Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
PGDip Environment and Human Health
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | PGDip Environment and Human Health | Programme code | PDP2EMSEMSCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2024/5 | |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
By undertaking the PGDip/MSc Environment and Human Health, you will discover how the environment in which we live is inextricably linked, both positively and negatively, to human health. You will investigate the causes and potential solutions of contemporary global health inequalities and learn how to apply this evidence base in a diverse range of practical contexts to be a future initiator of positive change.
You will explore how factors such as climate change, air pollution and microbes in the environment impact on health, whilst critically analysing information from a range of qualitative and quantitative sources. This research-inspired programme will help you develop a detailed understanding of ecological public health and the relationship between health and the environment. The potential for the natural environment to be harnessed as a resource to improve health and wellbeing, particularly in the context of global urbanisation, will also be investigated.
You will be encouraged to apply your learning to practical situations and will be able to study issues of personal interest or areas related to your future career goals. Our ethos of small group, evidence based learning, augmented with resources utilising the contemporary international evidence base, enables significant contact with academic staff whilst concurrently supporting independent flexible study.
Depending on the specific modules taken, students may receive one of the following named awards:
- MSc Environment and Human Health (Global Health)
- MSc Environment and Human Health (Pandemics)
These specialisms are only available at the MSc level, and not for PGDip, and are subject to the availability of option modules delivered by other University of Exeter programmes.
Your eligibility for the particular award will be confirmed by the final Assessment Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC) on the basis of the modules that have been completed. In order to graduate with a particular named award in parentheses, you will need to select the appropriate specified option modules detailed below, and notify the programme support team accordingly. Otherwise the award name will be MSc in Environment and Human Health.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme will provide you with an independent ability:
- To explain, to a variety of target audiences, the key theories and concepts at the forefront of environment and human health including:
- The health impacts of global environmental change
- The social determinants of health and health inequalities
- The complex relationships that exist between human health and the environment
- The potential of using natural environments to improve human health and wellbeing.
- To critically appraise, evaluate, synthesise, interpret and apply the contemporary environment and human health evidence base as an advanced scholar and evidence-based practitioner.
- To derive robust, meaningful and focused research questions, of relevance to your own practice and design, implement and effectively manage impactful research to address these knowledge gaps in the current evidence base.
This is a research-inspired programme delivered and designed via expert contributions from international researchers based at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Penryn, augmented as required with external guest experts.
Throughout the programme, both qualitative and quantitative research will be introduced, with particular emphasis placed on quality evidence identification and appraisal.
A unique feature of this programme is the wide body of experience and knowledge that exists within the cohort of postgraduate students undertaking the MSc. Previous students have been recent graduates in fields such as sociology, psychology, geography and biosciences, or professionals currently working or seeking careers in this area. We actively encourage students to learn from one another and view all issues in this broad field from multiple perspectives.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Environment and Human Health programme is a 12 month full-time equivalent programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The MSc may be taken in one year full-time, or part-time over two or three years as described below. Programmes are divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The MSc requires 180 credits, of which 120 are taught modules and 60 is a dissertation project.
Your modules will be delivered in-person through synchronous (‘live’) sessions including lectures, seminars, and small-group activities. This content will be complemented by online asynchronous content (such as recorded bite-size lectures and podcasts) to support your independent learning.
Modules delivered by the programme are described below. You may also be able to take up to 30 credits of optional modules from other programmes run by the University of Exeter, subject to availability, delivery mode and timetabling.
Your regular contact with your tutor, module leads and other students will primarily be in person at the Penryn campus.
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Environment and Human Health is also offered, consisting of 120 credits of taught modules.
These awards are offered in the following five configurations:
- PGDip: 2 years part-time – 8 x 15 credit taught modules (4 in year 1, 4 in year 2)
- MSc: 1 year full time: 8 x 15 credit taught modules plus 60 credit dissertation
- MSc: 2 years part-time: Year 1: 4 x 15 credit taught modules; Year 2: 4 x 15 credit taught modules plus 60 credit dissertation.
- MSc 3 years part-time: Year 1: 4 x 15 credit taught modules; Year 2: 4 x 15 credit taught modules; Year 3: 60 credit dissertation.
For PGDip and MSc qualifications, 5 x 15 credit taught modules are optional, and up to 30 credits (2 modules) may be replaced by optional modules as described below. For specialisms MSc Environment and Human Health (Global Health) and MSc Environment and Human Health (Pandemics), specific option modules to be taken are specified below. These specialisms are only available at the MSc level, and are subject to the availability and delivery mode of option modules delivered by other University of Exeter programmes.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the PGDip/MSc programmes and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the programme web site:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/environment-health-msc/
You may take Optional Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable and delivery mode allows, and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the programme web site:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/environment-health-msc/#Programme-structure
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM027 | Contemporary Environment and Human Health | 15 | No |
| HPDM028 | Postgraduate Skills and Evidence | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
*Up to 30 credits can be made up from one or more appropriate optional modules listed below.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM029 | Nature, Health and Wellbeing * | 15 | No |
| HPDM030 | Environmental Science and Population Health * | 15 | No |
| HPDM032 | Ecological Public Health * | 15 | No |
| HPDM083 | Project Design | 15 | No |
| HPDM183 | Global Public Health and Environmental Change * | 15 | No |
| HPDM164 | Disability, Social Justice and Climate Resilient Development * | 15 | No |
| GEOM407 | Perspectives on Sustainable Development | 15 | No |
| HPDM122 | Planetary Health | 15 | No |
| HPDM124 | Health Protection | 15 | No |
| POLM016 | Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks, and Ethical Consumption | 15 | No |
| HPDM141 | Pandemics: Drivers, Preparedness and Response | 15 | No |
| SOCM052 | Cultures and Environments of Health | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Explain the key theories and concepts at the forefront of environment and human health | Expert-led interdisciplinary learning sessions, interspersed by personal study undertaken at own pace supported by additional online resources. | 1 Written Reports (ILO 1, 2, 6, 7) 2 Literature Review (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 3 Reflective Essay (ILO 1, 2, 4, 6) 4 Public Health Profile (ILO 1, 2, 3, 6, 7) 5 Analysis Interpretations (ILO 2, 3, 4, 5, 7) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Derive robust, meaningful and focused research questions, of relevance to own practice | Expert-led interdisciplinary learning sessions, interspersed by personal study undertaken at own pace supported by additional online resources. | 6 Dissertation [MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 8 Abstract and Poster (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Demonstrate professional evidence-based practice in a variety of contexts | Expert-led interdisciplinary learning sessions, interspersed by personal study undertaken at own pace supported by additional online resources. | 9 Global Development Presentation [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 7) 10 Summary for Policymakers (ILO 1, 2, 4, 6, 7) |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
(Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: The MSc programme consists of 180 credits. In total, participants must take 180 credits at NQF level 7. The PGCert programme consists of 60 credits at NQF level 7; the PGDip programme consists of 120 credits at NQF level 7. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
Postgraduate Degrees
Distinction 70%+
Merit 60-69%
Pass 50-59%
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.
Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
College entry
You will be allocated an academic tutor who will remain with you throughout the programme, where possible. Academic tutors are able to provide guidance and feedback on assessment performance, guidance in generic academic skills and pastoral support. They are also able to refer you to more specialist support services, both within the College and elsewhere across the University.
In addition, you can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through drop-in ‘office hours’ and specific appointments, and will in addition receive formative feedback from various discussion groups/in-lecture exercises throughout the delivery of each module and therefore receive essentially continuous feedback during the taught component of the programme. Your progress will be monitored, and you can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.
All module-based learning resources and student handbooks are hosted by the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE), the University's on-line Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). ELE provides an online set of integrated tools to support e-Learning activities and enables students to access course materials and use tools such as Discussion Forums and Quizzes to interact online
There is also a Director of Postgraduate Studies who will monitor student absences and progress, and meet any students needing additional support. In addition, there is a Programme Director who will offer support and advice to all students on a programme.
In addition, you will be provided with
- Student handbook and module guides
- Access to Discipline Disability Officer
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
PGDip Environment and Human Health
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision | 28/06/2024 |
|---|
