Course summary

This course includes a Foundation Year, so it is a 4-year course. The additional Foundation Year will allow you to develop your skills and build confidence in your academic abilities, identifying your strengths and weaknesses so you can progress onto the undergraduate programme. If you’re motivated by convictions, or thinking about your career choices, you could find inspiring roles in the NHS, local government, non-profit organisations, or charity. Our BA (Hons) Public Health degree is the first step on the ladder to change. Why study at BNU? Studying at 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. 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. What makes BNU so special is that your lecturers have all been a part of the teams who have influenced, formed and fought for public health agendas. We offer a unique insight into what your career will really look and feel like. 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. What will I study? This course will help you gain a 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 health. Throughout the programme, you'll develop important knowledge. 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. You'll take part in student-led events and health promotion projects, gaining opportunities to network with public health employees. This course is so much more than textbooks and lectures. The practical, highly relevant experience you’ll gain will help put you in a strong position for building your public health career. The public health course team regularly liaise with local public health groups to deepen their knowledge of current public health promoting initiatives and to understand in real-time what the developmental requirements are for securing employment within the sector. 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. Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. What are my career prospects? On successful completion of this degree, you will be well equipped for a range of different careers in different sectors, such as: • The NHS • Public Health England • 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.