- Healthcare practitioners
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- Social workers
- Community activists
Other:
- This course can be used as a module towards eligible postgraduate degrees at City, University of London.
- Participants will benefit from a flexible learning format that allows for individual pacing.
Eligibility:
- First degree in a medical/health or social sciences discipline (minimum 2:1 honours degree, 3.0 GPA, or equivalent international degree).
- Applicants with equivalent qualifications or substantial experience in health services will be considered on an individual basis.
English Requirements:
- If your first language is not English, one of the following is required:
- First degree from a UK university
- First degree from an overseas institution recognized by City, University of London
- IELTS score of 7.0 with no subtest below 6.5
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) score 72
- TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 Reading, and 20 Speaking
