Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons)

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Two Public Health students in a Scarborough classroom

Public health is considered the science and art of promoting and protecting health and wellbeing, preventing ill-health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

UCAS codes

LL45 / 5KLL / 54LL

Start date

June 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

The Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with the underpinning theoretical knowledge, professional expertise and work-based learning relevant to a range of roles working in health and social care.

The Public Health and Community Studies (Hons) degree has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to excel in a multidisciplinary community environment and to effectively support a variety of agencies, communities and individuals in promoting health and wellbeing.
With increased attention from government on the improvement of population health, this is an excellent time to study the underlying factors that contribute to ill health and how you as a practitioner can work to promote health and wellbeing as well as tackling the social inequalities within the localities you serve.

What you'll study

The Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) degree aims to teach the skills and knowledge relevant for progression into statutory, voluntary or private sectors. Opportunities can be found in areas that address the wider determinants of health, such as education, housing and transport, by developing public approaches to promote health.

Throughout the course you will address health inequalities, including tackling the damaging effects of smoking, alcohol, drugs and poor nutrition, as well as analysing government initiatives.

The first year is designed to explore the core fundamentals of modern public health. Throughout the year, the programme aims to develop skills in decision-making and information management, providing you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for an HNC in Public Health and Community Studies.

Modules

Communication Skills and Inclusive Practice - 30 credits

The module aims to develop your awareness of the skills needed to work with individuals and groups in communities and to provide effective public health practice which promotes health and wellbeing. It examines the central importance of effective communication and inclusive practice and its importance for good service delivery across a range of service users and groups in diverse contexts. In addition, you will examine communication systems gain an understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding the recording of information about people. The module also explores the importance of valuing diversity when working with service users with specific needs relating to ethnicity, language, disability, age and gender. In addition to developing an understanding of communication and inclusivity, you will aim to develop practical skills for academic success, including paraphrasing, referencing, source location and application of theory.

Compulsory

Community and Change - 30 credits

This module aims to equip you with an understanding of the ways in which contemporary communities are changing, and the challenges that such change presents to a range of agencies working to support and develop them. Changes in demographic patterns, cultural tastes, working practices and communication methods, as well as the wider context of globalisation have served to transform UK communities in a range of ways. Many of these changes have been positive, however they also present difficulties as new social risks emerge and social integration and cohesion become more difficult to achieve.

You will analyse the concept of community and the ideological dimensions in which it can be represented as well as its changing nature within contemporary society, before examining the forces that have begun to reshape community life in the late modern period. The module will also examine approaches to community development, and their effectiveness and appropriateness in the context of changing community structures and contemporary social problems.

Compulsory

Contemporary and Public Health - 30 credits

This module aims to introduce you to the role of public health in contemporary UK society. Public health has many facets and involves the promotion of healthy lifestyles linked to behaviour and individual responsibility supported by government action. It deals with complex and dynamic issues which are determined and influenced by a range of social, cultural, economic, environmental, political and individual factors. Contemporary challenges include issues such as changes in the population profile produced by migration and ageing, social and health inequalities, globalisation, and climate change, global health concerns, policies underpinning global development and global health, e.g. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

As well as being introduced to public health theory and practice, you will aim to develop an understanding of the application and challenges faced by public health professionals in contemporary society. This module focuses on the social and interpersonal aspects of public health work and the wider determinants of health by investigating the debates and dilemmas surrounding persistent health inequalities.

Compulsory

Lifespan Development and Identity - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of human lifespan development. It examines the holistic influences on development and their interrelationship and how this accounts for the formation of self. You will examine stages of human growth and development and there is an introduction to the main theoretical perspectives and how they account for our personality and behaviour. Practical examples are used to explore the influences on our behaviour and lifestyle. You are encouraged to think about current issues and debates that relate to life course experiences and formation of identity. The impact of this on an individual’s ability to cope with challenges and change throughout the life cycle is investigated.

Compulsory

In your second year, you will refine key analytical skills as you examine the ways in which social factors and institutions are constructed and represented and their implications on everyday life. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for an HND in Public Health and Community Studies.

