Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MSc Environment and Human Health (Full Time)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Environment and Human Health (Full Time) | Programme code | PTS1EMSEMSCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time Part Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
By undertaking the 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 an ageing society and increased 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 online 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 (Antimicrobial Resistance)
• MSc Environment and Human Health (Pandemics)
These specialisms are only available at the MSc level, and not for PGDip or PGCert.
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 Truro and Environment and Sustainability Institute in Penryn, augmented as required with external guest experts.
Throughout the programme qualitative approaches will be equally valued to quantitative methods and particular emphasis will be 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 small cohort of postgraduate students undertaking the MSc Environment and Human Health. Previous students have been recent graduates in sociology, psychology, geography or 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.
The majority of your EHH modules will be delivered online through asynchronous content (such as recorded bite-size lectures and podcasts) and synchronous (‘live’) sessions including lectures, seminars, and small-group activities. You will also have two intensive in-person weeks, which will be delivered at the University of Exeter Penryn Campus, Cornwall. These will be a Foundation Week during Term 1 and a Dissertation Week during Term 3. These in-person weeks will provide intensive learning opportunities and the chance to develop a sense of community with your student cohort and the MSc delivery team.
Optional modules are described below. If you are studying from elsewhere in the UK or internationally, you will be able to take optional modules where they are delivered online. Your regular contact with your tutor, module leads and other students will be online using Teams, Zoom or other technologies.
If you are studying whilst living locally you may also be able to take option modules from other programmes that are delivered in-person at other University of Exeter campuses. If studying locally you may also have the option of meeting with your academic tutor and dissertation supervisor in person at Truro/Penryn campuses if you wish to.
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Environment and Human Health is also offered, consisting of 60 credits of taught modules.
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:
- PGCert: 1 year part-time – 4 x 15 credit compulsory taught modules
- 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), MSc Environment and Human Health (AMR) and MSc Environment and Human Health (Pandemics), specific option modules to be taken are specified below.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The following tables describe the PGCert/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 College 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 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 College web site: (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/environment-health-msc/#Programme-structure).
MSc Environment & Human Health Specialisms (full time, 2-year part-time, 3-year part-time)
Three specialisms are available for the MSc in Environment and Human Health. These specialisms involve the content specified below. These specialisms provide opportunities for MSc students to focus their studies in one of three key areas of contemporary environment and human health, and to gain a qualification indicating that specialism in parentheses.
MSc Environment & Human Health (Global Health): Requires specific opt out of HPDM032Z and taking optional module HPDM122 (Planetary Health). Your dissertation project (HPDM000) must also be focused on a relevant topic in global health, as agreed with HPDM000 module leads. This specialism provides the opportunity to focus on environment and human health topics in the domain of global health.
MSc Environment & Human Health (Antimicrobial Resistance) – requires two specified option modules to be taken: CMH 15 credit module HPDM140Z “The global antimicrobial resistance crisis” and CLES 15 credit module “Alternatives to Antimicrobials” (both modules are new for 2021/22). Your dissertation project (HPDM000) must also be focused on a relevant topic related to environmental aspects of antimicrobial resistance, as agreed with HPDM000 module leads. This specialism provides the opportunity to focus on environment and human health topics related to antimicrobial resistance.
MSc Environment & Human Health (Pandemics) – requires two specified option modules to be taken: HPDM124 (Principles of Health Protection) and CMH 15 credit module HPDM141 “Pandemics: drivers, preparedness and response” (module new for 2021/22). Your dissertation project (HPDM000) must also be focused on a relevant topic related to environmental aspects of pandemics, as agreed with HPDM000 module leads. This specialism provides the opportunity to focus on environment and human health topics related to pandemics.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
Note: In addition to these compulsory modules, you must select at least 45 credits from these optional modules: HPDM029, HPDM030, HPDM032, HPDM033 and HPDM034, which will then be deemed compulsory.
