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BSc (Hons) Public Health and Health Improvement (Top-Up)

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 1 year
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Public health is defined as "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts and informed choices of society, organisations, public and private, communities and individuals", analysing the determinants of health in a population and the threats it faces is the basis for public health.

This BSc (Hons) Public Health and Health Improvement (Top-Up) degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to improve and protect public health and the wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. You will develop an understanding of the principles and practices of public health and health improvement in the twenty-first century to tackle major health challenges and reduce inequalities at global, national and local levels.

As part of this course, you will also have the opportunity to work on live briefs from the Newcastle Public Health Team as well as the opportunity to shadow public health practitioners at work to give you an idea of what it is really like to work in the sector.

This course will prepare you for employment in the field of public health, health improvement, health promotion, community health and the wellbeing sector, working with children, young people, adults and the elderly.

Entry requirements

A pass or higher in a Level 5 Foundation Degree, Diploma in Higher Education or HND (in a related Early Years and/or Health and Social Care subject).

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be asked to submit a digital portfolio (details will follow via an email from our Admissions Team) or you will be invited to Newcastle College University Centre to discuss your portfolio in-person.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 5 entry criteria in an appropriate subject(s), you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and maths or the Level 2 equivalent (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre, we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a BSc (Hons) in Public Health and Health Improvement (Top-Up) degree.

What will I learn?

Health Promotion and Health Needs Assessments
Social Determinants of Health and Inequity
Research Theory and Practice
Taking Control: Leading, Managing and Caring in Public Health and Health Improvement
Dissertation.

How is the course taught?

Lectures
Group work
Practical assignments
Workplace learning
Independent study.

How am I assessed?

Reports
Essays
Observation
Portfolios
Presentations
Work based projects.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress into employment in a range of roles within the public health, health improvement and wellbeing sector.

You could also go onto further study by applying for a Level 7 Master's degree in a range of public health, health improvement, health promotion and wellbeing-related courses or teacher training.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Xania Prentice

BSc (Hons) Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication (Top-Up)

"As an older student, learning as a beginner meant I was able to bring all my life experience onto this course. I've studied modules ranging from trauma to gender to bereavement, and all of it fascinated me. But to me, this course wasn't just about qualifying in psychology - I've found my calling here, by discovering how people work and figuring out how I could help them."