BSc (Hons) Public Health (With or Without Foundation Year)

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Public Health degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding needed to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and populations. The programme focuses on reducing health inequalities, promoting healthier lifestyles, and addressing the wider social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.

Throughout the course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary public health practice, exploring topics such as health promotion, epidemiology, health policy, population health, global health challenges, and healthcare improvement. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to public health initiatives that improve quality of life and support healthier communities.

The programme combines academic learning with practical application, enabling students to research, analyse, plan, implement, and evaluate public health interventions. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, partnership working, and reflective professional development.

Why Choose This Course?

• Study a broad range of public health disciplines including health promotion, epidemiology, media and health technology, and global health.
• Gain practical knowledge of public health policy, healthcare systems, and population health improvement.
• Learn through evidence-based approaches and real-world public health scenarios.
• Develop research, analytical, communication, and leadership skills valued by employers.
• Benefit from action learning methods that promote teamwork, partnership working, and reflective practice.
• Course content is aligned with UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) Practitioner Standards.
• Provides a recognised route towards public health practitioner registration following graduation.
• Prepare for a wide range of careers across healthcare, local government, voluntary organisations, and public sector services.

Course Highlights

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

• Measure, monitor, and report population health and wellbeing.
• Assess health needs, risks, inequalities, and service utilisation.
• Promote population and community health through targeted interventions.
• Address wider determinants of health and health inequalities.
• Analyse environmental and global health challenges, including climate-related health risks.
• Apply research evidence to inform public health practice.
• Evaluate and improve public health services and programmes.
• Demonstrate leadership and professional practice within public health settings.

Foundation Year (Optional)

The Foundation Year provides an excellent pathway for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements or who wish to strengthen their academic skills before progressing to the full degree programme.

Foundation Year Modules

• Data Skills
• Research Skills
• Communication Skills
• Professional Development for Practitioners

Course Modules

Year 1

• Academic and Professional Skills
• Introduction to Public Health
• Health Assets and Health Needs
• The Public Health Practitioner

Year 2

• Health Policy and Systems
• Lifestyle and Health Promotion
• Epidemiology and Population Health
• Media and Health Technology

Year 3

• Global Health in Context
• Leadership and Managing Services
• Public Health in Practice
• Public Health Major Project

Learning Outcomes

Level 4 – Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE)

Students will:

• Develop a broad knowledge base and specialised skills.
• Evaluate information and apply investigative strategies.
• Solve a variety of practical and theoretical problems.
• Operate effectively within a range of professional contexts.
• Take responsibility for the quality of their work and outputs.

Level 5 – Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE)

Students will:

• Analyse concepts at an abstract level.
• Generate informed solutions to complex problems.
• Apply specialist knowledge and skills.
• Exercise judgement across a broad range of functions.
• Take responsibility for achieving personal and group outcomes.

Level 6 – Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons)

Students will:

• Critically evaluate and apply advanced public health knowledge.
• Assess evidence from a variety of sources.
• Apply analytical, diagnostic, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Exercise professional judgement in diverse settings.
• Demonstrate accountability and leadership in public health practice.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

• 96 UCAS Tariff Points
• Typically achieved through:
  • 3 A Levels at grades CCC or equivalent qualifications
  • BTEC qualifications
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Other recognised Level 3 qualifications

Foundation Year Entry

Applications are welcomed from students with a wide range of academic backgrounds. The Foundation Year route offers an alternative pathway into degree-level study.

International qualifications are also considered. Please contact us for individual assessment and advice.

Course Duration

• 3 Years Full-Time
• 4 Years Full-Time (Including Foundation Year)

Start Dates

• September
• January
• May

Study Mode

• Campus-Based Learning

Career Opportunities

Public health is one of the fastest-growing and most important areas within healthcare and community services. Graduates may progress into a variety of rewarding careers, including:

• Public Health Practitioner
• Health Improvement Practitioner
• Public Health Information Officer
• Public Health Analyst
• Youth Worker
• Drug and Alcohol Support Worker
• Community Health Development Officer
• Health Promotion Specialist
• Health Project Coordinator
• Public Sector and Local Government Roles

Some career pathways may require further professional training or postgraduate study.

Further Study

Graduates may choose to continue their academic journey through postgraduate qualifications such as:

• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• MSc Public Health
• MSc Health Promotion
• MSc Global Health
• MSc Health Policy and Management

Apply Today

Take the first step towards a career dedicated to improving lives and reducing health inequalities. Our BSc (Hons) Public Health degree provides the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies needed to make a positive impact on communities locally, nationally, and globally.