Health Policy in Britain

Program Overview

This Professional Development Course in Health Policy in Britain provides an in-depth examination of the NHS's history, policymaking process, and future prospects. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization and delivery of health services in Britain, equipping them for careers in policy development, healthcare management, and public health. The program combines lectures, group discussions, and activities to facilitate critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.

Program Outline

Health Policy in Britain - Professional Development Course

Degree Overview:

This course provides an in-depth examination of health policy development and the organization and delivery of health services in Britain since the inception of the NHS in 1948. With a focus on recent advancements and the major influences shaping health policy in Britain, this program allows participants to critically analyze the decision-making process, evaluate efforts to enhance quality and performance in the NHS, and explore the future prospects of this healthcare system. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

• The historical evolution of the NHS and its key developments since 1997.
• The intricate health policymaking process and its stakeholders.
• The influence of various factors on health policy, including the medical profession, business, media, and pressure groups.
• The roles of NHS and other bodies in managing, regulating, and monitoring health services.
• NHS financing and performance compared to other countries.
• Post-devolution differences in health policies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
• Recent policy initiatives promoting integrated care and improving NHS performance.
• The future of the NHS as a free, universal, and comprehensive service, and the potential trajectory of healthcare in Britain.

Outline:

This course utilizes a blend of lectures, group discussions, and activities to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Participants are encouraged to actively engage in discussions, promoting critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.

Course Schedule:

• Term 2:
• Lectures:
• Fridays (on campus attendance)
• Jan: 19, 26
• Feb: 2, 9, 16, 23
• Mar: 1, 8, 15, 22

Assessment:

Participants will complete a 4,000-word essay on a chosen topic related to health policy in Britain. The essay must achieve a pass mark of 50%. Formative feedback will be provided on an essay plan before the final submission.

Teaching:

This program benefits from the expertise of experienced faculty members within the School of Health & Psychological Sciences. The teaching approach combines lectures, group activities, and discussions to delve into the intricate aspects of health policy. Participants actively engage with the course content through teacher-led and peer-led inputs, promoting discussion, communication, and group-working skills. Self-directed study complements the taught sessions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding and explore specific areas of interest in greater detail. The University's online Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) facilitates teaching and learning activities.

Careers:

This course equips health professionals with a profound understanding of health policymaking in Britain, enabling them to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare delivery. Completing the program opens various career opportunities within the health sector, including roles in:

• Policy development and analysis
• Healthcare management and administration
• Public health advocacy and communication
• Health research and consultancy

Other:

• This course is worth 15 credits and can be applied towards eligible postgraduate programs.
• Starting Date: January 19th, 2024.
• Duration: 10 weeks.
• Fees: £1,125 (£1,405 for overseas students).
• Benefits:
• Gain comprehensive knowledge of the NHS's history and future.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Obtain valuable insights into health policymaking in Britain.
• Enhance career opportunities within the health sector.

Recommendation:

For further reading, participants can refer to the following resources:

• Ham, C. (2009).
Health policy in Britain. 6th Edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Baggott, R. (2015).
Understanding Health Policy. 2nd Edition. Bristol: Policy Press.
• NHS England (2019).
NHS Long Term Plan.