- UCAS course code
- B902
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Public Health (on campus)
Do you want to develop Public Health skills to make an impact on the health of local, national and international populations?
Duration: 3 years FT
Year of entry: 2026
UCAS course code: B902 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Industrial experience
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: BBB including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: Course not eligible for contextual offer
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: Course not eligible for contextual offer
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 32 points overall with 5,5,5 at HL, including specific requirements
Overview
Course overview
- Develop the skills you need to explore a career in public health with global opportunities.
- Make a difference by learning how to improve health and wellbeing.
- Discover how to protect against health threats and reduce ill health.
- Learn about health inequalities and how to reduce these.
- Discover how to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of different age ranges and ethnic groups.
- Explore methods to ensure health services are effective, efficient and accessible.
- You can also choose to extend your study into a fourth year and gain a Master of Public Health (MPH).
Open days
Join our academic and admissions team on Tuesday 26 November 12pm-1pm to find out about the undergraduate course in public health at Manchester. The programme leads will explain the courses' structure, entry requirements as well as the possible career routes after completing the course. Book your place here .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Contact name
- Admissions team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4563
- ug.publichealth@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/public-health-data/
- School/Faculty overview
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
BBB including one or more of : Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Further Maths, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Computer Science.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
This course is not eligible for a contextual offer. Contextual offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
This course is not eligible for a refugee/care experienced offer. Refugee/care experienced offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
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
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including at least five GCSEs at minimum grade C/4, including at least a Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
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.
For applicants taking Advanced Placement exams, we require a minimum of three AP exams with grades 4 4 4. This must be accompanied by a GCSE equivalent qualification such as a high school diploma.
English language requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or;
IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any component or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
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.
The Catherine Chisholm scholarship is also applicable to students from selected countries on this course. Find out more details on the scholarship page .
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
We would normally only consider applicants who have obtained the relevant qualifications. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
Please note we are only able to provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for a student visa to applicants on this full-time face-to-face course, and not the distance learning option. Please contact the admissions team for further information.
Home-schooled applicants
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
Non-standard educational routes
How your application is considered
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
The lecturers and other students are so supportive.
Everyone has knowledge and experiences to bring.
Ayeesha Roberts / Master of Public Health
Why study public health?
The field of public health is diverse, offering a variety of career paths depending on what you are most interested in. From working in local public health departments to international organisations, there are many opportunities available to you as a public health professional.
Our course
In choosing Manchester you can be confident you are receiving the most up-to-date knowledge in public health. You will be taught by experts in the field that bring the latest developments in the sector to your course, and you will use of the world-class learning facilities on campus.
You will be prepared for a career in public health that offers a range of local and global opportunities. You will also develop a range of transferable skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
This course will equip you with:
- the skills and knowledge to apply to public health concerns at local, national and international level;
- the ability to apply relevant theory and scientific principles to practical situations;
- the capability of meeting core competencies in public health.
Special features
Support
You will receive an individual student support package, which includes regular meetings with your personal academic advisor throughout the course.
Become an employable graduate
Our graduates are highly employable. We are the most targeted university by the UK s top 100 graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market 2022).
There is also plenty of opportunity to ensure you graduate with a unique set of skills and experience by taking part in our Public Health Professional Development programme. Through this you could attend a range of events including the Geneva Winter School, international festivals and summer schools, and undertake CPD courses and seminars.
Manchester Experience
You will be welcomed to our Russell Group university, and all the city of Manchester has to offer.
On-campus interactions are important to support the building of academic communities for staff and students, creating a sense of belonging with the University, and the forming of lifelong friendships.
In addition to our expert teaching staff, you'll have access to a huge range of print and digital resources to guide you as you learn. We have one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country.
Our campus is not just a place of life-changing study and revolutionary academic discoveries, it's one of inspirational spaces, hidden gems and world-famous culture. It's friendly, self-contained and brings together a multicultural community of more than 40,000 students from 177 countries to study, relax and get involved in university life.
Teaching and learning
Expert teaching
You will be taught by professionals working in the field of local, national and international public health. There is an emphasis on applying your learning to real life public health issues to prepare you for an exciting career.
Teaching and learning methods
You will learn through a range of interactive, student-centred teaching and learning sessions. You will be encouraged to develop your independent learning skills, this will be supported through active learning methods such as collaborative enquiry, critical analysis and problem-based learning.
Exercises will use real-world examples from appropriate settings, for example from public health practice, globally and nationally. You will also be encouraged to improve existing and develop new communication skills and digital capabilities.
