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Introduction
Established in 2003, the School for Health builds upon the high standard of research and teaching taking place across the University in health-related disciplines to create a stimulating and innovative learning environment.
The School aims to identify and facilitate opportunities for academic collaboration and research developments. Positive engagement with the health sector is crucial in order to maintain and develop a broad research base, especially in the life sciences. The School for Health creates a single, high profile entity, through which such links with the sector can be channelled, co-ordinated and developed.
The establishment of the School contributes to the University’s overall objectives by expanding and diversifying the research base. The School’s research strategy is to develop a portfolio of ‘double-hurdle’ research activities. Such research is both of the highest academic standard and has applications in the real world, making a contribution to regional, national and international health agendas.
Over 40 research students are currently studying for PhD, MPhil, MD and MS awards, in both full and part-time research degrees, focusing on a broad range of topics. In 2005 the School launched the Professional Doctorate in Health. This innovative programme enables health and social care professionals to develop their expertise and practice-relevant research at the highest level. The unique programme delivery combines an online environment with textual materials, face-to-face research conferences and personal development advisors.
The School’s postgraduate taught programmes combine academic excellence with flexible and innovative design and delivery. Programmes provide a wide range of health and social care practitioners with lifelong learning in a manner that suits their professional and personal commitments.
Main areas of research specialism
The School for Health draws together multidisciplinary health-related areas of research, to address important priorities identified by Research Councils and Charities and the NHS Plan, with its shifting balance towards healthy people and primary care.
The School has two main foci for its research: healthy living and healthcare quality and outcomes. Both areas are characterised by a strongly applied orientation. There is a strong commitment to inter-sectoral collaboration with a wide range of local and national agencies and their leaders to promote and deliver the desired changes in health and wellbeing for the clients and the communities that they serve.
Healthy living
The School contributes to the scientific understanding, prevention and treatment of the adverse health consequences associated with unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, and promotion of health enhancing activities, such as ‘sport for all’, intended to improve health and well-being.
The School houses some of the UK’s leading research experts on population health and health inequalities, currently working with the UK Government and the World Health Organisation to inform national and international health policies.
These activities also encompass cutting edge sport and exercise science research, working with partners such as the British Olympic Association and the British Heart Foundation to look at the physiological, psychological and biomechanical aspects of healthy living and elite sports.
Healthcare quality and outcomes
The focus on healthcare quality and outcomes looks at ways in which the quality of health services can improve patient and user experiences and outcomes. Specific research emphasis is currently on disabling, distressing and limiting conditions such as poor mental health, chronic pain and stroke.
Research projects with major funding councils are currently being carried out across the School on these topics. The School is further developing these areas with the addition of a number of new staff and the strengthening of links with health partners and other departments within the University.
Facilities, equipment, other resources
Sport and exercise science and medical science laboratories. Close links with the English Institute of Sport and the Department of Sports Development and Recreation. International and industrial links There are current links with primary care trusts, strategic health authorities, the two hospitals in Bath and colleagues in industry. The School works closely with the Royal Colleges, esteemed international academic institutions, and individual health practitioners, in order to meet the regional, national and global challenges facing health and social care.
Careers information
Postgraduate research students gain a wealth of experience to assist them with their next step and are offered personal career advice at the University. The School has an established research training skills programme for all research students. The taught programmes enable students to extend their health and social care career pathways and to build important networks for further professional opportunities.