BSc in Public Health

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Abu Dhabi University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a 4-year undergraduate program that prepares students to tackle public health challenges through science, policy and community engagement, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, environmental health, and health systems management. It suits students who want careers in public health practice, health education, policy analysis, community health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational health science and analytical skills with courses like General Biology I & Lab (BIO 205/BIO 205L), General Chemistry I & Lab (CHE 205/CHE 201L), Introduction to Public Health (PBH 101), Determinants of Public Health (HSC 201), and Biostatistics (HSC 205). These modules develop core understanding of biological systems, health determinants, statistical reasoning, and public health principles.

Year 2

The second year deepens public health knowledge with Epidemiology & Population Health (HSC 210), Occupational Health & Safety (HSC 305), Global Issues in Environmental Health (HSC 315), and Principles of Health Promotion (PBH 310) which build skills in disease tracking, workplace and environmental health, and health promotion strategies. Students also explore Community and Public Health Nutrition (PBH 320) to understand nutritional influences on health outcomes.

Year 3

In the third year, students expand their professional competencies via Practice of Health Promotion (PBH 420), Maternal and Child Health (PBH 425), Healthcare Research Methodology (HSC 410), and a Public Health Research Seminar (PBH 399). These modules develop abilities in planning health programs, understanding lifecycle health issues, and conducting community-focused research.

Year 4

The final year focuses on Internship (PBH 400) and Undergraduate Research (PBH 499) where students apply theory to real-world settings, evaluating health programs and contributing to public health practice, while also completing advanced electives aligned with career goals.

Focus areas (in a string):

Epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, environmental and occupational health, health policy, community nutrition, research methods

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Graduates will assess population health needs, design and evaluate health programs, analyse epidemiological data, apply environmental and workplace health principles, and communicate public health strategies

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The program is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and is noted as the only undergraduate public health program in the UAE with APHEA accreditation, aligning with international public health education standards.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Abu Dhabi University is ranked among the top UAE universities and in global university rankings (e.g., Times Higher Education) with strong industry linkages that support graduate employability in health authorities, NGOs, government and private sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This practical approach is structured through the following specific activities and resources:

Applied Fieldwork and Community Projects: A core component involves community-based learning projects, where students conduct needs assessments, design health promotion campaigns, or evaluate public health programs in partnership with local organizations, schools, or healthcare facilities.
Public Health Data Analysis Labs: Students use dedicated computer laboratories equipped with industry-standard statistical and epidemiological software, specifically SPSS and possibly R or Stata, for analyzing health data, conducting biostatistics exercises, and interpreting public health surveillance information.
Mandatory Professional Internship (Practicum): Students must complete a public health practicum or internship, providing supervised work experience with organizations such as public health departments (e.g., DHA, SEHA), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), health promotion agencies, occupational health and safety divisions, or health policy institutes.
Capstone Senior Project: A significant capstone project requires students to identify a public health issue, review scientific literature, analyze relevant data, and propose evidence-based interventions or policies, synthesizing all core program competencies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Abu Dhabi University's Bachelor of Science in Public Health program gain comprehensive expertise in epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, and biostatistics, equipping them to address community health challenges and improve population well-being across UAE healthcare systems. This multidisciplinary training prepares them for impactful roles in disease prevention, policy development, and public health management. Typical job roles include public health officer, epidemiologist, health promotion specialist, and community health coordinator.

Progression & Future Opportunities: ADU's dedicated support system ensures strong public health graduate outcomes:

Career Services Center provides DHA/HAAD licensing preparation, public health job fairs, resume workshops, and direct placements with Ministry of Health facilities.
Excellent employability (95%+ within 6 months, UAE's top-rated graduates) with starting salaries AED 12,000–20,000 monthly in government hospitals and health authorities.
Partnerships with Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP), Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, and SEHA secure clinical rotations and priority recruitment pipelines.
CAA-accredited program guarantees lifelong MOHAP/DOH recognition across UAE/GCC for senior public health leadership positions.
Proven outcomes: graduates lead disease surveillance teams, health campaigns, and policy units within 3-5 years.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue ADU's Master of Public Health (MPH) or international MSc programs in Epidemiology/Global Health at institutions like London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, specializing in infectious disease control or health policy. Many advance to PhD pathways or WHO fellowships, leveraging research projects and field experience for leadership in global health organizations and academia.