What will I learn on this module?
This module will enable you to debate issues of citizenship, nationality, rights and duties in relation to health care and social welfare, through an understanding of forms of social capital and 'social ills' from a global perspective. You will analyse the development, implementation and diffusion of health and welfare policies in particular areas of the world, (for example India, China, the Pacific Rim), and assess their impact on the wellbeing of local populations.
The module aims to foster an understanding of the benefits and principles of comparative social policy analysis, as well as enabling you to debate issues of citizenship, nationality, rights and duties in relation to health and welfare provision through an understanding of the global and local distribution of social goods and social ills.
How will I learn on this module?
You will attend a combination of lectures, and seminars; undertake group work, IT Laboratory work, guided and directed study. A variety of materials will be used for example, video, film, newspaper and other media sources as well as texts and your own experiences. You will be encouraged to be self-directing. You will be given regular feedback and this will be enhanced by designated feedback sessions. Where necessary you will be seen individually to discuss issues of concern. Advice will be given on how to improve your writing skills, analysis and referencing throughout the module. Through group work presentations exploring various health and welfare issues and various health and social care systems, you will have an opportunity to share and explore different cultures and approaches to health and social care using enquiry based learning (EBL) approaches. Problem focused tasks will aim to enable you to apply the principles explored and facilitate the critical exploration of topical issues during the module. Material will be posted regularly on the elp along with web links to relevant online videos, podcasts, documents, and sites of information for you to access as directed and to use as self-directed learning.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will have a named Guidance Tutor, who will provide help and advice at every stage of the programme. The module leader will provide guidance on the content of the module during formal teaching time, and throughout the academic year time will set aside on a regular basis for individual and small group tutorial support should you wish to access this. You will also be provided with the contact details of key module personnel within the module handbook and on the e-learning platform.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
1. Identify and discuss current responses to global health and welfare challenges.
2. Examine and debate issues of citizenship, nationality, rights and duties in relation to health and social care.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Discuss the similarities and differences facing health and social care practitioners and users, globally, nationally and locally.
4. Analyse the contribution of published research and policy on health/social care and professional practice.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Develop an understanding of the impact of globalisation on health and social care and the burden of disease and social deprivation
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assignment
You will be formatively assessed by means of an ongoing sequence of student lead seminars and debates, which will be diagnostic in direction, offering guidance toward completion of the summative assignment. Also, at the outset of the module you will be allocated into small study groups (maximum of 3 students). Each group will then select a non-UK country from a pre-arranged list, and produce a review that Country’s Health and Social care provision. From this each group will prepare a 15 minute presentation to be delivered to the larger class. (MLOs 01, 02, 03, 05)
Summative Assignment
(MLOs 01, 02, 03, 04, 05)
You will produce a critical review of a negotiated, (non UK), health and social care system for which you will be given a broad choice of focus.
3000 words
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will give you the opportunity to explore global health and social care issues and along with developing your understanding of globalisation, you will be able to contextualise and appreciate the factors that influence contemporary ‘modern’ global health and social care systems. You will have an opportunity to explore specific issues relating to individual countries and/or different geographical locations on the planet. Through group work and discussion, you will further develop an appreciation of global health and social care issues today, along with the challenges that face both individual health and social care systems, and the wider world. The analytical skills that you develop through seminar work in this module will assist you to challenge dominant ideas and beliefs on health and illness.
Course info
UCAS Code L5L6
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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