BSc Public Health (Distance/Blended Learning)

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries, please visit our undergraduate finance page: Student finance for undergraduates at Manchester .

We require grades BBB including one or more of: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Further Maths, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Computer Science.

You are required to obtain a pass in the practical element of any science A-level taken.

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

We normally require at least five GCSEs at minimum grade C/4. English Language and Mathematics must be included.

We require 33 points overall with grades 5,5,5 in higher level subjects (one of which must include Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics [Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation], Physics, Geography, Geology, Computer Science or Psychology).

We will consider a number of other comparable qualifications, studied in the UK and internationally. If you have any queries about your particular qualification, please email ug.publichealth@manchester.ac.uk .

We welcome applications from overseas students. Country-specific information can be found on the University website. However, this is for general information only, as specific entry requirements may be different for the BSc Public Health. Please contact us at ug.publichealth@manchester.ac.uk to check specific requirements for your country before you apply for the course.

We require grades ABBBB to include one of: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Further Maths, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Computer Science.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is Grade B and two A-levels at grade BB, normally including at least one science from the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, Applied Science.

GCSEs must include English Language and Maths at a minimum of Grade C or 4 or above.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A-level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate, and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

We consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications.

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve BBB in any subjects, with EAP B (6.5) and C (6.0) in each component.

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course (BTEC Health and Social Care or Applied Science). Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD. One-third of the units undertaken must be in a science or science-related subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an additional A-level at grade B. Either the National Diploma or the A-level must be in a science or health-related subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, or Applied Science.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades DD plus two additional A-levels at grade BB at least one science or science-related subject (Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, or Applied Science).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus two additional A-levels at grades BB. Either the National Extended Certificate or the A-level must be in a science or health-related subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, or Applied Science.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course (CTEC Health and Social Care or Applied Science). Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD with one-third of the units undertaken in science or science related subjects.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD plus an additional A-level at grade B. Either the Technical Diploma or the A-level must be in a science or health-related subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, or Applied Science.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD plus two A-levels at Grades BB. Either the Technical Foundation Diploma or the A-levels must be in a science or health-related subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care or Applied Science.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A-levels at grades BB. Either the Technical Extended Certificate or the A-level must be in a science or health-related subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care or Applied Science.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3).

The specific course requirements are: of the 45 credits at level 3, 30 must be at Distinction grade and the remaining 15 credits at merit grade. Also, 30 of the 45 level 3 credits must be in science or health-science related subjects. You must also have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above. We no longer accept equivalents to GCSE for English and Maths. We also consider other factors on an individual basis, such as additional educational achievements, life experience and work related skills.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve a combination of M1, M1, M2 in the Pre-U and BBB at A-level in three distinct subjects to include at least one science or science related subject (Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, or Applied Science).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We will accept the Science and Healthcare Science pathways only and require an overall grade of Distinction.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (eg AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

Please note, this course accepts grade C in Core Mathematics in lieu of the correct grade in GCSE Mathematics.

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.

There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester. The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found on the Mature students page .

If you have international qualifications, you may be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability. Minimum requirements are typically:

• Grade C/4 GCSE English;
• TOEFL (iBT) - 90 overall with 22 in all subscores;
• IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component;
• CIE OR UCLES 1119 English at Grade C.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Requests for deferred entry are granted at the discretion of admissions staff and are normally granted for one year only. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Try a public health course for free

If you'd like to see what public health is all about, you can try one of our free open access courses, which cover topics from antibiotic resistance to women's health.

Take a look at our free courses to get a flavour of what you might learn on the BSc Public Health course: Open access public health courses .

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You will take six mandatory 20-credit units each year (120 credits in total per year), We have based the course on the pillars of public health practice, health promotion, health protection, healthcare public health and included global health examples.

You can tailor your learning through optional elements within the unit assessment. You will have access to a wide range of experts and postgraduate students. We offer additional optional non-credit bearing public health learning opportunities via our open access courses , seminars, the WHO Geneva Winter School , and an annual international conference.

Course content includes:

• An introduction to public health
• Evidence based practice
• Health promotion
• Health protection
• Healthcare public health
• Global health

You will learn and present your work through a range of methods including video presentations, research posters, literature reviews, and a final public health project.

Evidence Based Practice (POPH10011) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by evidence based practice (EBP) and teach the skills required to find, appraise and use different types of evidence from the published literature. We will explore the importance of EBP in public health practice and learn how it improves population health and wellbeing.

