Bachelor of arts (Honors)

Public Health

Buckinghamshier New University's communities are more interconnected than ever. As a global citizen your actions can have an impact around the world. Whether its tackling climate change, or taking the fight to global pandemics, show off the difference you can make with a degree from Buckinghamshire New University.

If you’re motivated by convictions, or thinking about your career choices, you could find inspiring roles in the NHS, local government, non-profit organisations, or charity. BNU's BA (Hons) Public Health degree is the first step on the ladder to change.

Why study this subject?

The Covid-19 pandemic has increased media and political attention on public health, elevating the significance and importance of this key subject area. If you are keen to make a difference by promoting inclusion, reducing health inequalities, prolonging the health and wellbeing of individuals, and informing our society about health and environmental policy, a career in public health is for you.

BNU's global community is at risk from environmental hazards like air pollution, the use of plastics and, of course, pandemics. Never has public health been more significant. That’s why now is not only an interesting time to study public health but also a deeply important one for the planet.

On BNU's BA (Hons) Public Health degree, you’ll explore how best to protect and promote the health of the public on a local, national and international level and gain vital skills and knowledge for a diverse range of career options.

What facilities students' get?

BNU's Library is open 24/7 on their High Wycombe Campus and is packed with all the information you need for your assessments. You’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time in our range of computer and quiet zones.

We like to bring learning to life as much as possible which is why for your public health course, we have invested in simulation facilities which you’ll use to role play different public health scenarios. This means that whatever job you choose, you’ll have the academic knowledge and the practical understanding needed to take confident steps into your future.

There is plenty of space on their High Wycombe Campus to collaboratively work together and discuss ideas. There is also the university gym, Beats café, the Students’ Union and the option to attend events as well as join free societies, which cover a variety of interests from politics to snowboarding.

What will you study?

On Buckinghamshier New University's BA (Hons) Public Health degree programme, you’ll follow the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework, and gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your career.

This course will help you gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of how the society in which we live affects individual and community health. You'll learn about factors that influence health while exploring local, national and global approaches to improving general population health.

Throughout the programme, you'll develop important knowledge and skills enabling effectiveness in a health-promoting role. They cover important topics like public health and promotion theory, ethical decision making, health education and motivational interviewing skills.

they'll encourage you to debate, add to your lessons and bring your own thoughts to the table. You’ll be able to discuss with your classmates and learn together with people who are passionate about the same things you are.

Over the course of this public health degree, you'll:

• gain a strong insight into current public health issues and the impact of human behaviour on society and the planet
• gain the ability to evaluate data used by public health policy and decision makers
• gain an awareness of health promoting initiatives and how to develop arguments to solve public health problems
• gain insight into contemporary research relating to current issues in public health across the globe
• gain the opportunity to make a difference to individual and population health and wellbeing through your studies.

They'll closely study societies, cultures and communities as well as topics focusing on epidemiology, safeguarding, patterns and trends, global public health, research methods and at-risk populations.

In your final year you will also work on a dissertation project in an area of your choice. This is the perfect way to focus your attention on an area of public health that you feel truly passionate about, with the support of your personal tutor.

You’ll take part in student-led events and health promotion projects and will have opportunities to network with public health employees, meaning this course is so much more than textbooks and lectures. The practical, highly relevant experience you’ll gain will put you in a strong position for building your public health career.

How will you be taught and assessed?

BNU will tailor academic and pastoral support to your individual needs and aspirations, and your personal tutor will be on hand to support you on your learning journey.

You’ll understand the theory of public health in lectures, seminars and tutorials, giving you plenty of opportunity to absorb and then discuss your learning.

The course team provides a 'learning event support package' with learning materials and resources before and after each weekly seminar or lecture. We've found that this approach helps our students prepare for individual teaching sessions and enables deeper learning and reflection through the pre/post event activities.

There is a focus on real world learning throughout the public health degree course. They aim to use assessment formats that reflect work practices within public health, for example report writing and oral presentations. Inclusivity is key and assessments are designed for a range of backgrounds and academic ability.

What are your career prospects?

Bukinghamshier New university see your journey with them as much more than a degree, they are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career and life beyond university. They'll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good business leaders. They also help you find employment after graduation. 

They always encourage you to participate in public health volunteering opportunities to further broaden your experience and understanding as well as build a personal network too.

On successful completion of our BA (Hons) Public Health degree, you will be well equipped for a range of different careers in different sectors, such as:

• The NHS
• Public Health England
• Local government e.g. housing officer
• Social care support workers
• Charity worker
• Health promotion worker
• International agencies
• Drugs and alcohol services
• Sexual health services
• Public health practitioners
• Environmental health officer
• Health administration
• Epidemiology
• Nutrition
• Health policy and planning

Graduates can also choose to study a postgraduate course to take your study to the next level.