Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public health theory with applied skills in data analysis, programme planning and evaluation. You will study modules that typically cover epidemiology and biostatistics, research methods and study design, health promotion and behaviour change, public health policy and leadership, and global and environmental determinants of health. Teaching emphasises real-world practice: case studies, group work, applied projects and an independent dissertation or workplace-based research project.

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics – principles of study design, measures of disease frequency and association, and basic statistical interpretation for public health.
• Research Methods – qualitative and quantitative approaches, critical appraisal, and skills for designing and implementing public health research.
• Health Promotion and Behaviour Change – frameworks for planning, delivering and evaluating interventions to improve population health.
• Public Health Policy and Leadership – understanding health systems, policy development, ethics and leadership in multi-agency settings.
• Global and Environmental Health – the social, economic and environmental determinants that shape health outcomes locally and internationally.
• Applied Project or Dissertation – an extended piece of independent research, often linked to a placement or employer, demonstrating your ability to apply methods and theory to a public health problem.

Delivery includes lectures, seminars, workshops and practicals, with assessment through essays, reports, presentations, exams and the final research project. The course is normally available full-time and part-time to accommodate recent graduates and working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as health, social sciences, life sciences or a related discipline. Applicants with a professional background in health or social care and significant appropriate experience are considered. You will need to demonstrate academic ability and motivation for postgraduate study, and evidence of English language proficiency if your prior study or professional experience was not in English.

• Typical academic profile: an honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Relevant professional experience in health, social care, public sector or voluntary organisations is an advantage for mature applicants.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements through an approved qualification or test.
• All applicants are assessed on academic records, references and a personal statement outlining suitability and career aims.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of public health and health-related roles across the UK and internationally. Typical destinations include public health practitioner posts in local authorities and the NHS, health improvement and health promotion roles, health intelligence and research assistant posts, commissioning and policy support positions, and roles within charities and international health organisations. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further research study such as a PhD.

• Public health practitioner / specialist roles in local government and health services
• Health promotion and community engagement officer positions
• Research and data roles in public health or academic settings
• Policy, commissioning and programme management in statutory and third-sector organisations
• Progression to doctoral research or professional public health training pathways

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises practice-informed teaching and applied learning, preparing graduates for real-world public health challenges. The programme is delivered within the university's health faculty, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across health, social care and science disciplines. You will benefit from strong local and regional partnerships with NHS organisations, local authorities and community groups, which support guest lectures, project placements and live client work.

The university provides supportive research-active staff, specialist teaching facilities and a focus on employability through skills development in communication, leadership and data literacy. The course is designed to be accessible to those already working in health roles as well as full-time students seeking to enter the public health workforce.