Triangle

Course overview

The aim of the BSc Health Promotion and Public Health undergraduate degree is to provide graduates with enhanced knowledge of health improvement and health protection provision, policy, strategies, and initiatives to be equipped for roles in multiple organisations, including the NHS and other health services, community outreach, professional associations, and in local, national and international contexts.

The programme content reflects political and external factors that influence provision of Health Promotion and Public Health in the UK and internationally. A critical awareness of the wider determinants of health will inform students’ own personal and professional development and specifically their own leadership skills.

In year two students will undertake a placement in settings and organisations leading, commissioning and/or delivering Health Promotion and Public Health initiatives.

In year three the research dissertation offers opportunity for students to build on the placement experience by examining the relevant evidence base and to produce a health improvement project.

Graduates of the BSc Health Promotion and Public Health will have the skills and knowledge to work autonomously and collaboratively in a diverse range of initiatives and organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and reduce health inequalities.

Please note: This course is not launching until 2023

Why choose this course?

  • Global profile of Health Promotion and Public Health in tackling COVID-19
  • Exciting placement opportunities
  • Accredited by Institute of Health Promotion and Education

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level BBB
Required subjects

A levels

BBB

General Studies, Critical Thinking and Global Perspectives are not accepted.

GCSEs

English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or equivalent
IB score 30

Alternative entry requirements

In combination with GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 English (language or literature) and maths we accept:

BTEC

An Extended Diploma preferably in Health and Social Care (Health Studies) or Health Science should be passed with a minimum of Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM).

We will also accept a combination of A levels and BTEC 'non-extended' diplomas.

Access Diplomas

45 credits at level three, to include a minimum of 21 credits at distinction, 18 credits at merit and the rest at pass or above. A minimum of 15 credits are required from science/social science modules, at merit grade or above.

Notes for applicants

We are looking for strong academic qualifications as well as a commitment to a career in health promotion and public health. Your personal statement is your opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd. We want to know what interests you about health and you should demonstrate a real commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities to tackle the determinants of health and health inequalities. So it is worth reflecting on any related reading that you have done, any work experience and/or any extracurricular activities that you do. For additional information regarding writing your personal statement, please see the UCAS website.

As there is a 4 week placement in year 2 of the programme, all offer holders will be subject to DBS checks.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Discussion group
  • Seminars
  • eLearning
  • Tutorials
  • Supervision

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

  • Presentation
  • Dissertation
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Examinations

Study abroad

Students can choose to take a four-week, self-funded overseas placement in year two.

Placements

There is a four-week placement in year two. Students will organise the placement but will be guided as to suitable options locally, nationally and internationally and will be provided with relevant contacts. If travel and accommodation is required for the placement students will be expected to fund this themselves .  

Modules

All modules are compulsory and students must take the modules listed below:

Introduction to health promotion and public health

This module introduces the concepts of health promotion and public health with examples of contemporary health and social care practice. The module will cover the following learning topics:

  • Definitions of health and ill health
  • Contemporary health care systems
  • Wider determinants of health
  • Concepts of health promotion and public health
  • Models of health promotion addressing public health strategies
  • Ethical principles underpinning health promotion initiatives
Epidemiology and health improvement

This module introduces students to the key definitions and principles of epidemiology in public health practice. The module will explore causation of disease in populations and examine the differing trends in populations in relation to disease incidence and prevalence.

This module will cover the following learning topics:

  • Causation, incidence and prevalence in relation to population disease
  • Differing trends in populations in relation to disease incidence and prevalence.
  • Analysis and interpretation of public health data.
  • Sources of public health information
  • Patterns of disease and ill health in population health.
Sociology of health and illness

This module will explore the concept of social constructivism and require the students to understand how perceptions of health and illness influence the behaviour of individuals and communities.

The module will cover the following learning topics:

  • Healthism and hierarchies in health
  • The effects of illness on individual identity
  • Shame, stigma and fashion in disease and illness
  • Differences of perceptions of health and illness
  • Diagnosis and compliance.
Psychology of health and illness

This module aims to develop understanding of the way individuals identify, understand, talk about, and experience health and illness. Understanding the psychology of health and illness involves knowing the cognitive processes that promote psychological wellbeing, maintain health, and prevent disease. This module will consider how health promotion activities relate to personality factors, health beliefs and behaviours, and models of behaviour change.

The module will cover the following topics:

  • Psychological factors involved in the maintenance and change of health behaviours
  • Understanding how psychological factors contribute to health- related individual, group and population behaviours
  • Evaluation of existing health promotion initiatives and their relation to psychological theories and models of behaviour change
  • Psychological health outcomes including quality of life and chronic health status
Global health

The global health module enables students to examine the social, cultural, and political boundaries placed upon global health and health promotion and the impact on health outcomes. The role of global governing bodies and policy are critically reviewed in the context of current topical public health and wellbeing issues.