Up to 30 credits can be made up from one or more appropriate optional modules listed below.
a Part-time MSc students would typically take these modules in their first year.
b Part-time MSc students would typically take these modules in their second year.
c Part-time MSc students on a three year route will be doing their dissertation module HPDM000 in their third year.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM027 | Contemporary Environment and Human Health (see note a) | 15 | No |
| HPDM028 | Postgraduate Skills and Evidence (see note a) | 15 | No |
| HPDM083Z | Project Design (see note b) | 15 | No |
| HPDM000 | Dissertation (see note c) | 60 | No |
Optional Modules
MSc Environment and Human Health Optional Modules:
Our PGT programmes are designed as standalone courses but the College also aims to provide flexibility where possible. We recognise that you may sometimes wish to take a module from elsewhere in the College, or the wider University, to fit in with their specific research or professional interests. A taught Master’s degree is made up of 180 credits, usually 120 credits of taught modules and 60 credits of dissertation. Normally at least 90 credits of taught modules (but an absolute minimum of 60 credits), plus the dissertation, will need be taken from within the named award in order to graduate with that award. That means that 30 credits could be made up from one or more appropriate modules from another Masters level programme(s) in place of your scheduled ones, depending on the module prerequisites, the contact days of the modules, and your funding source. There may be an additional fee associated with certain postgraduate modules. It is also important to note that the timing of your new module’s contact days and assessments might conflict with your existing programme of studies. If after considering these factors you would like to explore this option further, please discuss this with the MSc’s Programme Director. The CMH PGT Support team can then advise about the application process, which would then go for approval from the Programme Director of your current programme and the Module Lead and Programme Director of the programme(s) in which your new module(s) sits.
A number of specific option modules delivered across the University of Exeter have been identified as specifically relevant to this programme.
A number of specific option modules delivered across the University of Exeter have been identified as specifically relevant to this programme. Some modules are available online, others are delivered in-person at campuses in Penryn or Exeter. Availability of options therefore depends on where a student is studying. These options are also subject to change by the colleges concerned, and delivery terms may result in imbalance between Autumn and Spring modules.
Note: you must select at least 45 credits from these optional modules: HPDM029, HPDM030, HPDM032 , HPDM033 and HPDM034, which will then be deemed compulsory.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPDM029Z | Nature, Health and Wellbeing (see note a) | 15 | No |
| HPDM030Z | Environmental Science and Population Health (see note a) | 15 | No |
| HPDM032Z | Ecological Public Health (see note b) | 15 | No |
| HPDM033Z | Global Public Health and Environmental Change (see note b) | 15 | No |
| HPDM034Z | Research Methods for Practice (see note b) | 15 | No |
| GEOM404 | Policy and Governance for Sustainability | 15 | No |
| GEOM407 | Perspectives on Sustainable Development | 15 | No |
| HUMM011 | Heritage and Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| HPDM122 | Planetary Health | 15 | No |
| HPDM124 | Health Protection | 15 | No |
| HPDM140Z | The Global Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis | 15 | No |
| HPDM141 | Pandemics: Drivers, Preparedness and Response | 15 | No |
| POLM016 | Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks, and Ethical Consumption | 15 | No |
| BIOM4045 | Antimicrobial Therapies | 15 | 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 small group interdisciplinary learning sessions, interspersed by personal study undertaken at own pace and supported by our internet resources. Completion of an independent personal Dissertation project [MSc only]. | 1 Written Reports (ILO 1, 2, 6, 7) 2 Literature Review (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 3 Global Health Essay [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 4, 6) 4 Public Health Profile [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 3, 6, 7) 5 Analyses 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 | Lectures and group tutorials. Guided independent study. Field trips and study visits. Group problem-based learning sets. Individual and small group project supervision. | 6 Dissertation [MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 7 Project Outline and Oral Presentation [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 8 Project Proposal [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 9 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 small group interdisciplinary learning sessions, interspersed by personal study undertaken at own pace and supported by our internet resources. Completion of an independent personal Dissertation project [MSc only]. | 10 Global Development Presentation [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 7) 11 Summary for Policymakers (ILO 1, 2, 4, 6, 7) 12 Public Health Message [PGDip/MSc only] (ILO 1, 2, 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
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.
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
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
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
MSc Environment and Human Health (Full Time)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/11/2012 |
Date of last revision | 06/06/2022 |
|---|