Global Health (POPH10022) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by health from a global perspective. We will explore the difference between global and international health including the history and theories that underpin health policies and practice.

Health Promotion (POPH10031) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by health promotion including the history and theories that underpin health promotion policies and practice. We will explore the importance of health promotion in public health practice and learn how it improves population health and wellbeing.

Health Protection (POPH10042) - 20 credits

This unit will explore the basic principles of health protection including infection, including causative agents, vectors and reservoirs. We will also go through basic mechanisms of immunity and vaccinations.

Healthcare Public Health (POPH10052) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by health systems management including the history and theories that underpin practice. We will explore the importance of players both within countries and outside interaction with health systems. We will explore how management theory can help to develop, improve and maintain a high quality of service.

Introduction to Public Health (POPH10061) - 10 credits

This unit will explore concepts of health and wellbeing from epidemiological, sociological and the 'science and art' of public health practice and discuss the determinants of health and the reasons for health inequalities. We will analyse the approaches that can be used with the aim of improving health and wellbeing of the population and develop team-working and collaboration skills through effective use of modern digital tools.

Poster Presentation (POPH10071) - 10 credits

This unit you will build on the Introduction to Public Health course unit and other course units to complete a public health project of your choice in a country of your choosing.

Evidence Based Practice (POPH20011) - 20 credits

This unit will focus on the different study designs used in public health practice and epidemiology. The unit will link the concepts of the hierarchy of evidence to the concepts of generalisability, external and internal validity.

Global Health (POPH20022) - 20 credits

This unit will explore globalisation and its impact on health. We will explore the impact of the economy on health policies and practice, and vice versa ('health is wealth'). We will explore alternative approaches to maximise the potential benefit from scientific enquiry, to improve the way in which health care is provided with rising globalisation.

Health Promotion (POPH20031) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by health promotion including the history and theories that underpin health promotion policies and practice globally. We will explore the importance of health promotion in public health practice and learn how it improves population health and wellbeing. We will explore specific exemplars from global partners to help illustrate health promotion policy and practice globally. We will explore the principal methods and theoretical approaches to the evaluation and assessment of evidence for effectiveness of health promotion programmes and interventions.

Health Protection (POPH20042) - 20 credits

This unit will explore the basic principles of health protection including the prevention and control of common communicable diseases. We will explore the interventions that are most effective in reducing the burden of communicable diseases.

Healthcare Public Health (POPH20052) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by inequalities in health including the history and theories that underpin practice. We will explore the importance of players both within countries and outside interaction with health systems, and how this causes inequalities to exist. We will explore measures to reduce inequalities.

Literature Review Project (POPH20061) - 20 credits

This unit you will complete a public health literature review project of your choice in a country of your choosing.

Evidence Based Practice (POPH30011) - 20 credits

This unit will focus on revising the different study designs used in public health practice and epidemiology and focus on the implementation of EBP into public health policy and practice.

Global Health (POPH30022) - 20 credits

In this unit you will build on the global health preparation course unit and other course units to complete a global health project of your choice in a country of your choosing.

Health Promotion (POPH30031) - 20 credits

This unit will revise health promotion including the history and theories that underpin health promotion policies and practice globally.

We will revise the importance of health promotion in public health practice and learn how it improves population health and wellbeing. We will revise specific exemplars from global partners to help illustrate health promotion policy and practice globally so we can design a health promotion intervention in a fictitious population that we will build an implementation and evaluation plan around.

We will apply the learning about theories and methods of health promotion, programme planning and evaluation to relevant health promotion issues within professional roles or workplaces.

Health Protection (POPH30042) - 20 credits

This unit will explore the basic principles of outbreak prevention including the management of epidemics and pandemics. We will focus on the measures required at global and national level to prevent future epidemics and pandemics and discuss why some diseases remain endemic. We will focus throughout on the management, surveillance and control measures nationally and internationally to keep the global population safe including the role of WHO and other organisations.

Healthcare Public Health (POPH30052) - 20 credits

This unit will explore what we mean by inequalities in health including the history and theories that underpin practice. We will revise the importance of players both within countries and outside interaction with health systems, and how this causes inequalities to exist. We will revise measures to reduce inequalities. We will use tools and techniques relevant to managing healthcare to reduce inequalities in health.

Preparation for Independent Study on a Global Health Project (POPH30061) - 20 credits

This unit you will build on the past course units to prepare the necessary skills to complete a global health project of your choice in a country of your choosing.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk