Public Health

This course provides a broad base of scientific knowledge and skills that can be applied across a range of health-related careers in the UK and internationally. You explore the differing health needs of populations; the influences on health; and how to prevent ill health and promote health and wellbeing. Using a blended learning approach, we prepare you to work in the field of public health, with theory applied to real-life situations through volunteering and placement opportunities.

Course accreditation/endorsement

Graduates of this course achieve fellowship recognition with the UK Royal Society for Public Health, opening the way to a career in the field across public and private sectors.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Fully immersive simulation suites with settings that prepare students for real-life scenarios in a safe and supportive environment.

• Relevant data-analysis software that develops your research skills and prepares you for careers in epidemiology and public health intelligence and statistics.

Career-powered links

We have strong links with Luton Borough Council Public Health department, Keech Hospice Care, other local charities, and the University of Bedfordshire’s Institute for Health Research, offering work experience and research-based internships.

Your student experience

Learn from a dedicated team made up of practitioners, experts and researchers in the field of public health, whose expertise, experience and world-leading research feeds back into your learning.

The course is mapped against the UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework; UK Public Health Registry; ASPHER core competencies for public health professionals; and Global Health Education competencies.

Undertake work or research experience in areas such as health inequalities; homelessness; addiction and substance abuse; public health policies and planning; and public health epidemiology and data analysis.

The course’s flexible approach is designed to develop your capacity to respond quickly and confidently to emerging health challenges such as a pandemic, humanitarian needs or disruptions caused by climate change.

Benefit from the course’s strong focus on public health’s responsibility to protect and improve the health of all people, and to reduce health and social care inequalities.

Take the opportunity to learn from visiting guest speakers, researchers and experts in different public health areas.

Our courses attract students from around the world, bringing a wide range of talents and experience to your learning as well as contributing to a lively, engaging learning environment.

Course modules

Year 1
Foundation of public health – Understand what is meant by public health; how and why the concept originated; and key approaches to health promotion. Study skills for public health – Gain key academic skills in areas such as assessment planning, sourcing research and referencing. Key concepts in health promotion and behaviour change – Unpack prevention and management strategies from the perspectives of professionals, patients and the public. Primary health care: theory and practice – Learn what primary care is, why it matters and ways to measure its impact. Inclusivity and diversity in health – Gain the tools to spot and tackle barriers that harm health outcomes for marginalised communities.

Year 2
Global public health – Explore why public health issues are a growing international concern and why we should care about the health of people in other nations. Public health policy and strategy – Consider how policies shape global public health and compare national and international policy debates to your experience. Maternal, infant and child public health – Examine issues relating to the health and wellbeing of mothers, babies and children in both developed and developing countries. Research methods – Gain the skills to conduct research across three key fields: health protection, health improvement and health services. Public health monitoring, protection and disease prevention – How infectious diseases and environmental hazards are prevented and controlled locally, nationally and globally. Mental health matters – Understand key mental health conditions so you can better support people in your professional role.

Year 3
Working in public health: context and practice – Discover the scope of public health roles while building your skills in teamwork, communication and lifelong learning. Understanding epidemiology and biostatistics – Gain a foundation in epidemiological methods and statistical techniques, including assessing risk and disease impact. Determinants of health and health inequalities – Learn what causes health inequalities and how practical public health initiatives can tackle them. Leadership and management in public health – Start your career progression pathway by developing self-management and personal leadership skills. Public health project – Learn to plan, manage and produce a research study ethically, analysing data using appropriate tools and techniques.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.

Course work; group and individual project work, reports, oral presentations and podcasts.