Public Health, BSc Hons

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Public Health degree at the University of Greenwich equips students with the knowledge and skills to address global and local health challenges. The program emphasizes prevention, health promotion, and the social determinants of health, preparing graduates for impactful careers in public health practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Public Health

In the first year, students are introduced to the core concepts of public health and wellbeing. Modules such as Introduction to Public Health and Wellbeing provide a comprehensive understanding of the field, covering topics like definitions of public health, societal approaches, contemporary issues, and the roles of organizations in the UK public health system.

Year 2: Developing Public Health Skills

The second year focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge essential for public health practice. Students engage in modules that delve into epidemiology, health promotion strategies, and the analysis of health data. These modules are designed to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the first year, preparing students for real-world public health challenges.

Year 3: Advanced Public Health Practice

In the final year, students undertake specialized modules that explore advanced topics in public health, such as health policy, global health issues, and the evaluation of public health interventions. A key component of this year is the 40-hour work experience in a public health setting, providing students with valuable practical insights and enhancing their employability.

Focus Areas

Prevention, Health Promotion, Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health, Health Policy, Global Health, Health Inequalities, Environmental Health

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be equipped to assess and address public health issues, design and implement health promotion strategies, analyze health data, and contribute to the development of health policies.

Professional Alignment

The program aligns with the competencies required for public health practitioners and prepares students for roles in various public health settings.

Reputation

The University of Greenwich has received a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, recognizing its outstanding performance in student experience and outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In your final year, you'll complete 40 hours of work experience in a Public Health setting, or equivalent, providing valuable real-world insights. You'll also study alongside other health and social care students, fostering essential teamwork skills. The program emphasizes prevention and health promotion, addressing global and UK-specific issues like pandemics, mental health, and climate change.

The University of Greenwich boasts strong partnerships with the NHS, local authorities, charities, and the voluntary sector, offering students valuable work experience opportunities during their studies.

Additionally, the university has a vibrant student-led Public Health society that organizes events and collaborative opportunities with the faculty, enhancing your learning experience.

These experiences are supported by excellent teaching facilities, including the new Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, which provides a safe and realistic environment for practice-based learning.

Moreover, the university's historic Greenwich Campus, located next to the River Thames, offers a rich cultural environment with landmarks like the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory, providing a unique backdrop for your studies.

Together, these elements create a comprehensive learning environment that equips you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the field of public health.

Key Facilities and Opportunities:

40 hours of work experience in a Public Health setting during your final year.
Collaboration with NHS, local authorities, charities, and voluntary sector for work experience opportunities.
Student-led Public Health society organizing events and collaborative opportunities.
Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre for practice-based learning.
Historic Greenwich Campus offering a rich cultural environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Public Health program at the University of Greenwich are well-prepared for impactful careers in various sectors. Typical roles include:

Health Promotion Officer
Public Health Analyst
Policy Advisor
Community Health Educator

These positions are integral to shaping healthier communities and influencing public health policies. Here's how the University supports your journey:

Work Experience Opportunities: Engage in placements with organizations like Action for Community Development, where students have contributed to initiatives addressing health inequalities in local communities.
Employment Statistics: While specific figures for this program are not detailed, the university's commitment to employability is evident. In 2023, English-domiciled graduates earned, on average, £10,500 more annually than non-graduates.
Industry Partnerships: The university maintains strong links with health and social care sectors, facilitating work placements and collaborative projects.
Accreditation: The program is designed to meet the standards required for becoming a registered public health practitioner, ensuring long-term professional recognition.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of public health careers, contributing to the improvement of health policies and community well-being.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc (Hons) Public Health, you have several avenues for further study:

MSc in Global Public Health: Deepen your expertise in global health issues and management.
MPhil/PhD in Health Sciences: Engage in advanced research in areas such as public health policy, mental health, and health economics.
Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (BSc Hons): For those interested in clinical practice, this program offers a pathway into community health nursing.
Health and Social Care (BA Hons - Top-up): Ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications in health and social care.

With relevant work experience (typically three years), graduates may apply for Public Health Practitioner Registration with the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) — a recognised professional benchmark for those working in public health.