Principles of Public Health Nursing Practice

Program Overview

Principles of Public Health Nursing Practice

Key Facts

• Module code: HVPP002
• Start date: 22 Sep 2025
• Application deadline: 8 Sep 2025
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Credit value SCQF: 20
• SCQF level: Level 11
• Fees: £889
• Mode of study: part time
• Delivery: blended

Overview

This module is concerned with studying the key elements of public health nursing practice and it is a core module for student health visitors on the MSc Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visiting); however, it would also be relevant for school nurses, and healthcare professionals working with children, young people, and their families.

You’ll explore and develop a critical understanding of the concepts, theories, principles, and models underpinning contemporary public health nursing practice to enable you to intervene early and improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for children, young people and their families across the life course.

The module encourages you to critically analyse the determinants of health and consider the impact of related health inequalities on children, young people and families health and wellbeing in the context of policy, legislation, and guidance for children’s services. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and skills in public health approaches for improving and promoting children, young people and their families’ health and wellbeing.

This module is offered by the multi-award-winning Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, led by a group of world-leading academics, with strong and established research records, real nursing experience and a wealth of world-class publications who will support you both personally and academically.

Entrance Requirements

You are required to have the ability to study at degree level (minimum academic level SCQF Level 9).

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Objectives

You will:

1. Display mastery of the concepts, theories, principles, and models underpinning health improvement and public health nursing practice to address inequalities in health and promote the health, wellbeing and rights of children and families.
2. Synthesise knowledge and understanding of the wider determinants of health and related health inequalities and their impact on the health, wellbeing and development of children, young people and families.
3. Apply advanced knowledge and skills in public health approaches for preventing, promoting, supporting and improving the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families across the life course.
4. Evaluate community health needs and assets through community profiling and the synthesis and application of epidemiological and other health data including research.
5. Critically appraise contemporary policy, legislation and guidance for children’s services including the knowledge and application of evidence and research to inform specialist community public health nursing practice.

Structure and Content

This module utilises a blended approach to teaching and learning to stimulate critical discussion and enhance learning, generate deeper understanding and foster the development of graduate attributes. The learning and teaching activities are varied and are aligned to the intended learning outcomes. They include:

• Lectures
• Group work activities
• Online discussions
• Podcasts
• e-learning activities
• Independent study

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a masterclass delivered by expert and keynote speakers providing real world experience and up to date research which will enable you to apply theoretical learning from the module content to key topics that reflect public health priorities.

Delivery and Assessment

The module will be assessed by means of a 100% individual assignment.

You will be required to complete a 3000-word report of a Community Profile and Health Needs Assessment for the 0-5 year age group in their practice placement area.

Module Coordinator

Megan Scott

Employability

This module supports the development of a wide range of skills including critical thinking and writing, advanced personal organisation, planning and evaluation skills, and advanced communication skills.