Public Health Degree Course Guide

It focuses on preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing health inequalities. Unlike clinical medicine, which treats individuals, public health works at a population level to improve wellbeing across societies. If you're interested in health, policy, science and making a broad impact on communities, a Public Health degree could be the right fit for you.

What Is Public Health Like at University?

Public Health is an interdisciplinary course that combines health sciences, social sciences, data analysis and policy. You’ll study the factors that influence health, including biology, behaviour, environment and society. You’ll explore how governments and organisations develop health strategies, run health campaigns, and respond to outbreaks and crises. The course includes both theory and practical skills in research, communication and public engagement. You’ll often have opportunities to work on real-world case studies, community projects or placements.

How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?

In the UK, Public Health is offered as a three-year BSc or a four-year programme if it includes a placement year. Some universities also offer joint honours courses such as Public Health and Social Policy or Public Health and Psychology. Public Health is also a popular subject at postgraduate level, with many students studying a Master of Public Health (MPH) after completing an undergraduate degree in a related field. The undergraduate route is growing quickly and provides an excellent foundation for a career in health or policy.

How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?

Teaching is a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and group work. You’ll also develop research and data skills using real health datasets. Many courses include visits to health organisations or offer placements in local government, charities or the NHS. Assessment usually involves essays, presentations, research reports, policy briefs and group projects. You may also complete a dissertation or final-year project on a public health issue of your choice.

What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?

Entry requirements vary but universities typically look for a combination of science and social science subjects such as:

Biology or Health and Social Care
Sociology or Psychology
Geography or Politics
Some universities are flexible and accept a wide range of subjects as long as you show an interest in health and society. BTECs in Health and Social Care are often accepted too. Experience in volunteering, care work or community service can strengthen your application.

What Skills Will You Develop?

A Public Health degree gives you a broad set of skills that are valuable in many sectors including:

Understanding of health systems and determinants of health
Research and analysis of health data and statistics
Health promotion and communication strategies
Critical thinking about policy and ethics
Planning and evaluation of health interventions
Teamwork and project management
Cultural awareness and community engagement

You’ll also gain insight into real-world health challenges and how different organisations work together to solve them.

What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?

Graduates in Public Health can work in a variety of roles across health services, government, education and charities. Common career paths include:

Public health officer or practitioner
Health promotion specialist
Epidemiologist or research assistant
Health policy adviser
Community health coordinator
Global health worker
Environmental health officer
NGO or humanitarian programme assistant
Some graduates also go on to study postgraduate degrees in public health, global health, epidemiology, health policy or data science. Others use their degree as a foundation for graduate entry into medicine, nursing, social work or teaching.

Studying Public Health Abroad

Public Health is a global discipline and many countries offer strong undergraduate and postgraduate options. Here’s what to expect in different regions:

USA
In the US, Public Health is often studied as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Public Health. Many students then go on to complete a Master of Public Health (MPH). Universities like Johns Hopkins, UC Berkeley and the University of North Carolina offer leading public health programmes. US degrees often include internships and have strong links to public health agencies and NGOs.

Canada
Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, Simon Fraser and McMaster offer undergraduate degrees in Public Health or Health Sciences with public health specialisations. Courses often include applied community-based learning, research skills and Indigenous health studies. Canada also has strong MPH programmes for postgraduate study.

European Union
Public Health degrees in English are available in the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Finland. Dutch universities such as Maastricht and Groningen offer strong bachelor’s and master’s programmes with a European and global health focus. Many EU countries emphasise population health, environmental policy and equity in healthcare.

Australia
In Australia, Public Health is available as a specialisation within Health Science or offered as a standalone undergraduate degree. Universities like Monash, University of Sydney and Griffith provide well-regarded programmes with opportunities for placements, research and public health advocacy work.

New Zealand
The University of Otago and the University of Auckland offer degrees in Public Health or Population Health with a strong focus on equity, Indigenous health and community wellbeing. Courses often include hands-on projects and opportunities to work in health organisations.

Studying Public Health abroad can be a great way to gain insight into different healthcare systems and global health issues. Many programmes also provide experience in international collaboration and health communication.

Is Public Health the Right Course for You?

Public Health is ideal for students who care about social justice, want to make a difference and are interested in how science, society and policy intersect. It suits people who are analytical, empathetic and good at thinking about big-picture challenges. Whether you're passionate about reducing health inequalities, improving mental health, tackling pandemics or promoting sustainable communities, a degree in Public Health gives you the tools to build a meaningful and impactful career.