The module will cover the following topics:

  • The role of governing bodies in global health
  • Health inequalities from a global perspective
  • Health priorities for improving global health
  • Communicable and non-communicable disease in the context of global health
  • The influence of health care systems in addressing health needs
Introduction to evidence based practice

This module will cover the following learning topics:

  • Evidence based public health and health promotion
  • Evidence identification and searching
  • Critical appraisal of evidence
  • Quantitative research methods
  • Qualitative research methods
  • Mixed research methods
  • Service evaluation and audit
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 03 November 2021.
Health protection

This module will explore the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention and control measures for communicable diseases, blood borne viruses (including HIV), TB, meningitis, hospital acquired, food and water borne infections as well as environmental impacts on population health (e.g. air and water pollution, housing) and bio-terrorism. It will cover the basic principles of infection control, outbreak control, and immunisation. Finally, it will consider current statutory and non-statutory approaches to harm prevention and harm reduction.

Research and evidence in health improvement

The module will cover the following learning topics:

  • Health Improvement
  • Assessment of critical health issues
  • Ethical and Legal considerations
  • Decision-making
  • Planning for Health Improvement
  • Implementation of health improvement strategies
  • Application of evaluation methods
Promoting health and well being

This module builds on the foundations of the introduction to health promotion and public health. The module requires students to apply the principles of working in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to facilitate health improvement in a multi-disciplinary context.

This module will cover the following topics

  • Knowledge and understanding of evidence based health promotion initiatives on key contemporary topics
  • Commissioning processes enabling health-enhancing activities in multiagency and multi-disciplinary contexts
  • Principles of working in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to facilitate health improvement.
  • The evidence base in health promotion, health protection and public health activities.
  • Holistic assessment of the health needs of individuals/ families and/or communities.
Promoting health across the life span

This module explores the physical, mental, and psychosocial influences that effect an individual’s health across the life span.

This module will cover the following topics:

  • Knowledge of physiological developments from pre conception to end of life
  • Applying social determinants of health to individuals and communities across the lifespan
  • Considering the impact of mental health and wellbeing for individuals at differing stages in their lifespan
  • Exploring approaches to improve health status at differing stages throughout the lifespan
  • Examining the influence of culture and diversity on health behaviours across the lifespan
Health promotion and public health principles in practice (placement)

This module requires students to engage in a 4-week work placement. The placement is integral to the programme. The placement outcomes are assessed in a portfolio.

This module will cover the following topics:

  • Collaborative working and communication to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities
  • Public health practice following ethical and professional boundaries
  • Activity engagement with individuals and/or communities to deliver health and wellbeing interventions
  • Health needs assessment, service design and delivery to improve access to health improvement service
  • Barriers and facilitators to accessing services and interventions
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
Leadership in health improvement

This module will provide students with an understanding of responsibilities of leadership in contemporary health promotion environments and develop their skills and competencies as leaders in a multidisciplinary environment. It will investigate leadership theories as well as the qualities involved in effective leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. It will explore health promotion strategies and programmes embedded in health-promoting schools, and hospitals, healthy workplaces, cities, and communities to demonstrate the importance of leadership in health promotion programs and activities.

Contemporary issues in health promotion and public health

The module introduces students to contemporary issues within health promotion and public health. The module explores current debates and emerging health promotion and public health issues worldwide and analyse the response to these by government bodies and health organisations.

This module ill cover the following topics:

  • Topical issues in health promotion and public health at local, national, and global levels.
  • Multimedia campaigns in the context of current health promotion and public health initiatives
  • Barriers and facilitators to change in the context of larger scale campaigns for individuals and communities
Professional skills in health promotion and public health

This module enables students to develop the knowledge and skills to maximise their employability for a diverse range of roles in health promotion and public health.

The module will cover the following topics:

  • Key skills including the development and implementation of health improvement plans and policies
  • Strategies to prioritise workload and activities
  • Problem solving skills in complex and changing environments.
Dissertation – health improvement project

The module will cover the following learning topics:

  • Independent working
  • Critical thinking and decision making
  • Health needs assessment and evaluation
  • Project development and leadership
  • Resource management
  • Change management
  • Strategies to disseminate evidence
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
Medical School - Queen's Medical Centre

Where you will learn

Medical School - Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals.

There are dedicated clinical skills facilities and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees and funding

UK students

£9,250
Per year

International students

To be confirmed in 2021*
Keep checking back for more information
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland starting your course in the 2022/23 academic year, you will pay international tuition fees.

This does not apply to Irish students, who will be charged tuition fees at the same rate as UK students. UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland will also continue to be eligible for ‘home’ fee status at UK universities until 31 December 2027.

For further guidance, check our Brexit information for future students.

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred if the student opts to travel to the placement in year two of the course.

Scholarships and bursaries

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

Graduate destinations

Graduates from the course can choose a wide range a careers in Health Promotion and Public Health. Examples include:

  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Health Improvement Practitioner
  • Community Engagement Officer
  • Public Health Project Manager
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Health Lifestyles Coordinator
  • Tobacco Control  

Average starting salary and career progression

97.9% of undergraduates from the School of Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £24,033.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Institute of Health Promotion and Education

This course is accredited by the Institute of Health Promotion and Education

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.