Environmental Health BSc
Study of how environmental factors affect human health - combining science, policy, and practical action to protect people and communities.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in public health and safety
Want to improve living and working environments
Enjoy science and regulation
Like investigative and inspection-based work
Want a practical, applied career
Popular Career Fields
Government & Public Sector
Healthcare & Public Health
Environmental Consultancy
Food Safety & Regulation
Your Personality Might Be:
Public service-minded
Healthcare & Public Health
Problem-solver
Regulatory-focused
What is it?
What Is an Environmental Health Degree?
Environmental Health focuses on how the natural and built environment impacts our health and wellbeing. It explores the science, policy, and law behind managing environmental risks such as pollution, food safety, housing conditions, and workplace hazards.
Why Study Environmental Health?
If you want a career that improves lives and safeguards public health, this degree provides both scientific knowledge and real-world skills. You’ll learn how to investigate environmental problems, manage risks, and develop sustainable solutions for healthier communities.
Course Summary
Study of how environmental factors affect human health - combining science, policy, and practical action to protect people and communities.
What you'll study
Most Environmental Health degrees cover:
Environmental and public health science
Food safety and hygiene management
Health protection and epidemiology
Pollution control and waste management
Housing and community health
Environmental law and policy
Risk assessment and environmental management
Later in your course, you can often specialise in areas such as environmental sustainability, global health, or occupational safety.
Degree Type
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Focuses on the scientific, technical, and regulatory aspects of environmental health.
Some universities offer accredited routes that lead directly to Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner status through the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
Skills You'll Gain
An Environmental Health degree builds both technical and professional skills, including:
Public Health Risk Assessment – identifying and evaluating environmental hazards affecting community wellbeing.
Inspection & Enforcement – assessing housing, food safety, and environmental standards for legal compliance.
Pollution & Contamination Analysis – monitoring air, water, noise, and land quality.
Health Protection Response – managing outbreaks, emergencies, and environmental incidents.
Communication & Advisory Skills – guiding businesses and the public on health, safety, and environmental practices.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Environmental Health graduates are in demand in public and private sectors, including:
Local government and environmental health departments
Public health and safety agencies
Food production and hospitality industries
Environmental consultancy and sustainability roles
International health and development organisations
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Placements or sandwich years with local councils, environmental agencies, or public health organisations.
Field projects in areas such as pollution monitoring, food safety, or housing inspection.
These opportunities provide hands-on experience and can count toward professional registration with the CIEH.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent typically including a Science subject (such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Geography).
Personal Statement Tips
Show your interest in health, the environment, and public safety.
Mention volunteering or work experience related to community health or environmental issues.
Reflect on why environmental health matters to society and sustainability.
Include examples such as science projects, teamwork, or research experience.
What to do Next
Compare courses to find those accredited by the CIEH for professional qualification.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore labs and field facilities.
Volunteer with local health or environmental projects.
Read about current public health and environmental challenges.
Wider Reading
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – A classic on pollution and environmental health.
Our Environment and Health by World Health Organization – How global environmental issues affect wellbeing.
Environmental Health and the Built Environment by Hugh Barton – Exploring the links between design, housing, and health.
Clean: The New Science of Skin by James Hamblin – How health, hygiene, and the environment interact.