Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

A Public Health student using an exercise bike for testing, with a tutor stood next to him.

Explore how communities, society and policy shape health and wellbeing.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

LL45

Start date

September 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Public health is about understanding what helps people and communities live healthier lives. On this course, you’ll examine how health is influenced by people’s circumstances, environments and access to support, while developing your knowledge across public health, community studies and social policy.

You’ll consider contemporary issues affecting health and wellbeing in the UK and globally, including inequality, mental health, behaviour change and community development. You’ll also build research, communication and analytical skills that can support your next steps in public health, community development, wellbeing, policy, research or related areas.

This course takes a community-focused approach to public health, helping you explore how individuals, groups, services and wider social systems interact to shape health outcomes.

Why you should study this course

Focus on health at community and population level
Explore how people’s health and wellbeing can be shaped by wider social, cultural, economic and environmental factors.
Understand health inequalities
Examine why health outcomes can differ between groups and communities and consider how public health approaches can help respond to these inequalities.
Study contemporary public health issues
Explore topics such as health promotion, community wellbeing, social policy, behaviour change, global health and the wider determinants of health.
Develop transferable professional skills
Build communication, research, analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills relevant to work with communities, services and organisations.
Connect theory with applied public health contexts
Consider how public health knowledge can inform practice in community settings, voluntary organisations, public services and wider health-related environments.
Prepare for a range of future pathways
Build a foundation for future study or career pathways related to public health, community development, health improvement, wellbeing, policy, research, or the wider health and social care sector.
Study one module at a time
Focus on one 30-credit module over a six-week block. This approach uses practical assessments with no end-of-year exams to build your knowledge step by step with regular feedback.

I was thrilled with the mode of teaching at CU London. The lectures made complex concepts accessible, emphasising that if you can't explain what you've learned to a young child, then you haven't truly understood it. This practical, hands-on approach really resonated with me. They also went above and beyond, offering their support even outside of lecture hours, so I felt very at ease.
Elvis Chiaghanam, Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) graduate, quoted October 2024 (on left of picture)

New graduates at CUL graduation celebrating

What you'll study

Modules

Communication Skills and Inclusive Practice - 30 credits

This module aims to develop your awareness of the skills needed to work with individuals and groups in communities and support effective public health practice. You will explore communication, inclusive practice and good service delivery across a range of service users and diverse community contexts.

This module also examines communication systems, legal frameworks around recording information, and the importance of valuing diversity when working with people with specific needs relating to ethnicity, language, disability, age and gender. It focuses on helping you develop your academic skills in paraphrasing, APA 7th referencing, source location and the application of theory.

Compulsory

Community Development and Social Change – 30 credits

This module aims to develop your understanding of what constitutes a community across different contexts and how communities are changing in response to social, cultural and economic change.

You will explore ideas of community, social and cultural diversity, demographic change, changing work patterns, communication methods and globalisation. You will also examine how these changes affect community cohesion and the challenges faced by agencies working to promote health, wellbeing and social integration.

Compulsory

Lifespan Development and Identity – 30 credits

This module introduces you to human lifespan development and the influences that shape identity, personality and behaviour.

You will examine stages of human growth and development, key theoretical perspectives and how practical examples can help explain behaviour and lifestyle. You will also consider current issues and debates linked to life course experiences, identity formation and how people cope with challenges and change throughout life.

Compulsory

Modern Perspectives of Public Health – 30 credits

This module introduces the role of public health in contemporary UK society. You will explore how public health supports healthy lifestyles, prevents illness and responds to issues shaped by social, cultural, economic, environmental, political and individual factors.

This module examines contemporary public health challenges such as migration, ageing populations, health inequalities, globalisation, climate change, global health concerns, the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. You will also consider the wider determinants of health and the debates surrounding persistent health inequalities.

Compulsory

Modules

Introduction to Social Science Research Methods – 30 credits

Develop your ability to appraise and critically analyse current research within the social sciences. Explore a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, evaluating their strengths, limitations and appropriate applications.

Strengthen your understanding of research ethics, building practical skills in reviewing literature and applying ethical principles to research design. Examine how studies are implemented, connecting research findings to the specific methods used to generate them. By the end of this module, you should be able to evaluate complex methodologies, analyse ethical considerations and identify appropriate areas for future research within a robust framework.

Compulsory

Social Inequalities – 30 credits

This module is designed to help you understand contemporary society from a sociological perspective, linking social theory and sociological ideas to everyday life and wider social problems.

You will explore social interaction, social structures, social change and how social institutions and groups are constructed and represented. You will also examine how social divisions and inequalities are generated and sustained, particularly in relation to the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups.

Compulsory

Mental Health and Wellbeing – 30 credits

This module introduces key concepts in mental health, mental wellbeing and mental health promotion.

You will explore mental ill health, stigma, service-user perspectives, support needs and the impact of mental health problems on individuals, families and wider society. This module also considers mental health legislation, the role of approved mental health professionals and the development of mental health services.

Compulsory

Health Promotion and Behaviour Change – 30 credits

This module is designed to help you understand how lifestyle behaviours affect health and wellbeing and how to promote positive behaviour change.

You will examine behaviours such as physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol use, substance misuse, sexual health and stress. You will also consider health promotion models, behaviour change theory and how digital health tools can support healthier lifestyles.

Compulsory

To help you explore a potential career path and apply your learning in a professional setting, you may be able to undertake a work placement² between your second and final years of study. Work placements can help you gain practical experience, develop transferable skills and gain insight into the type of work you may want to do in the future.

Placements are optional and are not guaranteed. You will need to apply for opportunities, and each placement must be approved before it can count towards your placement year. Employers or host organisations make the final selection decisions, and you may need to meet academic, conduct, right-to-work, visa or other eligibility requirements.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: apply for practical experience related to your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: where available, you may be able to apply for an international work or study opportunity. These opportunities may depend on availability, academic approval, eligibility, visa and travel requirements, and additional costs.

This optional year is non-credit-bearing. If you successfully complete it, your experience will be formally recognised on your final degree certificate.

If you are sponsored by the University and choose to apply for an international work placement, you must comply with UKVI immigration regulations. You can contact us for guidance before making arrangements.

Modules

Individual Literature review – 30 credits

This module allows you to complete an individual project based on a literature review of a topic you choose. You will identify a specific area of interest and develop a critical understanding of the key debates, findings and perspectives within national and international research. By independently planning your work, you should produce a structured and coherent review that analyses, compares and evaluates relevant academic sources. Throughout the process, you should demonstrate effective academic writing through clear organisation, critical discussion and high-quality referencing while managing your time effectively.

Compulsory

Global Health – 30 credits

Understanding global health issues and public health priorities is a vital component of modern health and social care. In this module, you will analyse international perspectives and explore key health models to understand how global issues and diverse approaches shape service delivery.

By examining health and social care spending alongside specific country profiles, you will explore various methods for promoting health both nationally and internationally. You will also evaluate the importance of inter-professional practice, developing knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for collaborative work across different professional backgrounds. Finally, you will conduct a comprehensive study of global health and social care policy, focusing on the social, political and cultural issues that influence international practice.

Compulsory

Contemporary Welfare and Social Policy - 30 credits

This module introduces the key principles of social policy in the UK, placing them within an international context.

You will explore how welfare provision has developed over time, compare UK welfare services with those in other countries, and examine how policies affect different communities. This module also considers ideological perspectives and current issues faced by policymakers, welfare recipients, providers and stakeholders.

Compulsory

Leadership and Management in Public Health – 30 credits

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of leadership and management in community and public health settings.

You will explore global and contemporary debates, including human resource management, funding and finance, marketing, project management, strategy, innovation and organisational development. This module also considers leadership theories, managing change, teamworking, innovation, enterprise and how quality improvement can enhance service-user experience.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

This course has given me an opportunity to be able to practise what I've been taught within the classroom, being able to speak to people. Of course, because it's a public health course, you are going to be speaking to the public. So, you're supposed to be educating people as to what you represent and what you need them to know. It's been a beautiful experience.
Oluwajuwon Okanrende, Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) student, quoted in 2025

A nurse in scrubs placing an injection in someones arm

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures: gain expert insights and a structured overview of key concepts and current research
seminars: engage in discussion and debate, deepening understanding and critical thinking
tutorials: receive personalised guidance to solve complex problems and consolidate learning
presentations: develop communication skills and the ability to convey technical ideas
group projects: build teamwork and collaboration skills while tackling real-world challenges
workshops: apply knowledge hands-on, enhancing practical skills and problem-solving abilities
online learning: access flexible resources for self-paced study and reinforcement of key concepts.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary by module and may include:

reports
essays
case studies
individual and group presentations
portfolios
posters or infographics
practical assessments
research diaries
viva
role play
time-constrained assessment
problem-solving exercises.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures fair assessment and supports student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for
104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification. Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.

Depending on your optional placement, you may be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure.⁵

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

What we're looking for
104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification. Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.

Depending on your optional placement, you may be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure.⁵

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
EU	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year with EU Support Bursary 2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Fees and Funding page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Our Dagenham campus is in the stylishly renovated Civic Centre, offering a unique mix of classic architecture and modern learning spaces. You can study in our high-tech library, use the open-access IT suites, or find a quiet spot in one of the many breakout areas designed for group work.

When you need a break, the on-site café is the perfect place to grab a snack and socialise with friends. The campus is just a short walk from local shops and transport links, making it easy to balance your studies with your life outside of university.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Public health and community wellbeing are shaped by complex social, cultural, economic and environmental factors. This course is designed to help you understand those challenges and develop skills that can support future work with communities, services and organisations.

You’ll explore issues such as health inequalities, health promotion, social policy, community development, research methods and global health, while developing transferable skills in communication, analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and research. These skills can be useful across roles focused on improving health, supporting communities, informing policy or delivering health-related services.

This course can support a range of future pathways across public health, health promotion, community development, wellbeing services, social prescribing, health improvement, voluntary and community organisations, local authority services, research or policy support, and wider health and social care settings.

Roles related to this field may include:

briefing advisor
digital care coordinator
independence advisor
programme leader
addiction support worker
community support officer
health intervention officer
mental health link worker
social prescribing worker.

These are examples of possible career paths. Some roles may require further training, professional qualifications, accreditation or experience.

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUGU006

International students should apply directly to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure are also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.