Health and Wellbeing

Whilst activity and diet are still recognised as major elements of maintaining good health, there is now widespread recognition that the promotion of physical and mental wellbeing is equally vital. The FdSc Health & Wellbeing aims to educate learners of the important connections between how we look after our bodies and our general health, as well as the impact poor health can have on our society. The course examines factors that affect our health as well as methods that can be used to promote both physical and mental wellbeing and reflects the current national impetus and importance surrounding social prescribing.

This course has at its core an understanding of contemporary factors that are affecting our health, related particularly to nutrition and our physical and mental wellbeing. The programme develops specific practice from this base, into an understanding of the social context of health and wellbeing, the psychology behind our nutritional choices and how we can promote good physical and mental health. Students will develop their understanding of nutrition in relation to the health and wellbeing of the community. Stage two culminates in a project which allows students to develop their own interest, while also acquiring and developing skills of research and investigation. The theoretical components of the course are complemented by specific wellbeing-based content that reflects the current national impetus and importance surrounding social prescribing.

Assessment on this programme is mostly coursework-based and does not include exams. A wide variety of assessment methods are used including written assignments, practicals, presentations, health campaigns and a research project. Assessment is both formative and summative with carefully designed formative tasks, specifically focused on developing skills that will help attainment in the summative assessments. Assignments are designed to meet the skills required for further academic study or industry such as poster presentations, campaigns and academic writing. Practical skills are assessed and improved throughout the course.

The picturesque Penwith campus in Penzance is the perfect location for delivering this course. It is situated in the idyllic grounds of an 18th Century Grade II listed manor house with tree-lined avenues and breath-taking views over Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount. University Centre students have their own designated building adjacent to the manor’s Victorian walled garden and the campus provides its own calm tranquillity for students to nurture their own health and wellbeing whilst learning about how to promote it in others. Alongside their own common room with cooking facilities, students have access to on-site catering facilities including the award-winning Senara restaurant which was voted AA College Restaurant of the Year 2022-23. Additionally, students have free access to the on-site fitness suite and a range of activities provided by the Health, Wellbeing & Sport team.