Program Overview

Social Prescribing

Short Course

Explore and critique different models of social prescribing on our short course. You'll understand the underpinning principles of social prescribing and the impact of economic, cultural and social factors.

Why study with us

• We are one of the few UK universities who teach social prescribing and have our own Social Prescribing Unit.
• You will be taught by qualified health and social care professionals, who are active in research and the field.
• Enjoy flexible online learning which allows you to fit your studies around your other commitments.

Course information

• Level: 7
• Delivery: Online
• Study mode: Part-time
• Duration: 4 months
• Module code (if applicable): MW4045
• Start date: January 2025

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Deconstruct and critically reflect upon the underpinning philosophies and drivers of social prescribing.
• Critically analyse models of social prescribing.
• Deconstruct and critically reflect upon the practical implications of social prescribing; including political, economic, cultural and societal factors.
• Critically evaluate the necessary factors and skills needed to successfully deliver social prescribing in practice.

Entry requirements

All applicants must have:

• A BSc in a related topic
• The ability to study at postgraduate level
• The ability to use MS Teams, Blackboard and Microsoft Office

Learning and assessment

We expect 200 study hours per 20 credit module, which may be comprised of different learning activities. The teaching content for this module is delivered online. There will be online tutorials at scheduled points during the course. You will also be expected to engage with peer groups and tutors through discussion boards on Teams.

You can choose between a 4,000 word case study or a 4,000 word patchwork text as your assignment. Further details will be provided during the introduction to the module. You will have the opportunity to specialise during the course. For example, you can choose a topic area for your assessment including, but not exclusively, children and young people, or loneliness.

Tutors make themselves available to guide and support in a variety of ways. This includes group support, email, discussion boards, telephone and MS Team tutorials. You are also encouraged to develop your own mechanisms of peer support through study groups. Skype or virtual classrooms can be used for these meetings outside formal tutorial sessions.

You will also enhance employability skills during the course. In particular, IT skills; interpersonal skills; and cultural awareness as you learn with students from diverse locations and backgrounds. Independent learning will also enhance skills like time management, self-motivation, report writing and problem solving.

Fees and funding

The fees are £975 for this course.

Pathway opportunities

This short course is an optional module within several of our postgraduate courses, including MSc Public Health. Completing this short course can demonstrate the ability to study at postgraduate level. There is potential to use completion of this course as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to progress onto another postgraduate course.

Future careers

Completion of this course can enhance your CV and support applications for leadership and management positions. This includes roles within social prescribing, personalised care, Asset Based Community Development work, and public health roles. Additionally, social prescribing link workers or community connectors can apply.