Social & Behavioural Health Science Program

The Social and Behavioural Health Sciences program within Public Health Sciences draws upon several social science disciplines – primarily sociology, psychology and a range of methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative. Researchers and practitioners seek to understand public health issues and contribute to the development of interventions which address the broad Social Determinants of Health as well as the health behaviours of individuals and populations.

At the masters level, students learn the fundamental concepts and their relevance to current public health and health promotion issues. Practicum experiences, provide the opportunity to concentrate on the development of skills necessary for applied health promotion practice or for social and behavioural health research. At the PhD level students in social and behavioural health sciences choose to specialize in one of two areas: Health and Behavioural Science or Social Science and Health. These reflect differences in learning approaches and variations in methodology in the “parent” disciplines.

Students in the Health and Behavioural Science area, generally have a psychological, multi-disciplinary or systems-based orientation. They may be interested in developing a multi-level perspective to understanding health issues, or in studying interventions which aim to modify health behaviour both of individuals and groups. The course of study includes a set of common requirements; which enable the student to pursue a unique learning experience tailored to his/her research problem.
In contrast the Social Science and Health area, is more sociologically based. The emphasis is on critical theory and more qualitative approaches to understanding health issues. Students are expected to contribute to the development of theory in the field.

General SBHS Inquiries: info.sbhs@phs.med.utoronto.ca

QUIG: Qualitative Inquiry Group