BSc (Hons) Public Health
BSc (Hons) Public Health
Award
BSc (Hons)
Start Date
To be confirmed
Duration
3 years
Mode
Full-time
Location
University of Greater Manchester
UCAS Points
96
UCAS Code
L540
Our BSc (Hons) Public Health prepares students for careers focused on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. The course develops knowledge and practical skills in health improvement, health protection, epidemiology, public health intelligence, policy and leadership, preparing graduates for a wide range of public health careers across local, national and global settings. There is opportunity to pursue UKPHR registration as potential career progression.
Please note:
This course is 'Subject to Approval' and has not yet completed the University’s approvals process.
Whilst we are confident that the course will be approved, there is the possibility that the course
may not run or may be subject to alterations. This course is due to be validated by August 2026 after
which we will write to all applicants who have applied for the course to let them know the
outcome and of any changes. In the event that a course is not approved the University
will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative course at the University.
Course Overview
A career in public health allows you to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. By studying the BSc (Hons) Public Health at the University of Greater Manchester, you will develop the knowledge, analytical skills and professional understanding needed to address contemporary public health challenges across local, national and global settings.The course focuses on the core themes of population health, prevention, health improvement, health protection and public health intelligence. You will explore how social, economic, environmental and behavioural factors influence health and wellbeing, while developing a strong evidence-based understanding of health inequalities and strategies for improving outcomes.
You will develop key analytical and research skills, including epidemiology, health needs assessment, public health data analysis and evidence-informed decision-making. Through community-focused learning, case studies and applied projects, you will gain practical insight into real-world public health issues and interventions.
Throughout the programme, you will build skills in communication, partnership working, leadership and critical thinking, enabling you to work effectively across healthcare, local authorities, voluntary organisations and wider public health systems.
The programme is delivered by experienced public health academics and practitioners, supported by guest speakers and industry-informed learning. Ethical practice, reflective development and employability are embedded throughout the curriculum to prepare you for a successful career in public health and related sectors.
Highlights
- Develop knowledge and practical skills in population health, prevention and health improvement.
- Gain hands-on experience through work-based projects in analysing public health data, epidemiology and health intelligence.
- Learn from experienced public health academics and practitioners, alongside guest speakers from across the public health system.
- Develop data, research and digital skills using public health intelligence, epidemiology and population health tools.
- Build strong leadership, communication and partnership-working skills to support multidisciplinary and system-wide collaboration.
- Graduate ready for public health practitioner roles, potential UKPHR portfolio submission, and long-term career progression, across the NHS, local authorities, voluntary organisations and wider public health sectors.
Key Features
- The University of Greater Manchester has a strong and growing reputation in public health, health and social care education, with close links to employers and professional bodies.
- You will benefit from a student-centred approach to learning, with dedicated academic support, personal tutor guidance and a supportive staff-to-student ratio.
- You will develop practical skills in public health data analysis, research methods, digital tools and evidence-based decision-making, aligned to contemporary public health practice.
- Course materials are available through our virtual learning environment (VLE), enabling flexible preparation alongside work, and supporting interactive, practice-focused teaching sessions.
- Studying with us also means enjoying life in Bolton, with easy access to shops, leisure facilities and green spaces, while nearby Manchester offers rich cultural diversity, professional networks and public health career opportunities across the region.
Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- You should have a relevant Level 3 qualification.
- You should also have four GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), preferably including English Language and Mathematics. A Science subject is desirable, particularly for applicants progressing from science, health, or social care-related pathways.
- If you lack the required formal qualifications but have many years’ experience of working within public health and social care in the community, we encourage you to apply.
- You’ll be required to attend an interview.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University's Fitness to Practice declaration.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
This course focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to work effectively as a Public Health Practitioner. You will gain the experience needed to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based public health interventions that address population health needs and reduce health inequalities across diverse communities.
Alongside core public health knowledge, the programme supports the development of key employability and professional skills, including the ability to use data and evidence to solve complex public health problems, analyse and interpret population health information, and communicate findings clearly to a range of audiences. You will also develop strong skills in teamwork, partnership working, leadership, project management, ethical decision-making and reflective practice.
