Course summary

Do you have the drive and passion needed to work in our diverse sector with a wide range of career opportunities? Then the BSc (Hons) in Public Health and Health Improvement may just be for you. This level 6 degree – BSc Public Health and Health Improvement - will equip you with the skills and knowledge to improve and protect public health and the wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. Public health is defined as "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts and informed choices of society, organisations, public and private, communities and individuals". Analysing the determinants of health of a population and the threats it faces is the basis for public health. The Public Health and Health Improvement degree will enable you to develop an understanding of the principles and practices of Public Health and Health Improvement in the 21st century to tackle major health challenges and reduce inequalities at global, national and local levels. The Public Health and Health Improvement degree aims to enhance your chances of gaining employment in the field of Public Health, Health Improvement, Health Promotion, Community Health and the well-being sector, working with children, young people, adults, and the elderly. You will study a range of subjects to prepare you for the diversity of career opportunities within the field of Public Health and Health Improvement, including an exploration of social determinants of health and inequity, Research theory and practice, Health Promotion, taking control - leading, managing and caring and the completion of a dissertation of your choice. You will have the opportunity to work on live briefs from the Newcastle Public Health Team as well as the opportunity to shadow Public Health Practitioners at work to give you an idea of what it is really like to work in the sector. You will also benefit from current industry expertise through our extensive range of guest speakers lectures. The Level 6 BSc (Hons) Public Health and Health Improvement (Top-up) degree is suitable for those wishing to study a degree and pursue a career within Public Health, Health Improvement, Health Promotion, or the well-being sector. The BSc (Hons) Public Health and Health Improvement degree will prepare you to work in a variety of settings with diverse communities to provide contemporary and relevant health information, education, support, and management. Upon graduation we hope that you will develop your skills and training further and add to your knowledge base to develop as a confident, qualified professional. Students who successfully complete the BSc Public Health and Health Improvement could progress to a range of roles within the Public Health, Health Improvement and the well-being sector. Students interested in further study could apply for a Level 7 Masters qualification in a range of Public Health, Health Improvement, Health Promotion and Well-Being related courses - such as Epidemiology, Statistical Analysis, Public Health Nursing, Advanced Healthcare Studies or Public Health Register training. Alternatively, students could progress on to the NCG Level 7 teacher training course - PCGE Young People and Adults. On successful completion of this course, you could work in a variety of Public Health, Health Improvement, Health Promotion or Well-being related roles. Further study and specialist training will be required for some careers, such as Public Health Specialist, Health Education Specialist, Public Health Analyst, Public Health Nurse, and teaching. For other roles you might go straight into employment and undertake further on the job training. Examples of such roles include Specialist behavioural support worker, Well-Being Coaches/Co-ordinators, Community Health worker, Health Improvement Practitioners, and a range of roles within the NHS.