Postgraduate courses in Health Studies

Health Studies is an incredibly broad area of study and can suit anybody who has an interest in developing their career in healthcare. 

Courses range from management to mental health and beyond. Some courses may require previous experience in a healthcare profession while others welcome those who have just completed an undergraduate degree and head straight into their postgraduate degree.

Once you begin your research, we are sure you will find a course that suits you. Take a look.

What are health studies?

Health studies looks at human health in a broad context and covers a wide range of issues. A degree in health studies can help you to develop relevant skills and follow a career path in health, social care, leisure or education. 

Courses

There are many courses to choose from across the UK. Some courses allow the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Courses may change in their content from University to University. Full course material and overviews can be found on specific University websites. Examples of courses available to add to your degree include: 

Adult Mental Health 

A postgraduate course in adult mental health will allow students to gain the skills and knowledge in order to evaluate approaches to mental health. You will focus on areas such as awareness in assessment of mental health, evidence-based psychological interventions and contemporary issues in mental health. Focuses are also on evaluating risk assessment and management, understanding concepts which inform professional leadership and understanding approaches to mental health promotion individually, in the community and in society. These are just some topics but the list is very long and covers a multitude. 

Advanced Practice in Social Care

These postgraduate courses are catered towards those who work in clinical and social care settings. It will give those the opportunity to ask questions around the healthcare sector such as how to improve and measure performance and in what context should healthcare workers challenge guidelines and established forms of practice. These courses have a strong theoretical focus. 

Health Management 

Postgraduate courses in health management provide the necessary skills for managers and leaders in healthcare and related areas. Those who apply for these courses will need to be experienced managers and professionals who are looking to develop in international business and leadership roles. Students will enhance their leadership capacity to build processes, systems and structures, plan ahead and deliver change. 

There are a very wide range of other courses in this area. They include Health Policy, Health Psychology, Primary Care, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare Technology, Leading Integrated Care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Applied Health Research, Epidemiology and Population Health, Health Services Research and Infection and Global Health. These are just a selection of the courses that are available. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may change from course to course and University to University so it is important to research your specific course to be sure you meet the criteria. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is required. Some courses will look for a 2.1 degree while a 2.2 may suffice in others.In some cases, you may be required to have a particular amount of experience in the health industry. More detailed course outlines can be found on University websites and course overviews. 

Professions suitable

Postgraduate courses in Health Studies may be suited to:

• Nurses
• Social workers
• Occupational therapists
• Psychologists
• Podiatrists 
• Health care managers

Potential employers

Employers of physiotherapists generally include:

• THe NHS 
• Schools and colleges
• Social services
• Education departments
• Local authorities 
• Private healthcare organisations 

Salary 

Your salary will depend on what route you decide to take with your degree. There are multiple opportunities in different areas. For example, should you choose to follow the route of adult mental health, you can earn between £31,000 – £44,000 with experience as an adult mental health nurse. As healthcare manager you can earn around £34,700. 

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements needed in this area include:

• Strong written skills
• Strong verbal skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management 
• Organisation skills 
• Ability to work on your own or with others
• IT skills
• Ability to research and interpret data
• A passion to learn