MSc Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing

at Wrexham Glyndwr University

Students completing the programme full-time will undertake six core modules across the academic year, and one of the two option modules. Those taking the course part-time will study three modules in the first year and three in the second year.
 

MODULES
 

• Background and new directions in health, mental health and wellbeing (core module) As physical and social environments evolve, so too do public health, mental health and wellbeing challenges and how we can effectively tackle them. Over the past decade, new and emerging threats to health have been issues such as loneliness, air pollution and physical inactivity. These issues are likely to continue, alongside threats related to climate change and anti-microbial resistance. This module is wide-ranging and forward-thinking in its aims and scope; it will enable students to engage critically with the background and context to public health, mental health and wellbeing leading up to the present day, as well as introduce them to contemporary debates and inspire them to consider future directions for the area.
   
• Understanding contemporary lifestyles and health behaviours (core module) To truly develop the health, mental health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and nations, a rich understanding of human beings and societies is needed. There are many lenses and tools for understanding why people live their lives in the ways they do, spanning a number of disciplinary areas. This module will provide students with the knowledge of a range theories and models relevant for understanding contemporary lifestyles and health behaviours, drawing particularly from the disciplines of psychology and sociology. It will also enable students to critically consider the application of these theories and models to different populations in different settings.
   
• Strategies and innovations for developing health, mental health and wellbeing (option module) In a rapidly changing society where public health, mental health and wellbeing challenges are increasingly complex and continually evolving, a strategic and innovative approach is needed. This module will provide students with the knowledge and understanding related to new and existing strategies for developing health, mental health and wellbeing at individual, community, national and international levels. It will explore the evidence and practicalities associated with different strategies, as well as encourage students to think innovatively and creatively about ways of improving and promoting good health in society.
   
• Health, mental health and wellbeing in education settings (option module) In the Curriculum for Wales 2022, ‘Health and Wellbeing’ is identified as one of the six Areas of Learning and Experience (ALE). The curriculum contributes to the goals set out in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to develop healthy and confident individuals. This module will explore the topics of health, mental health and wellbeing as they relate to young people in today’s society, as well as consider the content, design and delivery of the Health and Wellbeing ALE and examine innovative teaching pedagogy that could be utilised by teachers to develop healthy and confident learners.
   
• Enhancing practice in health, mental health and wellbeing (core module) Working in the health sector requires an ever broadening range of skills and capabilities, backed up by experience and reflective practice. In this module, students will learn to develop the skills and capabilities to work effectively in different roles. It will also, through means of a work-based learning placement, allow students to gain valuable experience of working in the area and enable them to start building a network. The module will be flexible and wide-ranging in its aims and scope, in order to appeal to the personal career needs and goals of those new to and already working within the health sector, as well as respond to new and emerging skills and capabilities to enhance practice. 
   
• Research methods for health, mental health and wellbeing (core module) The nature of public health, mental health and wellbeing –  namely that it deals with the complex issue of people’s lives and can often involve those in a vulnerable state – presents particular challenges for researchers in terms of ethics, designs and methods. This module will teach students how to undertake research related to public health, mental health and wellbeing, including how to collect and analyse data and design ethically sound research studies. It will encourage students to think creatively and innovatively in relation to research methodology, in order to be considerate to the nature of the subject area and matter.
   
• Dissertation in health, mental health and wellbeing (core module) Research in public health, mental health and wellbeing is vital for many reasons, including developing the evidence for new and existing health improvement and promotion strategies, understanding people’s lived experiences of health issues and services, and exploring health behaviours at individual, community and national levels in an evolving physical and social environment. This module will support students to undertake their own piece of research on a topic of their choosing, and disseminate their findings in a format suitable to their personal career needs and goals.

Students will be expected to already hold an undergraduate degree in a related subject (normally a 2:1 or above, although 2:2 may also be accepted dependent on interview).
 

A non-graduate may be accepted as a candidate provided they have held, for a minimum of two years, a responsible position which is relevant to the programme within the previous five years.
 

All applicants must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to study at masters level, which will be assessed through an interview in person or online. They may also be asked to undertake the university’s Level 6 module that prepares students for masters level study.
 

DBS clearance undertaken by Wrexham Glyndŵr University is not a requirement for acceptance or progression onto the programme. However, as part of the programme students are required to undertake a work-based learning (WBL) for one of the modules and, depending upon the nature of the WBL, may be required to receive DBS clearance undertaken by Wrexham Glyndŵr University or through their chosen WBL provider. Any convictions revealed by a DBS check could mean particular WBL opportunities are closed to students.

The fees for MSc Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing may vary from £12,000 to £25,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

Graduates of the course would be well-placed to pursue careers in any of the following areas:
 

• Health Promotion
• Ill-health Prevention
• Health Improvement
• Community Health Development
• Assessment and Surveillance of the Population’s Health and Wellbeing
• Identification of and Planning for Public Health Emergencies
• Identification of Health Challenges and Hazards in Key Settings
• Health-related Research
• Health-related Education
• Development of Public/Mental Health Policy
• Commissioning, Delivery and Evaluation of Health Services
• Reduction of Health Inequalities
• Link Working, Care Navigation and Social Prescribing
• Advocacy