Graduates of the programme are well prepared for a wide range of public health roles across local authorities, the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, and national public health agencies. Career pathways may include health improvement, public health intelligence, health protection, policy development, research, community engagement and health advocacy.
What can I do with this qualification?
The UK plays a leading role on the global stage in public health policy, research and practice, offering a wide range of exciting and meaningful career opportunities. Public health careers are diverse, with employers including local authorities, the NHS, national public health agencies, voluntary and community organisations, and international bodies. The strong analytical, research, leadership and partnership-working skills developed through this programme are highly valued across the wider health, social care and public policy sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use this qualification to enter a wide range of careers across public health, healthcare systems, community wellbeing, research, policy, and health innovation. Some roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible career pathways include:
- Public Health Officer
- Health Improvement Practitioner
- Epidemiology and Health Intelligence
- Community Health and Wellbeing Roles
- Health Promotion and Education
- Research and Evaluation
- Health Policy and Strategy
- NHS Management and Service Improvement
- Social Prescribing and Community Development
- Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
- Health Data and Informatics
- Project Management
- Charity and Voluntary Sector Roles
- Global Health and International Development
Professional Recognition
The University of Greater Manchester’s Public Health programme is designed to align with key public health principles, workforce priorities, and professional standards across the health and social care sector. The curriculum reflects current public health policy, population health priorities, health improvement approaches, and interdisciplinary working practices relevant to local, national, and global public health contexts.
The programme supports progression into a wide range of public health and health-related careers within the NHS, local authorities, community and voluntary organisations, research, and wider health and social care services. Graduates may also choose to progress to postgraduate study and continuing professional development opportunities within public health and related disciplines.
The knowledge and skills gained through the programme may also support graduates wishing to pursue professional development pathways such as registration with the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR), subject to meeting relevant portfolio and practice requirements.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
Home Undergraduate Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The tuition fee set is based on the regulations and guidance in force at the time of offer but remains subject to adjustment in accordance with any government-approved inflationary increase. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for all years of study, including the first year, by no more than the maximum increase permitted under legislation and regulatory guidance issued by the UK Government and the Office for Students.
Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
This approach ensures that tuition fees remain compliant with applicable legislation, proportionate to inflationary changes, and consistent with government policy linking permitted fee uplifts to the maintenance of high-quality education and outcomes. For more information, please refer to the government guidance at: gov.uk – Universities to deliver better outcomes in return for full fees.
Postgraduate and International Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for subsequent years of study in accordance with its Course Fees Policy. Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
International Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Partner Organisation Applicants
Option currently unavailable.
Teaching & Assessment
You’ll be expected to attend formally timetabled classes, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and tutor-led learning activities, and engage with case studies, public health investigations, data interpretation activities, group discussions, and assignments completed both collaboratively and independently. These activities are designed to help you acquire and develop the knowledge, critical thinking, analytical, and practical skills required within contemporary public health practice.
Our personal tutor system underpins the student learning experience and provides academic guidance, peer support, and individual care and attention throughout your studies.
Teaching methods such as problem-based learning, community-focused projects, research activities, policy analysis, and reflective practice are designed to encourage creativity, leadership, collaboration, and innovation in addressing public health challenges. These approaches help you apply, integrate, and critically evaluate concepts and theories explored throughout the programme.
Personal study time is also essential, and your progress will be assessed through a blend of coursework, reports, presentations, portfolios, reflective writing, case study analyses, research projects, blogs, and other assignments. Some assessments contribute to your final module marks, while others are designed to support your development by helping you identify strengths, areas for improvement, and where additional academic support may be beneficial.
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
Programme Contacts
Disclaimer: The “Greater Manchester Way” represents our preferred teaching and learning approach; however, not all courses follow a block-teaching model. While course structures and delivery patterns may vary to meet Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, all courses benefit from the GM Way approach to curriculum design and assessment. Applicants and students should refer to individual course specifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
