Public Health BSc

Public Health is the study of how to improve and protect the health of people and communities.

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 Makes a Strong Application

Universities look for students who are academically capable and motivated by social impact. A strong application should include:

Good grades in relevant science or social science subjects.

• Work experience or volunteering in health, social care, charities or community projects.

• A personal statement that demonstrates commitment to improving health, awareness of global health challenges and skills such as empathy, communication and problem-solving.

• Interview performance at some universities, testing motivation and understanding of public health issues.

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.

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.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Public Health Students

Exploring wider reading can strengthen your application and understanding. Four excellent starting points are:

“The Health Gap” by Michael Marmot

A powerful examination of health inequalities and the social determinants of health.

“Public Health: A Very Short Introduction” by Virginia Berridge

A concise overview of the history, principles and challenges of public health.

“Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic” by David Quammen

A fascinating account of how infectious diseases move from animals to humans, highly relevant in a post-Covid world.

“Global Health 101” by Richard Skolnik

A comprehensive introduction to the major issues and approaches in global health.