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Programme Specification for the 2019/0 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	2019/0
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. 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme will provide you with an independent ability…

1. 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.

1. To critically appraise, evaluate, synthesise, interpret and apply the contemporary environment and human health evidence base as an advanced scholar and evidence-based practitioner.

2. 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

Your MSc Environment and Human Health programme is a 12 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). Programmes can be divided into ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  Programmes are also 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. You will be located at the Truro Campus of the University of Exeter for the vast majority of your taught studies.

 

Interim Awards

 You may exit this award with a Postgraduate Certificate Environment and Human Health where you have achieved 60 credits or a Postgraduate Diploma Environment and Human Health where you have achieved 120 credits. In the latter case you must have achieved at least 3/4 credit from Environment and Human Health modules.

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.

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.

Stage 1

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Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HPDM027	Contemporary Environment and Human Health	15	No
HPDM028	Postgraduate Skills and Evidence	15	No
HPDM029	Nature, Health and Wellbeing	15	No
HPDM030	Environmental Science and Population Health	15	Yes
HPDM032	Ecological Public Health	15	No
HPDM083	Project Design	15	No
HPDM000	Dissertation	60	Yes
HPDM000	Dissertation	60	Yes

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HPDM033	Global Public Health and Environment	15	No
HPDM034	Research Methods for Practice	15	No
GEOM363B	Themes in Climate Change	15	No
GEOM407	Perspectives on Sustainable Development	15	No
HUMM011	Heritage and Environmental Change	15	No

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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 2. Critically appraise, evaluate, synthesise, interpret and apply the contemporary environment and human health evidence base 3. Apply appropriately key techniques and approaches frequently utilised in the Environment and Human Health field	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.	1 Written Reports (ILO 1, 2, 6, 7) 2 Literature Review (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 3 Global Health Essay (ILO 1, 2, 4, 6) 4 Public Health Profile (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 5. Design, implement and effectively manage impactful research to address knowledge gaps in the current evidence base	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 (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 7 Project Outline and Oral Presentation (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 8 Project Proposal (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 7. Communicate effectively scientific research evidence to a variety of target audiences	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.	9 Abstract and Poster (ILO 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7) 10 Press Release (ILO 1, 2, 7) 11 Summary for Policymakers (ILO 1, 2, 4, 6, 7) 12 Public Health Message (ILO 1, 2, 6, 7)

7. Programme Regulations

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 PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

 

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: Up to 45 credits of failure can be condoned on the following conditions:

 

1. You must have completed and been assessed in modules amounting to sufficient credit for the final award (i.e. 180 credits for a Masters; 120 credits for a PGDip; and 60 credits for a PGCert).

 

2. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

 

3. You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 60 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

 

4. Condonement can only be applied to failed modules where a mark of 40 – 49 has been achieved.   

 

 

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.

 

UEMS uses the University of Exeter’s ‘Exeter Learning Environment' (ELE).  Each module has an ELE page and discussion board for information, announcements and resources. ELE also hosts library links, including a list of electronic journals held by the University of Exeter. There is a page called Library and Research Skills, where you will find a whole host of additional resources to support you in the development of your writing skills, reading skills, generic research skills and study strategies.

 

In addition to the electronic library resources via ELE, you will have access to extensive library facilities and learning resources available at the Knowledge Spa (Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust) and all University of Exeter campus libraries including at the Penryn Campus near Falmouth in Cornwall.  This includes the Health Library within the Knowledge Spa (a shared RCHT and UEMS library) and the Learning Resources Centre at the Penryn Campus. Out of hours access to both libraries is available.

 

Books or articles not held by the University can normally be obtained via an inter-library loan.  A wide selection of electronic sources ranging from specialist websites to key databases and electronic journals is available via ELE and the University website. 

 

There are specific Open Access IT suites at UEMS buildings at the Knowledge Spa, Truro and St Luke's, Exeter.  In addition, there are general Open Access IT suites available to all students e.g. in the Laver building and The Forum on the Exeter Streatham Campus, the libraries at Streatham and St Luke’s Campuses, and at The Exchange at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

 

Learning Resources The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham, St Luke's and Penryn campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.  There is also a Health Library available to students in the Knowledge Spa on the Truro Campus.

 

IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham, St Luke's and Penryn campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

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.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

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

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

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

C01A

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	13/08/2013