Health Sciences

The Health Sciences BSc (Hons) offers students an in-depth study of the holistic nature of health and disease and a detailed coverage of the integrated health disciplines.

These include: health psychology, health sociology, medical anthropology, human biology and physiology, human nutrition, public health, health promotion, health policy and biomedical ethics. The programme takes as its point of departure the WHO definition of health which states that ‘health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease’ (WHO 1947).

This programme of study adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness and disease. Students will be introduced to the many interlinked factors that contribute to the health status of individuals and populations. These factors include the biological, psychological, sociological, political and environmental factors that influence health. The precise topics covered will change from year to year to reflect contemporary issues and debates in health, thus ensuring students are always engaging with up to date material.

As students progress from level 4 to level 6, they will learn critical evaluation and appraisal, research and communication skills, and how to construct and defend an academic argument. 95% of final year Health sciences (non-specific) students at The University of Northampton agreed they were satisfied with the course and 95% go on to work and / or study within 15 months after the course.*

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2025 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2025***

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

The Northampton Employment Promise

• We’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information
✱✱✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information

Stage 1:
• Concepts of Health (compulsory)
• Health and Society (compulsory)
• Introduction to Human Nutrition (compulsory)
• Introduction to Physiology (compulsory)
• Global Health (compulsory)
• Health and Healers: Histories of Disease and Disability (compulsory)

Stage 2:
• Research Methods in Health (compulsory)
• Public Health (compulsory)
• Health in Later Life (designated)
• Health Physiology (designated)
• Nutritional Perspectives of Exercise, Health and Disease (designated)
• Health and Disease (designated)
• Epidemiology (designated)
• Theories, Concepts and Perspectives in Health Psychology and Health Sociology (designated)
• Reproductive Health (designated)
• Professional Work Based Learning (designated)

Stage 3:
• Health Sciences Dissertation (compulsory)
• Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Health (designated)
• Integrated Perspectives on Disease (designated)
• Health, Risk and Environment (designated)
• Exercise and Sport Nutrition (designated)
• Psychology of Exercise and Health (designated)
• Physical Activity and Society (designated)
• Advanced Public Health (designated)

Module information is quoted for 2024 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.