Modules

Social Divisions and Social Groups - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to gain an understanding of the nature of contemporary society from a sociological perspective, with an emphasis on linking social theory and sociological insights to your own life experiences, as well as applying them to the study of wider social problems. Sociology focuses on the systematic study of human societies, particularly modern industrial and post-industrial societies, by exploring social interaction, social structures and social change. You will analyse the social construction and representation of social institutions and social groups within society and study how social divisions and inequalities are generated and sustained in terms of the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups. You will study the major sociological concepts and theories that relate to studying social life and their relevance for accounting for social divisions and inequalities.

Compulsory

Mental Health and Wellbeing - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts of mental health, mental wellbeing and mental health promotion. Mental health problems are very common; however, the stigma attached to those experiencing such problems is long-standing and impacts widely on those experiencing mental ill health, their family and wider society. You will study the concept of mental ill health and misconceptions that often arise when considering such conditions. The module focuses on helping you to develop insights into the support needs of people with mental health problems and their families within the context of service provision. You will assess current perspectives in these debates by exploring a number of important practice issues such as service-user perspectives, the impact of recent mental health legislation, the role of the approved mental health professional and the development of mental health services.

Compulsory

Introduction to Social Science Research Methods - 30 credits

This module will develop your ability to recognise and evaluate core research strategies and methods in social science research. You will learn about a range of research methods and tools, and place these within the context of broader research strategy along qualitative and quantitative lines, examining each critically and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. You will develop skills in literature reviewing, research design and ethical literacy, and will have the opportunity to develop a small-scale research proposal of your own devising. You will develop your own analytical abilities by examining previously conducted research and making the links between research findings and the methods used to gather data.

Compulsory

Lifestyle Trends, Health and Behaviour Change - 30 credits

This module aims to raise your awareness of contemporary lifestyle behaviour and its impact on health and wellbeing and health promotion methods that can be used to enable behaviour change. A healthy lifestyle is important in terms of quality of life and plays a key role in the prevention of a large number of diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer and obesity. You will analyse national epidemiological studies and data relating to sexual behaviour, physical activity, substance abuse, alcohol consumption, smoking, diet and stress, looking at how each factor can affect the health of an individual and its effect on society as a whole. Factors relating to why behaviour change may take place and relevant theoretical arguments are also examined.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement²can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, while developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

International Study/Work Placements - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This exciting year aims to enhance your existing knowledge, giving you a broad overview of research methods and processes that are used to study health or social factors in communities. This year examines the skills, behaviours and techniques of effective management and the role of leadership in relation to business themes. Upon successful completion of this final year, you should be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful leader, with the ability to identify the core processes and mechanisms that underpin innovation.

Modules

Leadership and Management in Public Health - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to critically analyse the requirements and expectations for effective leadership and management in community and public health settings in a challenging and ever-changing environment. It will draw upon global, contemporary debates, and cover topic areas such as social economy, strategic, operational and project planning and management, human resource management, funding and finance, marketing and business analysis. This will be done in the context of your role as stakeholders working towards economic, social and environmental regeneration and sustainability. This module examines the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and techniques required for managing projects, initiatives and organisations and explores the role of leadership in relation to business themes such as globalisation, strategy, innovation and organisational development.

The aim of this module is to not only equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful leader and manager, but also identify the core processes and mechanisms that underpin innovation and enterprise, allowing you to consider becoming a social entrepreneur and set up your own organisation in the future.

Compulsory

Promoting Healthy Communities - 30 credits

Community-based and ecological approaches to health promotion have evolved steadily over a number of decades to become an alternative to individually focused efforts to improve health. This module will enable students to develop a critical understanding of health promotion by asking them to examine the relationship between theory and real-life experiences of professional practice.

The module builds on the different conceptions of health and health promotion models covered in previous years and asks you to analyse the wider contextual factors, policies and drivers that shape health promotion practices. It enhances your critical awareness of approaches, methods and techniques that different professionals in different settings apply to promote community participation, change and better health. You are encouraged to share a reflective account of the practices you observed and contributed to and produce a report that offers insights into whether and how community engagement and change, as a process and an outcome of health promotion efforts, is facilitated, or hindered, in real life.

