BSc (Hons) Public Health
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Three or Four Years
- Start Date: September 2026
Studying Public Health means learning how to make a real, lasting impact, not just on individual lives, but across entire communities. It’s about preventing disease, promoting health equity, and tackling big global challenges like pandemics, climate change, and healthcare access.
The field is incredibly diverse and interdisciplinary, blending science, policy, and social justice. Whether you’re into data, advocacy, or global work, Public Health gives you the tools to drive change at a population level. If you’re ready to make a difference and be a voice for many, then this BSc (Hons) Public Health degree could be the perfect first step to kick-start your rewarding career.
Public Health is a diverse career that can open a range of doors to worldwide opportunities. Working in public health is a commitment to problem solving for social determinants of health, like poverty, education, and access to care. You’ll delve into finding sustainable solutions to reduce health disparities and advocate for the wider population and marginalised communities, through education, policy, community programmes and environmental changes.
Public health blends science, policy, sociology, and communication. If you like the idea of working across disciplines - one day analysing disease patterns, the next day developing a community outreach campaign - this field offers that variety.
You could also find inspiring roles in the NHS, local government, non-profit organisations, or charity.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call to the world - revealing just how critical skilled Public Health professionals are in protecting society. Since then, the field has grown in popularity, relevance, and demand, as governments, health systems, and organisations work to prevent future pandemics.
With a Public Health degree from BNU, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills to be at the forefront of disease prevention, public education, and health crisis response. Whether it's tackling the spread of viruses, addressing chronic conditions like obesity, or reducing health risks linked to genetics and lifestyle, you'll play a vital role in keeping communities informed, resilient, and healthy.
A public health degree isn’t limited just to the UK, it can take you worldwide. As part of the course, you’ll study public health prevention and treatments from a variety of perspectives which are relevant to both the UK, Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, making you a desirable employee with a holistic approach.
What sets BNU apart is the exceptional experience of our course team- professionals who have actively shaped, championed, and driven public health agendas. At BNU, education goes far beyond theory. We offer a powerful, real-world perspective grounded in firsthand experience, giving you a true understanding of what a meaningful career in public health looks and feels like.
Our dedicated course team maintains strong relationships with local public health organisations, staying closely aligned with current initiatives and the evolving demands of the sector. These connections enable us to shape your learning around the real-world skills and knowledge employers are looking for, while supporting your individual goals and ambitions. Through this network, you’ll engage with practitioners working at the forefront of public health and start building the professional relationships that could shape your future career.
During my time at BNU, I took part in a range of societies and clubs including horse-riding, pole fitness, gaming and circus skills. I also went on days out that the Students' Union arranged such as trips to London and beach cleans. The SU also provided lots of skills workshops which I was glad to take advantage of. First Aid, public speaking, singing classes. They were all free and helped boost my skills and CV. I attended lots of nights out and events with the SU and because of this, I made more friends and tried new things.Juliet Salter
What will I study?
Our BSc (Hons) Public Health degree is built around the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework and the UKPHR Registration Standards for Public Health (2018), ensuring your skills evolve in step with the demands of the profession. As you progress through the course, you’ll develop a strong, versatile foundation that prepares you to thrive in a variety of public health roles.
You’ll explore how social, political, and cultural factors influence the health of individuals and communities, gaining a deep understanding of the systems and structures that shape wellbeing. From local initiatives to national policies and global strategies, you’ll engage with the full spectrum of approaches used to improve population health worldwide.
Throughout the course, you’ll build the knowledge and skills essential for making a real impact in health-promotion roles. You’ll delve into key areas such as health and promotion theory, ethical decision-making, health education, and motivational interviewing, equipping you with both the insight and practical tools needed to support positive health outcomes.
You’ll explore the complex interplay between societies, cultures, and communities, while engaging with core public health topics such as epidemiology, safeguarding, health patterns and trends, global public health, research methods, and the needs of vulnerable populations.
We believe your voice adds value. That’s why we create space for open discussion, critical thinking, and shared learning. You’ll be encouraged to bring your ideas into the classroom, engage in meaningful debate, and collaborate with classmates who share your passion for improving public health.
At BNU your learning goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll take part in student-led events and real-world health promotion projects, with valuable opportunities to connect and network with professionals across the public health sector. This hands-on, career-focused experience ensures you graduate with the confidence and insight to step directly into a meaningful role.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a dissertation project in an area that resonates with your interests and aspirations. This is your opportunity to delve deeper into a topic you’re passionate about, guided by the expert support of your personal tutor.
How will I be taught and assessed?
At BNU, your voice matters. We don’t just teach you what’s important, we empower you to explore, challenge, and shape the issues that matter most to you. Through open debate, critical discussion, and creative exploration, you’ll be encouraged to develop your own perspectives on public health policy and gain the skills to communicate them with clarity and confidence.
You’ll become part of a supportive, forward-thinking community that genuinely values you, not only as a student, but as a future leader in public health. We care about your personal wellbeing, your aspirations, and the impact you want to make in the world.
Our teaching approach is tailored to your individual learning style and goals, with dedicated support from a personal tutor throughout your journey.
Assessment is designed to reflect the real-world skills you’ll need in your career, and includes a variety of methods:
- Essays
- Projects
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Reports and case studies
- A final dissertation project.
At BNU, you won’t just study public health, you’ll live it, shape it, and be inspired to lead it.
What are the course entry requirements?
A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.
You will also need a minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.
Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 *
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Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 per year *
International
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Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 *
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 academic year fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
What are my career prospects?
We see your journey with us as much more than a degree, we are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career and life beyond university.
We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable, and good business leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
We 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 BSc (Hons) Public Health degree, you will be well equipped for a range of different careers in different sectors, such as:
- The NHS
- National health agencies
- 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.
Course leader
