Head of Department:Professor Ann Gallagher
Welcome to the Department of Health Sciences.
The Department is part of the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and conducts teaching and research in several areas of allied health professions, nursing, social work, public health, health promotion and health economics. We deliver high quality professional and public health education in line with the University’s mission “to bring benefit to society through excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer”. Our courses are highly regarded by students.
We conduct cutting-edge research in a number of areas. Our approach to research is driven by the needs of policymakers and other stakeholders, including patients and members of the lay public. Faculty research in the department is facilitated via Research Institute Themes and College Research Centres. Our students write dissertations and theses, across this wider research domain as they start building their skills in planning, conducting and disseminating research.
Public engagement activities are part of our academic life. We build interdisciplinary partnerships to foster education, research and knowledge transfer
.Joining the Department as a student or a member of staff will provide you with excellent opportunities to become an independent practitioner in your chosen field. Come along and join us!
The department has five divisions
Occupational Therapy
The Division of Occupational Therapy is led by Dr Mellissa Prunty. Occupational Therapy at Brunel is the original ‘London School of Occupational Therapy’ and is one of the most highly regarded programmes globally. We offer two pre-registration programmes in occupational therapy both accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council. Our MSc Occupational Therapy programme is also accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Our academics are research-active, focusing on children’s occupational therapy, occupational science and healthy aging.
Physiotherapy
The Division of Physiotherapy is led by John Cossar. Physiotherapy is staffed by enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are also registered Physiotherapists. Many continue to practise in the clinical environment alongside lecturing.
Social Work
The Social Work Division, led by /people/sherwyn-sicat is staffed by enthusiastic academics, who represent a wide range of practice and academic experience. Our /study/postgraduate/Social-Work-MSc is approved by and endorsed by the College of Social Work. In addition, students can extend their skills by studying on our Continuing Professional Development Programmes. Our close links with social service and voluntary organisations ensures quality placements for our students, equipping them with the skills they need to work in highly complex professional environments.
Global Public Health
The Division of Global Public Health, led by Dr Nana Anokye encompasses the disciplines of Health Economics and Public Health and Health Promotion. The Health Economics Research Group (HERG) has developed an international reputation in health economics, building on strong foundations and a consistent strategy pursued over more than twenty-five years. Economic Evaluation in Health Care short courses are run regularly throughout the year. Our academics have a range of expertise covering economic analysis, health research, health promotion and public health, health care law and ethics, health and social policy and health services.
Nursing
The Division of nursing is the newest Division in CHMLS and is led by the Division Lead Dr Allison Wiseman. The Nursing Division has a growing portfolio of programmes. In 2021 we started our BSc Hons registered Nurse programme (adult, child, mental health fields) and Apprentice Nurse Associate Programmes. Our students have placements both locally in North West London as well as other areas of London and the local area. We also offer Specialist Practice Community and Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) programmes in Health Visiting , Occupational Health Nursing and School Nursing for NMC registrants wishing to pursue a career in Community and Public Health. In the future subject to validation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) we hope to offer an MSc Registered Nurse, V150 prescribing for SCPHN and V300 Independent and Supplementary prescribing (for HCPC registrants too subject to validation)