Compulsory

Contemporary Welfare and Social Policy - 30 credits

This module aims to introduce social policy and its application in the UK, as well as making comparisons between UK and global welfare services. It investigates the origins of social policies in the UK and their development as well as delivery mechanisms in contemporary society and the impact that policy has on service users. The many factors that influence social policy, including conceptual, political, and other agents of social change will be explored. Tracing developments primarily from 1945 to the present, you will compare and contrast major competing perspectives and examine key contemporary issues for policy makers, welfare recipients, providers and stakeholders. You should develop an understanding of sources of state welfare services and other diverse sources such as the market, family and voluntary sectors.

Compulsory

Research Project - 30 credits

This module allows you to undertake a research project using secondary research. You are expected to formulate a research question and demonstrate an ability to critically analyse secondary research. A critical analysis of either a postcode locality, vulnerable group, social problem or policy agenda in the UK will be undertaken. You will extend this through evaluation of academic research and examine potential processes that could be facilitated for community development. As part of the project you should demonstrate an ability to work independently, a high level of organisational skills as well as demonstrating awareness of issues of health and safety, ethical considerations and time management.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments.

Breakdown of final grade assessment (subject to change):

Coursework
Assessments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

With our Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, you may have the opportunity to take part in online seminars, lectures, and network with students and course leaders in universities across the world².

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

This degree has aided my success in fulfilling my dream of working in addiction. The whole CU Scarborough set-up of six-week blocks really worked well for me and helped me gain a valuable skill of time management.
Leigh Sloan, Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) graduate, 2023

Public health students working together in class

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 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.
HND	80 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.
Degree	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.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required depending on the type of placement undertaken⁵.

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

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 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.
HND	80 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.
Degree	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.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required depending on the type of placement undertaken⁵.

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

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.

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

Tuition Fees

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950 per year	Not available
EU	£7,950 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,300 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. As an indication, students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2025/26 will pay £1,300.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

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.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees³:

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).

*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 carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our campus building is purpose-built and includes a library, IT suites, mock law court, engineering and science labs, cafe and lots of individual and group study spaces.

Next to us is Scarborough’s new leisure village. The complex includes an Olympic legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all weather pitches and the new Scarborough Athletic football ground.

Careers and opportunities

With a growing demand for skilled health professionals, graduates of the Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) degree have an expansive list of career paths to explore. On successful completion, you will be able to:

demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of legislation, strategies and policies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests
critically appraise theories related to the development of a health promotion strategy, considering social determinants that could influence the effectiveness
develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable market research activities
operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions
apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.

While the majority of graduates go directly into a public health profession, others have chosen to study further in the field, with several students undertaking a master’s degree in subjects such as Public Health and Nutrition, International Business Management and Social Policy.

Where our graduates work

There are a variety of career paths from this degree programme. Graduates have gone on to work successfully in following careers:

Briefing Advisor (higher executive officer) with the parliamentary and public accountability team within UKHSA
Digital Care Coordinator for Primary Care network
Independence Advisor
Programme Leader, FE
Addiction Support Worker
Community Support Officer for local authority
Health Intervention Officer for HM Prison Services
Mental Health Link Worker
Social Prescribing Worker

At the age of 31, the penny dropped that I was miserable working all the hours under the sun for minimum wage in a job I was no longer enjoying. I decided to pop to along to an open day at uni and fast forward four years, I am now graduating with a public health degree. I would highly recommend CU Scarborough to anyone who either has the learning bug or wants to enhance their future. Never believe it will be impossible - I managed being a single parent to three children and working and survived to tell the tale.
Leigh Sloan, Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) graduate, 2023

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 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) 02477 652222

ukadmissions.cu@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUSCU059

International students should apply directly to CU 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) 02477 652222

cus@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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

The majority 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). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

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 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 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) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure may be required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. 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 2023/24 contract can be found here. 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 Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.