This course unravels the complex links between the economic, social and political factors that cause inequalities in the health of communities locally, nationally and globally. By understanding these causes, we can drive change by creating new policies and strategies to tackle problems such as obesity, poor mental health, and alcohol and drug misuse.

As part of the course you will have an exciting opportunity to take a heavily subsidised trip to Uganda*, to experience first-hand the public health challenges in the Global South. You’ll be able to put your new skills to work, helping to improve the lives of people living in rural communities – find out more in the video below.

During this course, you will learn how to assess the effectiveness of health interventions and learn core public health skills including surveillance and assessment of the population’s health, health protection, and leadership and collaborative working for health. You will learn how to use these core skills to inform and drive health policy and public health practice. The core skills have been identified by professional bodies such as the UK Faculty of Public Health Curriculum and the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2013) and Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER). The School is a member of ASPHER.

Under new devolved powers, Greater Manchester local authorities are driving new health and social care policies that work for local people, with a greater focus on prevention. You will have the opportunity to work closely with key professionals responsible for the public’s health in the Greater Manchester area. We have also developed a three year sandwich degree (BSc (Hons) Public Health and Health Promotion with Placement) where you will have an extended (five month) placement in your second year.

You will take modules during your second year that focus on working on local public health priorities, with input from key personnel from local councils and other agencies. You will also have the opportunity to work on a public health priority in rural Uganda*. This will expose you to real-world challenges and give you the opportunity to work with professionals to begin to establish professional networks. You will have the opportunity to further develop your links with key professionals as you carry out your third year research project.