BSc/BSc (Hons) Public Health

at Queen Margaret University

Public health is about helping to prevent disease, improve health and prolong life. This, the first and only undergraduate degree in public health on offer in Scotland, will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need for a career in the diverse field of public health.  It opens up opportunities in health promotion and in health policy, in government, in community health organisations, and in health-focused charities.

Public Health Scotland defines public health as follows: Public health is about improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighbourhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world. To do this, public health seeks to engage everyone to play their part. It is through the organised efforts of our society that we can give everyone the best chance to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. Whereas traditional healthcare systems focus on treating individuals, public health plays a key role in preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health and wellbeing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital role of public health practice locally, national and globally and the need for effective public health practitioners.