Public Health BSc Honours

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Public Health at the University of Westminster is a 3- or 4-year degree designed to help students understand, analyse, and improve health at a population level. It suits individuals who want to address health inequalities, shape policies, and promote wellbeing in communities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year builds scientific and social foundations through modules such as Applications of Biological Sciences, Environment, Health and Sustainable Development, Evidence-Based Public Health Practice, Introduction to Public Health, Principles of Human Nutrition, and Psychology & Sociology of Health and Wellbeing. A professional development module also strengthens academic and workplace skills.

Year 2
Year two focuses on applied science and research. Students study Data Management & Analysis in Public Health and Research Methods, learning to handle health data and design research studies. Additional topics include Applied Nutrition, Health Economics & Policy, Global Public Health Priorities, and Human Parasitology, offering both analytical and global perspectives.

Year 3
The final year includes advanced and specialised modules such as Application of Digital Technologies in Public Health, Applied Public Health Nutrition, Public Health Promotion & Protection, Designing a Sustainable World, Nutrition in Emergencies, Global Ethics, Psychology of Sport, Exercise & Nutrition, along with a Final Year Project.

Focus Areas
Key areas include epidemiology, nutrition, sustainability, digital public health, health economics, ethics, global health, and community wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates develop strong skills in evaluating public-health evidence, designing interventions, analysing health data, assessing policy impact, and conducting independent research.

Professional Alignment
The course aligns with key UK public-health competency frameworks, ensuring students gain relevant professional skills for practitioner-level roles.

Reputation / Employability
The program is developed in consultation with public-health employers, ensuring strong industry relevance. Assessments focus on real-world scenarios, preparing graduates for roles in local government, health promotion, NGOs, community programmes, consultancy, and nutrition-related organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc (Hons) Public Health at the University of Westminster is built around active, hands-on learning that mirrors real public-health practice. Students learn through seminars, workshops, applied projects, computer-lab sessions, and practice-led teaching from expert public-health staff. The course focuses heavily on real-life health challenges, community engagement, and digital communication skills. Westminster also offers the option of a professional placement year, which allows students to gain substantial workplace experience in public-health or health-promotion settings.

Students develop practical skills through specialist facilities, structured activities, and applied learning such as:

Optional professional placement year between Years 2 and 3, providing real public-health work experience in councils, charities, health-promotion teams, or community organisations.
Computer laboratory sessions focused on public-health data analysis, evidence evaluation, and digital research skills.
Work-based assessment scenarios, where students work on real public-health challenges instead of traditional exams.
Interactive workshops and seminars, involving case studies, simulation tasks, and group activities linked to current health issues.
Digital media and communication training to create health messages and campaigns using modern online tools.
Group projects that build teamwork, leadership, and planning skills essential for public-health work.
Independent final-year research project (dissertation), allowing students to investigate a public-health topic of personal interest.
Guest lectures and professional input from practitioners in public health, health promotion, environmental health, and policy.
Science labs, computer suites, and study spaces at Westminster’s Cavendish Campus for research, group study, and analytical work.
Library and learning support centres, offering health databases, journals, and academic study workshops.
Academic and personal tutor support, ensuring guidance on research skills, academic development, and career planning.

Key Modules & Learning Themes

Introduction to Public Health
Evidence-Based Public Health Practice
Psychology and Sociology of Health and Wellbeing
Environment, Health and Sustainable Development
Data Management and Analysis in Public Health
Research Methods
Health Economics and Policy
Applied Public Health Nutrition
Digital Technologies in Public Health
Public Health Promotion and Protection
Final-Year Research Project

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this degree are well prepared for roles that shape public health policy, lead community health initiatives, and address population-level health challenges. Many go on to work within local authorities, charities, health organisations, NGOs, and international development agencies.

Typical career paths include:

Public Health Consultant or Practitioner
Health Promotion Specialist
Public Health Data or Policy Analyst
Public Health Nutritionist

Here’s how the university supports career development and long-term value:

University Services for Employability: Students benefit from Westminster’s careers and enterprise centre, which offers personalised career coaching, employer networking opportunities, and support in securing internships or work placements.
Hands-On Experience: The programme includes an optional year-long professional placement, allowing students to gain substantial real-world experience in public health settings.
Industry-Informed Curriculum: The course is developed in consultation with public health stakeholders such as local councils, health organisations, and community groups, ensuring that learning is aligned with employer expectations.
Accreditation & Professional Alignment: The curriculum follows the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework and aligns with standards for professional recognition within the UK public health sector.
Graduate Destinations: Graduates progress into roles within public bodies, social enterprises, NGOs, charities, community health organisations, and public health departments.
Long-Term Value: Students develop advanced digital, analytical, and communication skills needed to interpret health data, evaluate policy, and design effective health-promotion strategies.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, students often advance to postgraduate study such as MSc Public Health, MSc Global Public Health, MSc Public Health Nutrition, or MSc Health Promotion. Those aiming for research or academic pathways may continue into an MRes or PhD in Public Health to strengthen expertise and progress toward leadership roles.