BA (Hons) Public Health

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.

Our 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 our 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.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Studying at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), you become part of a community of likeminded, friendly and inspiring people. Our lecturers are truly passionate about what they teach, and you’ll be able to benefit from their experience and gain the critical skills you need for your future career.

The public health degree team who teach on your public health degree course are 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 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.

We use these links to tailor your learning to support your individual needs and aspirations and, thanks to our strong network, you could get a chance to meet and build relationships with the professionals working on the front lines of public health. 

At BNU, it’s not just about what we can give you, it’s also about what you give to us. We want you to develop your ideas, to challenge the issues that matter to you, to debate, discuss and inspire. For example, ideas on public health, the climate, environmental, social and mental health issues. We encourage you to develop your own opinion on public health policy and equip you with skills to properly present them.

Join a community that is interested in you, that wants the best for you, and that wants you to do well.

What facilities can I use?

Our library is open 24/7 on our 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.

You will also be signed up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!

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 our 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 I study?

On our 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. We cover important topics like public health and promotion theory, ethical decision making, health education and motivational interviewing skills.

We’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.

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

You’ll be assessed through several methods including:

• essays
• projects
• presentations
• portfolio
• reports and case studies
• dissertation project

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.