Public Health

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Studying at Buckinghamshire New University (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. Our public health lecturers are in direct contact with current agendas, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive the most current and significant lessons from global health policy.

All our teaching staff also actively participate in national health forums. By studying with us you’ll gain a deep knowledge and understanding of 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 really been a part of the teams who have influenced, formed and fought for public health agendas. We don’t just provide a theoretical education at BNU, we offer a unique insight into what your career will really look and feel like.

What facilities can I use?
At our High Wycombe Campus, we have purpose-built facilities, including well-equipped simulation clinics and rehabilitation teaching rooms, where you will be taught throughout your course. Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments, and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

We will also sign you up to our Online Learning Environment, which means you will have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!

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 healthcare. Throughout the programme, you'll develop important knowledge and we cover 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. The practical, highly relevant experience you’ll gain will help put you in a strong position for building your public health career and set you aside as a unique candidate in the world of work.

We’ll closely study societies, cultures and communities as well as topics focusing on epidemiology, safeguarding, patterns and trends, global public health, research methods and at-risk populations. In your final year you will also work on a dissertation project in an area of your choice. This is the perfect way to focus your attention on an area of public health that you feel truly passionate about, with the support of your personal tutor.

You’ll take part in student-led events and health promotion projects and will have opportunities to network with public health employees, meaning this course is so much more than textbooks and lectures. The practical, highly relevant experience you’ll gain will put you in a strong position for building your public health career.

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

Year one
Core Policy and Politics in Public Health Introduction to Epidemiology Society, Culture and Community Foundations for Public Health Practice Safeguarding: A Public Health Approach

Year two
Core Health Promotion in Action Collaborating for Success in Public Health Patterns, Trends and Innovations Research Methods

Optional Inspiring Individuals to Improve Health OR Placements

Year three
Core At Risk Populations and Mental Health Educating for Improved Health Extended Independent Work Global Public Health

Optional Settings-Based Health Promotion OR Medical Ethics and Law

We tailor our academic and pastoral support to your individual needs and aspirations, and your personal tutor will be on hand to support you on your learning journey. The course team provides a 'learning event support package' with learning materials and resources before and after each weekly seminar or lecture. There is a focus on real world learning throughout the public health degree course. We aim to use assessment formats that reflect work practices within public health, for example report writing and oral presentations. You’ll be assessed through several methods including: • essays • projects • presentations • portfolio • reports and case studies • dissertation project.