BSc Public Health

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The BSc Public Health at the University of Manchester equips students with the skills to understand and improve population health, focusing on preventing disease and promoting well-being. It’s ideal for those passionate about health policy, epidemiology, and making a tangible impact on communities.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in public health, exploring core concepts in human biology, health psychology, and health and society. Key modules such as Foundations of Public Health, Health, Behaviour, and Society, and Epidemiology for Public Health introduce analytical skills and critical thinking essential for understanding population health challenges.

Year 2:
The second year delves deeper into applied public health, emphasizing research methods, health promotion, and disease prevention. Modules like Introduction to Biostatistics, Global Health Challenges, and Health Policy and Practice provide students with practical tools to assess health data and design effective interventions.

Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on specialized areas of public health, preparing for professional roles or postgraduate study. Modules such as Health Inequalities, Public Health Research Project, and Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice allow students to apply knowledge in real-world settings, develop independent research skills, and evaluate public health strategies.

Focus areas:
Epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, disease prevention, research methods, global and local health challenges.

Learning outcomes:
Understand determinants of health, critically evaluate public health interventions, conduct and interpret research, design evidence-based strategies for population health improvement.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program aligns with UK public health professional standards, preparing students for careers in public health, health policy, and related fields.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Manchester is highly regarded globally for health and medical sciences, consistently ranked in top UK universities for graduate employability and research impact (source: official university rankings).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Manchester, BSc Public Health students gain extensive practical experience that bridges theory with real-world public health practice. From the very first year, students engage with cutting-edge research, collaborative projects, and community initiatives that develop both analytical and practical skills. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in public health labs, simulation exercises, and fieldwork, ensuring that graduates are ready to tackle contemporary health challenges. Students also have access to world-class digital tools and databases, fostering strong research capabilities alongside professional competencies.

This practical learning is supported through:

  • Specialized Laboratories: Access to public health and epidemiology labs equipped for statistical analysis, data visualization, and health research experiments.

  • Fieldwork & Community Projects: Opportunities to work with local health organizations, schools, and community centers to apply public health interventions.

  • Group Projects & Collaborative Learning: Interdisciplinary projects that simulate real-world public health challenges, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.

  • Internships & Placements: Connections with NHS trusts, public health authorities, and NGOs for professional experience.

  • Digital Tools & Software: Training in statistical software such as SPSS, R, and GIS mapping tools for epidemiological analysis.

  • Research Centers & Institutes: Access to the Manchester Institute of Population Health and other affiliated research centers for ongoing public health research opportunities.

  • Libraries & Learning Resources: The John Rylands Library and other university libraries provide extensive public health and medical collections.

  • Conferences & Workshops: Participation in seminars, workshops, and public health forums hosted by the university.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Public Health at the University of Manchester are highly sought after in both the public and private sectors, with many going on to careers that make a real difference in community health and wellbeing. The course equips students with strong analytical, research, and policy skills — ideal preparation for roles in healthcare, policy, and health promotion. Typical career paths include: Public Health Officer, Health Promotion Specialist, Epidemiology Research Assistant, and Health Policy Analyst.

Students benefit from exceptional support and employability services:

  • Career Services: The university’s Careers Service is ranked among the best in the UK, offering tailored guidance, workshops, and exclusive access to placements, internships, and graduate opportunities in NHS trusts, local authorities, and international NGOs.

  • Employment Outcomes: According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey, 94% of Manchester graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

  • Industry Connections: The University collaborates closely with Public Health England, the NHS, and WHO-affiliated research networks, ensuring students gain insight into real-world challenges and professional practice.

  • Accreditation Value: The degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Health Promotion and Education (IHPE), enhancing recognition among employers worldwide.

  • Graduate Success: Alumni work across local health departments, research institutions, and international health agencies, contributing to impactful public health initiatives.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often continue to postgraduate study to deepen their expertise — popular routes include the Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc Global Health, or MSc Epidemiology at the University of Manchester or other leading institutions. Some also pursue PhD research in public health policy, epidemiology, or health data science to advance into academic or senior research roles. 

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.

Program Key Stats

£28,900 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


42 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BBB
3
33
80

1290
27
6.5
90
No

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Public Health Officer
  • Epidemiologist
  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Environmental Health Practitioner
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Community Health Worker
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Occupational Health and Safety Advisor
  • Health Improvement Practitioner
  • Global Health Consultant
  • Health Services Manager
  • Biostatistician
  • Public Health Educator
  • Clinical Trials Coordinator
  • Health Communication Specialist
  • Nutrition and Public Health Advisor
  • Disease Prevention Coordinator
  • Health Protection Specialist
  • Public Health Project Manager

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