Health Wellbeing and Care in Society

Health, wellbeing and care in society is an interdisciplinary field that examines how health and welfare are shaped by the social, economic, cultural and political contexts in which people live. It draws on sociology, psychology, public health, social policy and allied health disciplines to build an understanding of what health means, how it is distributed unequally across populations, how social determinants influence outcomes, and how care systems and policies are designed and delivered. The field is concerned with both the individual experience of health and illness and the structural conditions that shape those experiences at a societal level.

At the University of Sunderland this programme explores both global and local issues in health and care, developing your skills in critical thinking, communication and teamwork alongside the substantive knowledge needed to understand and contribute to a changing society. The course is studied part time, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and the recognition that many students in this field are already working in or connected to health and care settings. The programme's focus on continuing professional development and its employer partnerships are designed to ensure that your learning is directly relevant to the professional contexts you inhabit or aspire to enter.

You will develop skills in critical analysis, social research methods, policy evaluation, evidence-based practice and professional communication. The capacity to think carefully about the social dimensions of health, to evaluate research evidence and to communicate your thinking to diverse audiences is valued across health, care and social policy settings.

Graduates from health, wellbeing and care programmes move into or advance within careers in health promotion, social care, public health, community health services, care management, policy, the voluntary sector and professional roles across the health and social care system. The programme also provides a foundation for further professional development or postgraduate study in public health, social work, health policy or a related field.