BSc (Hons) Public Health
This BSc (Hons) Public Health degree focuses on improving health across communities and populations. It covers health inequalities, the social and wider determinants of health, health promotion, epidemiology and health policy. It may suit adults interested in public health practice, health improvement, community-focused work or the systems and policies that influence health. A four-year foundation year route is available alongside the three-year degree route.
About this course
This degree examines how health is shaped across populations, communities and services. You will consider health inequalities, the wider determinants of health, social policy, health improvement and health protection, alongside the role of healthcare systems.
The course develops practical and analytical skills through data, research, communication and professional development. Later study explores epidemiology, population health, lifestyle and health promotion, media and health technology, global health, and the leadership and management of services. You will complete a major public health project in the final stage of the degree.
Course content is mapped to UK Public Health Register practitioner standards. Full-time study is available over three years, or four years with a foundation year for applicants who need an additional preparatory stage before degree-level study.
What you will study
You will study topics including:
• Data Skills • Research Skills • Communication Skills • Professional Development for Practitioners • Academic and Professional Skills • Introduction to Public Health • Health Assets and Health Needs • The Public Health Practitioner • Health Policy and Systems • Lifestyle and Health Promotion • Epidemiology and Population Health • Media and Health Technology • Global Health in Context • Leadership and Managing Services • Public Health in Practice • Public Health Major Project
Modules
Foundation
- Data Skills
- Research Skills
- Communication Skills
- Professional Development for Practitioners
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
Assessment
Assessment methods include written assignments, laboratory reports, practical activities, presentations, group work, research projects and reflective writing.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requires 96 UCAS Tariff points from three A Levels or an equivalent qualification, such as CCC at A Level. Other accepted routes include:
• Irish Leaving Certificate: BBCCC • Scottish Highers: BBCCC • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a related subject: DMM • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 24 points
You also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths.
For foundation year entry, a minimum of 40 UCAS Tariff points is required.
Applicants who meet either the standard or foundation entry criteria but have been out of study for five years must pass an academic interview.
Level 3 entry may be considered for applicants who do not meet the usual requirements but can demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and potential through relevant work experience and professional development.
For non-standard mature entry (age 21+), applicants need an Ofqual-recognised academic Level 3 qualification, or a Level 2 qualification in the intended field plus work experience in that field within the last five years. An academic interview is required.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic 6.0, or an equivalent English language qualification.
Careers
This course may support progression into roles such as public health practitioner, public health information officer, public health analyst, health improvement practitioner, health protection practitioner or health communications officer. Other possible areas include youth work, drug and alcohol support, community development and outreach work.
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