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Health Promotion and Public Health BSc

Medical School Building, Nottingham, UK

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Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BSc Hons	BBB	September 2026	B901	3 Years full-time	£9,535*

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Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BSc Hons	BBB	September 2026	B901	3 Years full-time	£9,535*

How to apply

Get in touch

Course information

Are you an international student?

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

Institute of Health Promotion and Education

This course is recognised by the Institute of Health Promotion and Education
Start date:
September 2026

September 2026
IB score

28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

NA

IELTS

6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country

A level

BBB

Required subjects

A levels

BBB / A*CC / ABC

GCSEs

English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or equivalent

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, global perspectives and citizenship studies

Additional entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Non-UK entry requirements 1
Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DM plus 1 A Level at grade B
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades BC
- Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits overall, 21 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 18 Level 3 credits at Merit and 6 Level 3 credits at Pass
- T Level Health Science Pathway – Distinction
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

There is no specific quota for international students and each application is assessed on merit.

International students will be required to have occupational health clearance, supply a declaration of good character and health form certified by their current employer and undertake governance training in order to undertake insight/observational visits. Please note if vaccinations are required, these will be at the student’s own expense.

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.
Other requirements

There is no specific quota for international students and each application is assessed on merit. International students will be required to have occupational health clearance, supply a declaration of good character and health form certified by their current employer and undertake governance training in order to undertake insightobservational visits. Please note if vaccinations are required, these will be at the students own expense.

Work experience

NA
A level

BBB

Required subjects

A levels

BBB / A*CC / ABC

GCSEs

English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or equivalent

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, global perspectives and citizenship studies

IB score

28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

NA

Additional entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DM plus 1 A Level at grade B
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades BC
- Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits overall, 21 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 18 Level 3 credits at Merit and 6 Level 3 credits at Pass
- T Level Health Science Pathway – Distinction
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible. check if you're eligible.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Other requirements

There is no specific quota for international students and each application is assessed on merit. International students will be required to have occupational health clearance, supply a declaration of good character and health form certified by their current employer and undertake governance training in order to undertake insightobservational visits. Please note if vaccinations are required, these will be at the students own expense.

Work experience

NA
UCAS Code:
B901

B901
Study abroad

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

Placements

On this course, subject to meeting the relevant requirements, you can apply to undertake a four-week placement in year two. While it is your responsibility to organise the placement, we will guide you as to suitable options locally, nationally and internationally and will be provide relevant contacts. If travel and accommodation is required for the placement, you will be expected to fund this yourself.

Please note:

In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake a placement as part of your course.

Study abroad

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

Placements

On this course, subject to meeting the relevant requirements, you can apply to undertake a four-week placement in year two. While it is your responsibility to organise the placement, we will guide you as to suitable options locally, nationally and internationally and will be provide relevant contacts. If travel and accommodation is required for the placement, you will be expected to fund this yourself.

Please note:

In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake a placement as part of your course.
*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, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

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

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.

Tuition fees 2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

*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, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

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.

Course overview

Are you driven to make a difference in people’s lives and reduce health inequalities? This degree equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Over three years, you’ll explore how social, political, and global factors influence health, and learn how to design and deliver effective health promotion strategies.

You’ll study the political and external factors influencing the provision of health promotion and public health in the UK and internationally and develop your knowledge and skills to improve the health and well-being of communities. You’ll learn from internationally recognised experts and gain real-world experience through placements with a range of organisations, helping you apply theory to practice.

Course overview

The programme has recognition by the Institute of Health Promotion and Education, giving you a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers in public health, health education, and community outreach. Whether you’re passionate about mental health, nutrition, sexual health, or tackling health inequalities, this degree opens the door to meaningful, impactful work.

Join a vibrant, supportive learning environment and graduate ready to lead change in the UK and beyond.

Reasons to study with us

Global reputation in public health – Benefit from over 30 years of experience in teaching and researching public health at an internationally respected institution.
Recognition by the Institute of Health Promotion and Education – Study on a programme endorsed by a leading professional body in the field.
Curriculum aligned with UK Public Health Practitioner standards – Learn the knowledge and skills employers are looking for, mapped to nationally recognised competencies.
Exciting placement opportunities – Apply your learning in real-world settings through placements with a variety of health-focused organisations.
Make a real impact – Be empowered to improve community health and actively reduce health inequalities both locally and globally.
Diverse career opportunities – Prepare for roles such as Health Promotion Specialist, Public Health Project Manager, Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator, or Tobacco Control Expert.
Top-ranked for Health Professions – Study at a university ranked 7th in the UK for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide 2024).
Learn from leading experts – Be taught by academics and practitioners with international experience and real-world insight.
Focus on real-world challenges – Tackle pressing public health issues through evidence-based learning and community engagement.
Supportive and inclusive environment – Join a vibrant academic community with strong pastoral and academic support throughout your studies.