You will be able to put into practice what you learn, with opportunities to interact with other students and tutors through dedicated discussion groups. Some units offer exercises based on group work through discussions. These exercises develop the skills required by professional public health roles, such as planning and managing a project, and working as part of a team to deliver a project.
Each course unit is a combination of interactive face-to-face sessions and independent study. You will be supported to work through these units independently and guided by peer and tutor support. A unit-specific calendar will be made available in the first week of all units.
Learn with students from around the world
You will be able to mix with students from a range of backgrounds. Through the sharing of experiences, you will be able to broaden your understanding of different perspectives and policies that affect how public health is seen and used.
Induction
Your induction is a great way to meet staff and students, these will be your friends and support group while you are studying. You will also be given an overview of all aspects of the course, preparing you for your study.
Stellify
Stellify is a university initiative to develop your leadership skills and encourage community volunteering. To achieve the Stellify award, you have to demonstrate all three of the Ethical Grand Challenges , volunteering and leadership activities.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed by a variety of methods that will allow you to demonstrate your abilities and knowledge.
Each unit assessment will provide you with the opportunity to show you have met the learning outcomes. There are no formal examinations. We use a variety of assessment methods which include assignments, presentations, literature reviews and project reports.
Self-assessments
Throughout the course there will be the chance for you to test your factual knowledge through self-assessment and assignments and quizzes.
Feedback
You will receive regular quality feedback allowing you to track your progress throughout the course and identify any areas that might need improvement.
Feedback will vary from unit to unit but may include:
- feedback by tutors and fellow students in discussion groups;
- automated feedback from self-tests or quizzes;
- peer review exercises;
- reflective exercises.
Course unit details
You will take mandatory 10 or 20-credit units each year and a final larger dissertation project in your final 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.
Course content includes:
- An introduction to public health
- Evidence based practice
- Health improvement
- Health protection
- Healthcare public health
- Global health
You will learn and present your work through a range of methods including video presentations, research posters, professional public health reports, and a final public health project.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| POPH10011 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10022 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10031 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10042 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10052 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10061 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10071 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| POPH10800 | 0 | Mandatory | |
| POPH69200 | 0 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| POPH20011 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH20022 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH20031 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH20042 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH20052 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH20061 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH20800 | 0 | Mandatory | |
| POPH69200 | 0 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| POPH30011 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH30022 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH30031 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH30042 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH30052 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH30061 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| POPH30800 | 0 | Mandatory | |
| POPH69200 | 0 | Mandatory |
What our students say
My course offered international collaboration with students from around the world, which was second to none.
The entire Public Health department is made up of genuinely world-class, approachable and constantly forward-thinking researchers and lecturers.
Mikhail Foster / Master of Public Health (2019 graduate)
Facilities
Library and online services
The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Additional resources
We offer innovative, research-led, learning tools to enhance your understanding and enable learning.
You will be provided with a range of student support facilities within the School of Health Sciences, including an allocated Academic Advisor who will support your throughout your studies.
Disability support
Disabled students make up over 19% of The University of Manchester student population, and we're proud to offer an accessible and inclusive service. The Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) provides equity services to everyone regardless of people's age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
DASS supports a variety of different groups, whether students, staff or supporters. We provide practical support by working with you to identify the practical adjustments you need to enable you to succeed - in your studies, work, and the rest of your university experience.
Careers
Career opportunities
A career in public health offers diverse opportunities in a variety of settings, from local public health departments to global NGOs (non-government organisations).
This course is a great step towards a career in one of the following areas:
- Public health practitioner
- Consultant in public health
- Public health manager
- Public health officer
- Epidemiologist
- Biostatistician
- Health educator
- Public health statistician /assistant
- Public health intelligence analyst/ assistant
- Public health researcher/research assistant
- Community development worker
- Environmental health worker
- Transport development worker
- Housing officer
- Health improvement practitioner
- Lecturer in public health
- Public health trainer
- Health protection specialist
- Health-related communication or marketing officer
- Fundraising and charity work to help improve the lives of vulnerable people
- Occupational health
You could also explore a range of related areas such as town planning and urban development, mentoring and counselling, food sustainability and climate change or teaching.
There are a range of careers resources offered by the University and the Faculty of Public Health, which is a membership organisation for public health professionals in the UK and around the world.
To aid your career path, you can find additional advice and resources here:
- Healthcare Careers (University Careers Service)
- Public health careers
- Finding international jobs - information for students looking for opportunities outside the UK (University Careers Service)
- Public Health training scheme (Faculty of Public Health) Professional development opportunities
Our BSc Public Health students will have access to our paid PPD (personal professional development) courses for free. This access enables students to further develop their skills and knowledge above and beyond the scope of their degree.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.