Health across the Lifecourse (L3116A)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

The module introduces you to sociological perspectives of health across the lifecourse. It examines through theoretical and empirical work how health and illness are conceptualised and experienced and how the state, professions and organisations position themselves and formulate responses, for example through policy, discourse and specific interventions. The module covers contemporary issues concerning health including maternal health, mental health, and health inequalities, and state and private provision of healthcare.

The module takes a lifecourse approach from birth and infancy through midlife and old age to death and dying, with each week’s topics covering sociological theory and debate and their application to empirical work and policy.


50%: Lecture
50%: Seminar


50%: Coursework (Essay)
50%: Examination (Unseen examination)

Contact hours and workload




This module is offered on the following courses: