Public Health BSc
Study of how to protect and improve health across communities - combining science, policy, and social understanding to tackle global and local health challenges.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in improving community health
Enjoy research and analysis
Care about global health issues
Want a career in public health
Are analytical
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Charity & NGO Sector
Research & Academia
Your Personality Might Be:
Community-focused
Government & Public Sector
Health advocate
Systems thinker
What is it?
What Is a Public Health Degree?
Public Health focuses on preventing disease, promoting wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities. You’ll study how social, environmental, and biological factors affect health and how to design strategies that improve life for individuals and populations.
Why Study Public Health?
If you’re passionate about making a difference in society and interested in healthcare beyond hospitals, Public Health offers a rewarding career path. You’ll learn to use evidence, education, and policy to create healthier communities and address global health issues.
Course Summary
Study of how to protect and improve health across communities - combining science, policy, and social understanding to tackle global and local health challenges.
What you'll study
Most Public Health degrees cover:
Health promotion and education
Epidemiology and biostatistics
Environmental and global health
Health policy and public health management
Infectious and chronic disease prevention
Social and behavioural sciences
Research and data analysis
Later in your degree, you may focus on areas such as mental health, health inequalities, nutrition, or global development.
Skills You'll Gain
Public Health degrees build both analytical and interpersonal skills, which might include:
Epidemiological Analysis – understanding disease patterns, risk factors, and population health trends.
Health Promotion – designing and delivering programmes to improve community health and wellbeing.
Research & Data Skills – collecting, analysing, and interpreting public-health data.
Policy & Planning – contributing to health policy development and evaluating public-health interventions.
Communication & Advocacy – engaging communities and conveying clear health messages to diverse groups.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
After graduation, you can work in:
Public health services and health promotion
Local government and social policy
Research and data analysis
Global health and humanitarian organisations
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities include placements or fieldwork in:
NHS and local authority health teams
Charities and community health organisations
Non-governmental or international health agencies
Public policy or research institutions
Placements help you apply theory to real-world public health challenges.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, or Maths are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Explain your motivation to improve health and reduce inequality.
Mention any volunteering or work experience in healthcare or community projects.
Highlight your communication, research, and teamwork skills.
Show awareness of current health issues or global challenges.
What to do Next
Volunteer with community health projects or charities.
Attend university open days to explore public health or policy departments.
Read about NHS public health initiatives and global health organisations.
Keep up to date with topics like mental health, nutrition, and environmental health.
Wider Reading
The Health Gap by Michael Marmot – A powerful look at social inequalities and health.
How to Argue With a Racist by Adam Rutherford – Understanding genetics, society, and public health.
Global Health 101 by Richard Skolnik – A clear overview of key global health issues.
Factfulness by Hans Rosling – An optimistic, evidence-based view of global progress.