This degree addresses the prevention of disease, the prolonging of life and the promotion of health through the organised efforts of society.
It provides a broadly based training, reflecting the range of skills that are involved in keeping people healthy and preventing disease. These include the study of the causes of disease, (Epidemiology), the biological basis of disease, (Biological Sciences including Nutrition and Microbiology), the social influences on patterns of health and ill-health (Social Sciences with inputs from Sociology, Applied Social Studies, Politics/Community Development and Applied Public Health/Health Promotion), and appropriate methods of both quantitative and qualitative research, including Bio-Statistics and Social Research.
Is this the right programme for you?
As much of the work in this field requires interaction with third World countries and their communities, you must have a genuine interest in improving the quality of lives of other people. This degree is also ideal for individuals wishing to go into a career of research as it provides a strong foundation either directly in Public Health, Health Promotion and/or Epidemiology or with further training, in related areas.
