Environmental Health

Our MSc Environmental Health course is designed specifically to enable health professionals to develop expertise in environmental health issues, and is aimed at graduates keen to acquire the professional skills associated with identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling environmental factors that affect health. It educates and supports anyone pursuing public or private sector careers that promote and protect human health and welfare. Employability is excellent, thanks to strong links with and direct teaching input from employers across the South West.

The majority of our students go straight into related employment. With many securing positions before graduation, with employers such as national food and health, safety and environment organisations and consultancies, national retailers and the leisure/holiday sector, as well as local councils, or overseas with a growing international focus on environmental health issues. This is reflected in our increasing number of international applicants.

On completing the course, the professional practical training and assessment set by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), you'll be eligible for registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board, CIEH, and will be able to enter into practice as an Environmental Health Practitioner. You'll have the knowledge and experience in decision-making needed to identify and tackle environmental health issues in a wide range of contexts. You'll also be ready to contribute significantly to existing environmental health practice, and to respond to and initiate change in line with current and emerging public health issues.

The faculty also provides an integrated Professional Development (Environmental Health) course for those seeking professional training.

Studies focus on key current environmental health concerns, and cover public health, food safety, housing, health and safety at work, and pollution management. The core modules are:

• Environmental Health Principles and Practice - A critical understanding of environmental health legal systems, risk assessment, employability skills and how they apply in practice through field visits, and input from experienced practitioners and employers.
• Food Control - Developing an understanding of food safety situations along with the skills needed to assess and control them effectively. This is through a combination of teaching and practical sessions.
• Pollution Management - Learning to understand, evaluate and mitigate aspects and processes of human activity that can cause environmental contamination of air (including noise), water and land.
• Health and Safety Management - How working environments can affect our health, safety and welfare and how we can minimise incidence and negative effects through target-based interventions. 
• Housing - Looking closely at the relationship between housing, communities and health, and the risks associated with housing deficiencies.
• Introduction to Public Health - Learning how to critically analyse what determines health and illness in social, environmental and political contexts.
• Health Promotion - Evaluating approaches to tackling health inequalities within communities.
• Quantitative Health Research - Critical analysis and interpretation of epidemiological studies, in preparation for the research aspect of the course dissertation.
• Dissertation - Design and execute a planned research study based on relevant methodology within an appropriate research framework.

Entry is open to those who:

• hold a first degree (minimum 2:2 honours) in a science based discipline; or
• hold a first degree (minimum 2:2 honours) in another discipline and can demonstrate that they have attained equivalent to the science foundation necessary for the programme in such cases; or
• have other qualifications and/or experience considered to be equivalent by the Programme Manager.

Applicants will normally be interviewed and required to successfully complete an assessed piece of work.

The financing options for the Environmental Health program at the University of the West of England are designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their studies. Prospective students can explore a variety of funding sources, including government-funded financial aid, scholarships, and external grants. For UK students, tuition fees are typically covered in part or in whole by arrangements such as Student Finance England, which offers loans to cover tuition costs and maintenance grants or loans for living expenses. These loans are repayable after graduation, based on income levels, and are designed to make higher education accessible regardless of financial background.

International students are generally required to pay the full tuition fee upfront or in agreed installments, with specific payment plans available. The university offers a limited number of scholarships and bursaries for high-achieving students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. These scholarships are usually competitive and may be awarded based on academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, or financial need. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities such as government or private sector grants, sponsorships, or charitable funds aimed at supporting students in health, environmental, or public health fields.

Many students also consider part-time work opportunities available both on and off-campus to supplement their income. The university’s career services provide guidance on internships, part-time jobs, and placements that can help students gain practical experience while earning additional funds towards their studies. Furthermore, students can explore student loan options from private financial institutions, although these typically have different terms and conditions compared to government-backed loans.

Finally, it’s advised that students carefully review the financial commitments associated with the program, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, and plan their finances accordingly. The university’s dedicated financial aid advisors are available to assist students in understanding their options, applying for funding, and managing their finances effectively throughout their academic journey.

The Environmental Health Bachelor's degree program at the University of the West of England is a comprehensive course designed to prepare students for a career in protecting public health and the environment. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding communities from environmental hazards and promoting sustainable practices. Throughout the course, students explore various topics including occupational health and safety, environmental law, pollution control, epidemiology, and risk assessment. The curriculum is structured to provide a balanced understanding of scientific principles and policy frameworks, enabling graduates to work effectively in diverse settings such as government agencies, public health organizations, and private sector companies. The program also offers opportunities for work placements and industry engagement, facilitating real-world experience and professional networking. Students develop competencies in conducting inspections, investigating environmental health issues, and implementing preventative measures. The University of the West of England’s close ties with local authorities and industry partners enhance the learning experience and improve graduate employability. The program is suitable for individuals interested in science, health, and environmental protection, aiming to improve overall community well-being by addressing issues like pollution, hazardous substances, and workplace safety. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers as Environmental Health Officers, environmental consultants, or public health advisors, among other roles. The degree also provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study or research in related fields. With a focus on contemporary environmental challenges and regulatory frameworks, the program prepares students to contribute effectively to creating healthier environments both locally and globally.