BA (Hons) Public Health

Why study this subject?

Are you interested in working with local communities to improve the health and wellbeing of groups, families and individuals within our society? Are you keen to make a difference and work in a role that aims to promote inclusion and reduce health inequalities? 

Our global community is at risk from environmental hazards like air pollution, the use of plastics and, of course, pandemics like Covid-19. Never have these issues been more prevalent or threatening which is why not only is now such an interesting time to study public health but also a deeply important one.

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

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

The Covid-19 pandemic has increased media and political attention on public health, elevating the significance and importance of this subject area. There is now an increased focus on supporting individuals and communities in their health and wellbeing and we're already seeing a huge expansion of employment opportunities in the public health sector.

Our course is taught by experienced academics who are passionate about public health, having all worked in community public health roles themselves. The course team is in direct contact with current practitioners, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive the most current and significant lessons from the global health scene. All of our teaching staff also actively participate in national health forums.

By studying with us you’ll gain a deep knowledge and understanding of policy and decision making, as well as exploring health promoting initiatives, designed to solve complex public health problems.

What makes BNU so special is that your lecturers have all been a part of the teams who have influenced, formed and fought for public health agendas so they can offer a unique insight into what your career will really look and feel like. They regularly liaise with local public health teams to deepen their knowledge of current public health promoting initiatives and to understand in real-time what the developmental needs are for securing employment within the sector.

What’s more, we always tailor your learning to support your individual needs and aspirations and, thanks to our strong links with local public health organisations, you’ll get a chance to meet and build relationships with the professionals working on the front lines of public health. 

We often welcome guest speakers and arrange access to national webinars and events for our students. We always encourage our students to participate in public health volunteering opportunities to further broaden your experience and understanding as well as build a personal network too.

What facilities can I use?

Here at BNU, we like to bring learning to life as much as possible which is why we have award-winning simulation facilities 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.

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study too.

What will I study?

On our BA (Hons) Public Health degree programme, you’ll follow the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework, which has been designed to give you precisely what 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 population health.

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

Over the course of three years, you'll:

• gain a strong insight into current public health issues and the impact of human behaviour on society and the planet as a whole.
• develop the ability to evaluate data used by public health policy and decision makers
• build 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
• go away with the opportunity to make a difference to individual and population health and wellbeing.

You’ll closely study societies, cultures and communities as well as modules 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.

How will I be taught and assessed?

We tailor our 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 learn the theory of public health in lectures, seminars and tutorials, giving you plenty of opportunity to absorb and then discuss your learning. You’ll also have opportunities throughout the course to engage with public health professionals to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

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 programme so we aim to use assessment formats that reflect work practices within public health, for example report writing and oral presentations.

You’ll be assessed through a number of methods including essays, projects, presentations, portfolio, reports and case studies and of course, your final dissertation project.

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 (although that’s important too of course!). The practical, highly relevant experience you’ll gain will put you in a strong position for building your public health career.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.