Teaching and Learning
The ethos of the course is problem-based learning. Its purpose is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to be able to work as an Environmental Health Practitioner within a range of organisations including National and Local Government, Health Services, Commercial Companies and Private Consultancies.
The course is led by experienced Environmental Health Practitioners supported by external lecturers who are recognized specialists in their fields. Students have opportunities to be taught by and supported in their own research dissertations by the research scientists within the Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management.
Placements
The CIEH has accredited the course since 1991. If you wish to take the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) professional examinations to become a Registered Environmental Health Practitioner, you must undertake a period of work based learning. You will be required to complete an Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP) of work based learning for the CIEH prior to sitting your professional examinations.
Graduate Training programmes can be up to 12 months in length or can be shorter internships. The majority are provided within local authorities, but an increasing number are offered by private companies such as ASDA and Hilton Hotels. There may be some financial support given by the training provider. Many are advertised through the CIEH journal and directly to the University. We offer you full support to prepare for interviews for these positions.
If you are a part-time student already based in Local Authorities then you may be able be able to negotiate individual arrangements subject to meeting the Chartered Institute’s ELP requirements.
We pastoral support during the post-MSc work-based learning. This will includes a written Guide to Practical Training, an introductory session on professional placement; and advice and assistance in preparing for the professional examinations.
Employability
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities continue to be available in a range of employment areas, including:
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Local Authorities
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Government Agencies (HSE, Environment Agency)
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Government Departments (Dept of Health, National Health Service)
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Large Private Companies such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Tesco
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Environmental Health Consultancies
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Training Consultancies
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Higher Educational Establishments
Employability Skills
During the time on the course, students will be encouraged to develop employability skills which UK Employer Organisations have stated are essential for graduate recruitment. These include:
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Time management
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Communication Skills
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Team working
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Personal planning and organisation
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Critical thinking skills
Staff and students within the School of Geography, Earth and Envrionmental Sciences at the University describe the masters degree (MSc) in Environmental Health
'During the course I have gained a thorough understanding and learnt to apply relevant legislation and enforcement powers in all environmental health disciplines.' Nathita Fleet
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'I found the course was exactly what I had hoped for in an MSc, varied, stimulating and challenging. With tutors, experts in their fields, the lectures were interesting and relevant and I thoroughly enjoyed the course.' Kathryn Fry
Read a profile for Kathryn Fry
'I was awarded the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Graduate of the Year in 2009, which crowned two challenging yet enjoyable years.' Jenny Hopkins
Read a profile for Jenny Hopkins
'The course has provided me with a sound base of knowledge and greatly increased my confidence meaning I was successful in getting a placement at Chelmsford Borough council.' Natalie Malupa
Read a profile for Natalie Malupa
'I cannot overstate the importance Birmingham has played in laying the solid foundations on which to build my career.' Simon Elliot
Read a profile for Simon Elliot