About Public Health, BSc (Hons) - at Buckinghamshire New University

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. 

Why study BSc (Hons) Public Health at BNU?

Diverse 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.

Gain in demand skills

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. 

Taught by expert-professionals

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.

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.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Buckinghamshire New University to find course entry requirements.

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