Find out more on our health promotion and public health page.

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.

Indicative modules

Year one

Year two

Year three

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Health Promotion and Public Health

Mandatory

Year 1

Epidemiology and Health Improvement

Mandatory

Year 1

Sociology of Health and Illness

Mandatory

Year 1

Psychology of Health and Illness

Mandatory

Year 1

Global Health

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Evidence Based Practice

Mandatory

Year 2

Health Protection

Mandatory

Year 2

Research and Evidence in Health Improvement

Mandatory

Year 2

Promoting Health and Well Being

Mandatory

Year 2

Promoting Health Across The Life Span

Mandatory

Year 2

Health Promotion and Public Health Principles in Practice (placement)

Mandatory

Year 2

Principles of Teaching and Learning in Health Education

Mandatory

Year 3

Leadership in Health Improvement

Mandatory

Year 3

Contemporary Issues in Health Promotion and Public Health

Mandatory

Year 3

Professional skills in Health Promotion and Public Health

Optional

Year 3

Sexual and Reproductive Public Health (optional)

Optional

Year 3

Health Promotion and Public Health in Relation to Mental Health (optional)

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 23 June 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Introduction to Health Promotion and Public Health Epidemiology and Health Improvement Sociology of Health and Illness Psychology of Health and Illness Global Health Introduction to Evidence Based Practice

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Health Protection Research and Evidence in Health Improvement Promoting Health and Well Being Promoting Health Across The Life Span Health Promotion and Public Health Principles in Practice (placement) Principles of Teaching and Learning in Health Education

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.

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

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.

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

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

This course will equip students with knowledge of key theories and principles that influence teaching and learning in the context of health education and health promotion activities. Students will also be supported to develop the practical skills necessary to foster the motivation and self-efficacy that is required for individuals and groups to take action to improve their health. Strategies for the effective communication of information across a wide variety of learning platforms will be explored. The tensions that exist between theory and practice will also be examined in relation to contemporary policy issues and research.

Leadership in Health Improvement Contemporary Issues in Health Promotion and Public Health Professional skills in Health Promotion and Public Health Sexual and Reproductive Public Health (optional) Health Promotion and Public Health in Relation to Mental Health (optional)

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.

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

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.

This module will explore contemporary concepts in the prevention, promotion and maintenance of healthy sexual and reproductive public health.

The module will focus on the role of health promotion and public health in relation to mental health. Some of the main themes which will be covered within the module will be:

Historical, contemporary and critical perspectives on mental health
Stigma and discourses in relation to mental health
Mental health and long term conditions
Health promotion with people experiencing severe and enduring mental health problems
Creative practice and public mental health

Teaching methods

Lectures
Discussion group
Seminars
eLearning
Tutorials
Supervision

Assessment methods

Presentation
Dissertation
Portfolio (written/digital)
Examinations

Where you will learn

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Learn more

Graduate destinations

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.

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 starting salary for these graduates was £26,240.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2018/19-2021/22.

Career Paths for graduates

Health Promotion and Public Health opens you up to diverse opportunities to work locally, nationally or internationally across a range of roles:

Health promotion specialist – employed by local authorities to improve the health of communities on specific projects e.g. tobacco control, children’s health or developing community facilities
Smoking cessation advisors – working one-to-one with smokers wanting to quit
Health improvement practitioner - working with young people on sexual health; supporting families on healthy living activities
Mental health specialist – working with a homeless project
Health trainer – working one-to-one with people who want to lose weight
Community Engagement officer - examples include working with homeless community, with ethnic minorities groups to promote uptake of health screening and working with older people to prevent falls in the home
Environmental public health specialist - supporting sustainable environment practices
Data specialist in health surveillance – working with UK Health Security Agency, local council Public health teams
Pathway to:
- Postgraduate – Masters in Public Health
- International job roles with - WHO, Red Cross, United Nations, and other International charities like Water Aid

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. We are ranked 3rd in the UK for top employers- The Graduate Market, High Fliers, 2024 and ranked 7th Best UK university for work experience- Rate my Placement, 2025.

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Course data

Help and support

If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.