BA (Hons) Public Health with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

Are you interested in working with local communities to improve the health and wellbeing of groups, families and individuals within our society? Are you keen to make a difference and work in a role that aims to promote inclusion and reduce health inequalities? 

Our global community is at risk from environmental hazards like air pollution, the use of plastics and, of course, pandemics like Covid-19. Never have these issues been more prevalent or threatening which is why not only is now such an interesting time to study public health but also a deeply important one.

On our BA (Hons) Public Health degree, you’ll explore how best to protect and promote the health of individuals on a local, national and international level and gain vital skills and knowledge for a diverse range of career options.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

What facilities can I use?

Here at BNU, we like to bring learning to life as much as possible which is why we have award-winning simulation facilities you’ll use to role play different public health scenarios. This means that whatever job you choose, you’ll have the academic knowledge and the practical understanding needed to take confident steps into your future.

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 too.

What will I study?

On our BA (Hons) Public Health degree programme, you’ll follow the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework, which has been designed to give you precisely what you need to excel in your career.

This course will help you gain a broad and 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 population health.

Throughout the programme, you'll develop important knowledge and skills enabling effectiveness in a health-promoting role. We cover fascinating topics like public health and promotion theory, ethical decision making, health education and motivational interviewing skills.

On this course, you'll:

• gain a strong insight into current public health issues and the impact of human behaviour on society and the planet as a whole.
• develop the ability to evaluate data used by public health policy and decision makers
• build an awareness of health promoting initiatives and how to develop arguments to solve public health problems
• gain insight into contemporary research relating to current issues in public health across the globe
• go away with the opportunity to make a difference to individual and population health and wellbeing.

You’ll closely study societies, cultures and communities as well as modules 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.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

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.

You’ll learn the theory of public health in lectures, seminars and tutorials, giving you plenty of opportunity to absorb and then discuss your learning. You’ll also have opportunities throughout the course to engage with public health professionals to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

You’ll be assessed through a number of methods including essays, projects, presentations, portfolio, reports and case studies and of course, your final dissertation project.

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 (although that’s important too of course!). The practical, highly relevant experience you’ll gain will put you in a strong position for building your public health career.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.