This module aims to develop the students' detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the concept of occupational stress, highlighting the legal responsibilities that employers have to protect employees from the adverse effects of pressure at work and in using critically the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) management standards approach to risk assessment.
Graduate destinations
This module can be studied as part of the University Advanced Diploma (UAD) Occupational Health or the top-up degree BSc (Hons) Practice Development.
Course outline
Course summary
You will be introduced to the different definitions of stress and theoretical models that underpin research in this area. The HSE Management Standards approach to risk assessment, and underpinning evidence, will be used to explore the risk assessment and management of workplace stress.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Show a detailed systematic knowledge and critical understanding of the different definitions used to describe stress, and the theoretical models used to underpin knowledge in this area.
- Show a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the HSE Management Standards approach to tackling stress in the workplace, recognising the limitations of current knowledge in this area.
- Demonstrate the application of the principles of the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards approach to risk assessment in an appropriate manner, in a complex workplace environment.
- Evaluate the use of the HSE Management Standards approach, illustrating where gaps in current knowledge exist and suggesting ways in which further research or evaluation might fill those gaps.
Indicative core bibliography
- Cooper, CL, Dewe, P. O'Driscoll, M. (2001) Organisational Stress. London. Sage Publications.
- HSE (2007) Managing The Causes of Work Related Stress HS(G) 218 HSE Books. Sudbury.
- Kloss, D. (2010) Occupational Health Law 5th edition.London: Wiley-Blackwell
- National Institute of Clinical Excellence (2008) Promoting Mental well-being at work: synopsis of the evidence
- Thornbory, G. (2008) Occupational Health : Making the Business Case - special report. Workplace Law Publishing. Cambridge. E-resource.
- Williams S & Cooper L (2002) Managing Workplace Stress: A Best Practice Blueprint. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Health and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk
- Health Protection Agency www.hpa.org.uk
- Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk
Modules
Programme Specification
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.
Selection criteria
To be eligible to study this module you should be able to apply it to your practice.
Application information
The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.
Please note that the direct entry application system will not recognise your current Student IT Network login. Please select the New User option from the Apply Now button.
Student finance
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.
Student FinanceAdditional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Resources and facilities
We are amongst the UK's leading health and science faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students.
We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.
