HWS6013-B Ethical Challenges in Public Health Module Handbook 2026 | Bradford

HWS6013-B Ethical Challenges in Public Health Module Handbook 

Module Aims and Outcomes

The Module will provide students with an in-depth critical understanding of the background, terminology, theory, practice and challenges relating to the code of ethics employed by public health and explore how, and to what extent, its mandate carries a moral obligation to care for the well-being of communities.

Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs)

Passing module assessments records that you can:

01. Critically explore and identify the ethical theories, models, and approaches employed by public health.

02. Explore and analyse the impending challenges and capacities for the appropriate ethical decision-making in healthcare delivery.

03. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on personal ethical beliefs with respect to public health leadership and management strategies.

04. Critically reflect on the ethical dimensions of contemporary healthcare and its impact on service users.

05. Identify, analyse and present written communication.

Module Organisation of work and topics

The Module reading list is online. You can access it from the link on the cover page of this handbook. You can also find your reading list on your Canvas site or on our reading list library website. Talis Aspire.

Module Outline Syllabus

The place of ethics in public health; a critical review of the normative ethical theories and approaches relevant to public health policies, practice and implications for leadership and management; fairness and equality in healthcare; cultural diversity in healthcare; human rights and healthcare, autonomy, competence and consent in healthcare; resource allocation and public health priority setting; health workes\patient relationship; ethical dimensions and challenges associated with various practices in primary care and the wider health and social care related contexts; how social theories can make an important contribution to a critical understanding of how we approach ethical dilemmas in public health.

Module Organisation

The Outline Syllabus listed above gives you an indication of which topics you will study. This Information may be subject to change, so please keep a record of any module announcements regarding changes from your Module Tutor, from Canvas, or by electronic communication.

Learning and Teaching on this Module

Scheduled Module Learning (Hours)

This Module has national learning hours, usually a mixture of contact time, directed study and independent learning distributed as follows:

• 24-hour Lectures
• 24-hour Seminars
• 152 hours Directed Study

Learning and Teaching Overview

Embracing the principles of adult learning, a variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed for this module.

Learning outcomes 1-3 are developed through research-informed key lectures that cover key topics. These will be further explored in a seminar consisting of discussions, presentations, debate and small group work exploring ethical dilemmas in practice.

Extensive use is made of the Virtual Learning Environment, and this medium is used to complement learning materials, lectures, and seminars. The resources on Canvas are designed to support learning and assessment throughout the module. In addition, this platform will include websites, documents and a range of online resources such as video clips and podcasts. (Learning outcomes1-5) Students will be encouraged to undertake the required learning activities before participating in class.

Students will participate in a moral maze debate to develop the ability to present a logical argument based upon evidence. Students are also encouraged to attend formative tutorials in small groups or individually to discuss and review the assignment for the module.

Essay (3000 words), topic of the student's choice, critically focusing on the ethical challenges faced by public health

Module Assessment

Summary of Tasks

Summative Coursework-Written (for 100%): Essay on a topic of choice, critically focusing on the ethical challenges faced by Public Health (3000 words)

Formatice Coursework (for N\A): Draft feedback on the essay

How this Module is Reviewed

Student feedback, external expertise and internal University reviewers all regularly contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of University of Bradford modules and programmes.

All feedback is important to us, and we seek to implement any changes that will benefit the programme at the earliest possible opportunity, whether that is within a teaching period, during annual review or at the next full re-certification of the programme.

Developing Good Academic Practice

Referencing, citation and integrity

We expect you to act with integrity throughout your studies and in your assessments. Academic integrity means being honest about presenting your own work, written in your own words, that clearly shows where you've read or used ideas from other people by including references. Failure to do so is plagiarism and may result in penalties for academic misconduct.

All students are expected to complete the University's academic integrity induction course during their first term of study. If you haven't done this already, you can find it as the 'Mandatory e-Learning' module or dashboard tile on Canvas.

If you need general or ongoing help with understanding referencing, plagiarism and using the University of Bradford Harvard citation style, you can look at the Library's referencing and plagiarism guide. This guide also contains information about online tools that help you write your references.