MSc Science and Health Communication

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Health Communication

Course unit fact file
Unit code HSTM60032
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

This module will help students understand health communication as a field that bridges science communication and health promotion. Through the lectures, group and individual activities, seminars, and reading, students taking this module will explore the theories supporting health communication practice as well as that practice itself.  Pivotal to this learning experience are interactions with health communication professionals from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. This module will also help students consider the broader social and political contexts that influence health communication, as well as controversial questions in the field.
 
Typical session themes include the following:
  • Theories of health communication and behaviour change
  • Fictional and fact-based narratives about medicine in the mass media
  • Audiences, media, and behaviour
  • Interventions, campaigns, and events, from planning to evaluation
  • Risk communication
  • Arts and health

Aims

The unit aims to:
  • introduce central theories, methods, practices, and controversies in health communication;
  • establish an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in health communication;
  • introduce the various social scientific disciplines and professional fields involved in health communication;
  • expose students to key debates about media use, audience understanding, and evaluation in health communication;
  • enhance students’ understanding of health-related numeracy, such as statistics and risk, as well as their ability to communicate these to varied audiences; and
  • encourage critical reflection on the structure, assumptions, implications, and unintended outcomes of health communication interventions

Assessment methods

Essay critically analysing a health campaign or a health promotion event, or Essay critically analysing a broader controversial topic in health communication. (50%)

A plan for a campaign, communication event, or intervention, along with sample written material for distirbution / broadcast. (50%)

Feedback methods

Formative assessment offered on a draft; summative assessment to consist of written comments on Blackboard and, if appropriate, discussion with the course tutor.

Study hours

Independent study hours
Independent study 150

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Elizabeth Toon Unit coordinator

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