Career Paths for Public Health Graduates

A degree in Public Health provides students with knowledge in epidemiology, health policy, disease prevention, global health, and health promotion. Graduates can pursue careers in government, healthcare, research, and non-profit sectors, working to improve public health at local, national, and global levels.

Common Career Paths:

1. Public Health Officer / Practitioner
   • Working for government health departments (e.g., NHS, UK Health Security Agency, WHO) to develop and implement public health programmes, health policies, and disease prevention initiatives.
   • Focusing on areas such as health inequalities, environmental health, and pandemic response.
2. Epidemiologist
   • Investigating disease outbreaks, analysing health data, and informing public health policies.
   • Working with hospitals, research institutions, and public health agencies.
3. Health Promotion Specialist
   • Designing and delivering campaigns on healthy living, mental health, smoking cessation, and disease prevention.
   • Working for charities, NGOs, and government health bodies.
4. Global Health Specialist
   • Working in international organisations (e.g., WHO, UNICEF, NGOs) to tackle global health issues such as infectious diseases, malnutrition, and health access.
5. Health Policy Advisor / Analyst
   • Advising governments, organisations, or policymakers on public health laws, policies, and reforms.
   • Working for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups.
6. Environmental Health Officer
   • Ensuring public health standards related to food safety, air and water quality, and workplace safety.
   • Employed by local councils, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
7. Researcher / Academic
   • Conducting public health research in universities, think tanks, and medical research institutions.
   • Many pursue a Master’s (MPH) or PhD for advanced research careers.
8. Healthcare Management & Administration
   • Overseeing public health programmes, hospitals, or community health services.
   • Working within the NHS, private healthcare, or non-profits.

Certainly! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of key career paths for Public Health graduates:

1. Public Health Officer / Practitioner

• Public health officers work on health promotion, disease prevention, and community health initiatives.
• Roles involve:
  • Designing and implementing public health campaigns (e.g., smoking cessation, mental health awareness).
  • Analysing health trends and advising on policy changes.
  • Responding to public health crises such as pandemics or foodborne illnesses.
• Where you can work:
  • NHS England, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland
  • Local councils, international agencies like WHO or CDC

2. Epidemiologist

• Epidemiologists study disease patterns, risk factors, and public health threats to inform decision-making.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Investigating disease outbreaks, pandemic modelling, and vaccination strategies.
  • Collecting and analysing health data to identify trends (e.g., obesity, air pollution).
  • Advising on public health policies and interventions.
• Where you can work:
  • Government health agencies, hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies
  • International bodies like WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs

Further Study? An MSc in Epidemiology or Public Health is often required for senior roles.

3. Health Promotion Specialist

• Focuses on preventative healthcare, educating individuals and communities about health risks.
• Work involves:
  • Creating and delivering campaigns on topics like healthy eating, substance abuse, and mental health.
  • Collaborating with schools, businesses, and local authorities to improve community health.
  • Evaluating the success of health initiatives and advising on policy improvements.
• Where you can work:
  • NHS, charities (e.g., Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation), local councils
  • Community health organisations and advocacy groups

4. Global Health Specialist

• Works on international public health challenges, such as infectious diseases, maternal health, and sanitation.
• Key tasks include:
  • Coordinating health programmes in low-income countries.
  • Assisting with emergency response efforts for disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
  • Advising governments and NGOs on health policy, vaccination, and disease prevention.
• Where you can work:
  • WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
  • International development agencies, humanitarian organisations

Further Study? A Master’s in Global Health or International Development is useful.

5. Health Policy Advisor / Analyst

• Advises governments, organisations, and policymakers on public health laws and strategies.
• Key responsibilities:
  • Analysing health trends and recommending changes to public health policies.
  • Conducting research on the effectiveness of health interventions.
  • Working with MPs, councils, and think tanks to influence legislation.
• Where you can work:
  • Government agencies (Department of Health, NHS England, UKHSA)
  • Research institutes, think tanks, and advocacy groups

Further Study? A Master’s in Public Health (MPH), Health Policy, or Public Administration is often required.

6. Environmental Health Officer

• Focuses on protecting public health through food safety, hygiene, pollution control, and workplace safety.
• Duties include:
  • Inspecting restaurants, factories, and public spaces for health and safety compliance.
  • Investigating environmental hazards, such as air pollution or contaminated water supplies.
  • Enforcing health regulations and advising businesses on improvements.
• Where you can work:
  • Local councils, environmental health agencies, DEFRA, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
  • Private consultancies, food safety organisations

Further Study? Some roles require a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Health.

7. Public Health Researcher / Academic

• Conducts research into disease prevention, health inequalities, and healthcare policies.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Designing studies and analysing data on public health trends.
  • Publishing reports and advising policymakers based on research findings.
  • Teaching in universities and training future public health professionals.
• Where you can work:
  • Universities, NHS research teams, independent health research bodies
  • Charities and global health organisations

Further Study? A PhD in Public Health or Epidemiology is usually required.

8. Healthcare Management & Administration

• Involves managing hospitals, public health programmes, and community health services.
• Roles include:
  • Public Health Manager – overseeing national or local health campaigns.
  • Healthcare Administrator – managing NHS services and ensuring efficiency.
  • Commissioning Manager – deciding which healthcare services to fund.
• Where you can work:
  • NHS, private healthcare providers, government health agencies
  • International organisations (WHO, World Bank, NGOs)

Further Study? A Master’s in Health Management or Public Administration is useful.

Final Thoughts

Public Health is a versatile and impactful degree, offering career opportunities in policy, research, healthcare, and global health. Whether you’re interested in disease prevention, environmental health, healthcare policy, or international development, there are multiple paths to explore.

Choosing the Correct Pathway

The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Public Health course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.

For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Health Pathway, click HERE.

If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.