Public Health

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.

Gain in demand skills
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?
This 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.

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.

Year one
Core
Policy and Politics in Public Health
Introduction to Epidemiology
Society, Culture and Community
Foundations for Public Health Practice
Safeguarding: A Public Health Approach
Academic Skills and Critical Thinking

Year two
Core
Health Promotion in Action
Collaborating for Success in Public Health Delivery
Patterns, Trends and Innovations
Research Methods
Career in Health and Social Care

Optional Modules
Inspiring Individuals to Improve Health
OR
Placements

Year three
Core
At Risk Populations and Mental Health
Educating for Improved Health
Extended Independent Work
Global Public Health

Optional Modules
Settings-Based Health Promotion
OR
Medical Ethics and Law

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.