Module manager: Mahua Das
Email: m.das@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Same as the courses
NUFF5455M Sexual and Reproductive Health
This module is not approved as an Elective
Progress in maternal and child health outcomes is stagnating, despite increasing calls for redoubling global efforts through policies, programmes and services to address the health of women and children. Meanwhile, there is also a need to promote healthy sexual and reproductive health. This module analyses these health challenges using a life course approach with case studies and experiences from low- and middle-income countries.
This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills required for those who would work in the field of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health.
It is designed to introduce students to a life course approach to health issues and develop their capacity to focus on the international aspects of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and approaches to address challenges in the field.
Students will be exposed to the latest debates, epidemiological data and information, case studies and experiences, to support the development of evidence-based practices and solutions.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
1- Critically analyse and assess the influence of national and international political and policy systems on the provision of reproductive, maternal, neo-natal and child health services;
2- Critically analyse and assess the formulation and implementation of health services for one key Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) conditions;
3- Critically appraise and value the complexity and dynamics of the socio-cultural context on people’s reproductive, maternal and child health behaviour, and the provision of associated services;
4- Collate, synthesise and analyse evidence-based information, and communicate findings effectively.
5- Discuss the role and objectives of linear and comprehensive health service interventions addressing the health of mothers, infants, and children
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Work Ready
1- Combines evidence-based evaluation of various perspectives with problem-solving skills, ensuring informed and practical approaches to addressing global health challenges.
2- Focuses on teamwork, negotiation and active engagement with local and regional stakeholders and initiatives while fostering self-reflection to enhance personal and professional growth.
Academic
3- Develop the ability to search appropriate databases, analyse and critique peer-reviewed journal articles, and apply findings to raise awareness, communicate effectively, influence others, and support decision-making in the field of RMNCH.
4- Demonstrate the principles of academic integrity by referencing correctly and appropriately in all coursework.
5- Enhance and practice presentation skills to effectively convey information and insights in academic and professional contexts.
The main topics covered in the module are:
1- The international political context for RMNCH health policies and programmes; including the influence of international political agendas and key policy events.
2- The socio-cultural context; including understanding the importance, complexities and dynamics of contexts, using the examples of reproductive rights and violence against women.
3- Maternal and neonatal health; including causes of maternal mortality, health system responses, emergency obstetric care, skilled birth attendance, safe abortion and post-abortion care, and neonatal health.
4- Family planning methods and services; including measuring and responding to unmet need, delivery models, contraceptive method mix, ensuring quality, and infertility services.
5- Case studies on specific RMNCH issues (e.g., STI/HIV)
6- Epidemiology, risk factors, challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and prevention and care services across sectors, and meeting the needs of adolescents.
7- Conflict/emergencies and its impact on SRH (needs, access, quality and services)
8- Integrated management of childhood illnesses components – Integrated Management of Childhood Illness: skills of health workers
9- Child survival: integrated management of childhood illnesses and community-based interventions
10- Child/adolescent health including Child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),) and Menstrual Hygiene.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1.5 | 30 |
| Seminar | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 87 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
This module has a number of opportunities for formative feedback.
1- Each topic will be taught through: independent pre-session learning, using targeted online resources; a short summary lecture (online and / or in person) and a seminar / workshop in which the preceding learning is applied within the classroom setting. Each seminar / workshop will open with a “quick knowledge check” approach to ensure that students have understood key concepts, followed by applied activities. Formative feedback will be provided during the activities;
2- Activity like unassessed group/individual presentations on various topics (discussion based on pre-readings before each lecture) on the module and feedback provided in class, helping the students gain a better understanding of the module assignment.
3- Students can use the Discussion Board on Minerva to raise questions about module content and / or assessment plans.
4- Students can consult with the module leader about plans for their assessment, in order to ensure that it is appropriately focussed and feasible to deliver.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Individual Presentation - 15 minutes, plus 5 minutes of question and answer | 100 |
| Coursework | Formative - Formative activity like unassessed group/individual presentations on various topics (discussion based on pre-readings before each lecture) on the module and feedback provided in class, helping the students gain a better understanding of the module assignment. Quick knowledge check will be applied at the start of each session | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 17/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team