There has been increasing evidence to support the argument that differences in health and opportunities for good health are strongly determined by the inequities in social and structural factors in society. The overall aim of this course is to introduce you to major conceptual and practical issues in understanding and addressing health inequalities in western industrialised countries. Specific topics explored will include the patterns of health inequity, the political and structural causes of inequities, and actions to address health inequities presented through case studies of effective interventions.