Behavioural Approaches in Public Health Continuing Professional Development (Postgraduate)

Explore behaviour, trauma and inequality through on-campus learning

This campus-based Behavioural Approaches in Public Health module is part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) portfolio and is also available as a standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course. It offers a focused opportunity to develop postgraduate-level understanding of behaviour and health, either as an individual module or as part of a full master’s qualification.

Delivered over one academic term, the module examines how behaviour, trauma and social context influence public health outcomes, with particular emphasis on physical activity and nutrition.

While issues such as inactivity and poor diet are often viewed as matters of personal choice, there is increasing recognition of the role that trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) play in shaping behaviour, opportunity and long-term health. This module takes a trauma-informed approach, enabling you to explore how inequalities and life experiences affect engagement with health behaviours.

You will critically evaluate current public health strategies and consider how they can move beyond awareness-raising towards approaches that support meaningful, sustainable change.

Course highlights

• Gain postgraduate credits towards your CPD
• Explore trauma-informed approaches to behaviour change
• Address current challenges in physical activity and nutrition
• Share perspectives with peers from diverse professional backgrounds

Who is this course for?

This module is ideal for:

• Public health professionals undertaking CPD
• Healthcare and wellbeing practitioners
• Community and voluntary sector professionals
• Policy and health improvement practitioners
• Graduates interested in behavioural public health

It is particularly suited to those who want to better understand how behaviour, trauma and inequality interact to influence health outcomes, within a collaborative, campus-based setting.

Skills and knowledge you’ll develop

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Critically analyse societal perceptions of physical activity and diet within a public health context
• Evaluate the role of trauma and adverse experiences as drivers of health-related behaviours
• Assess the determinants of physical activity and nutrition, and their influence on behaviour change, empowerment and health outcomes

You will study one core 20 credit module called Behavioural Approaches in Public Health.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

This module is delivered on campus through a combination of structured teaching sessions and interactive learning activities.

You will learn through:

• Lectures and seminar-based discussions
• Case studies exploring real-world public health scenarios
• Group work and peer learning
• Guided independent study

Face-to-face delivery allows you to engage directly with academic staff and fellow students, supporting discussion, collaboration and the sharing of professional perspectives.

Dedicated support sessions will help you develop your assessment and presentation skills.

You will also have access to Develop@Derby, providing additional support for academic and professional skill development.

How you're assessed

Assessment is 100% coursework and reflects the analytical and applied nature of public health practice.

You will complete a case study analysis, enabling you to critically evaluate behavioural approaches within a public health context. The assessment will allow you to apply theory and evidence to practical scenarios, demonstrating your understanding of behaviour change, trauma-informed practice and health inequalities.

As a CPD module, this course supports your ongoing professional development and enhances your ability to design effective and inclusive public health interventions.

You will develop skills in:

• Behaviour change and health improvement strategies
• Trauma-informed approaches to public health
• Critical evaluation of policy and interventions
• Addressing inequalities and promoting health equity

Admissions to this programme are consistent with those of a Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes.

Applicants should normally have:

EITHER
A minimum of a lower second-class Honours degree (2:2) or above in a public health related science from a UK university, the CNAA or an overseas equivalent with National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications and Skills (NARIC) approval.

OR

Qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above. All students applying via this route will be assessed and where necessary interviewed by the Programme Leader.

• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language or certificated equivalences, regardless of previous educational qualifications
• Additionally, International students will be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English and would normally be expected to have an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6, in all areas, subject to academic discretion
• If applicants are using a WAEC qualification as certified evidence this must be at a minimum of C6 for English language

Please note: If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will not be eligible to enrol on this standalone module. We recommend applying to the full Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, which meets visa requirements.

The final decision regarding admission will be with the MPH Programme Leader.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, an IELTS of 6.5, with no less than 6 (or equivalent), in all areas is required.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni Scholarship for Derby graduates

University of Derby graduates may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship towards postgraduate study.

Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.