Public and Environmental Health Science MSc

Summary

This programme is designed for international students wishing to advance their knowledge in public health and environmental health. It provides opportunities to understand how to manage risks posed to public and environmental health and provide the necessary solutions. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health for international students. It is taught in conjunction with the MSc in Environmental Health.

The course is taught using formal lectures; workshops; group work; case studies; practical simulations , industrial/commercial visits; and student centered learning. In 2012 , a virtual learning platform will be introduced to allow the students to identify hazards and risks within an industrial environment. It will provide students with a hands- on opportunity for problem –solving. It supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills required by the CIEH.

Key facts

Type of Course: Taught, continuing professional development

Duration: 1 year full-time

Start date: September 2012

Entry requirements

A science based honours degree which is at least equivalent to the a 2:1 honours degree from a UK university.

Learn more about entry requirements.

International students
This MSc course is for international students only. We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements

Standard English language requirements apply - see Engineering and Science under the IELTS and TOEFL section.

Contact details

Mr Maurice Brennan
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 7180
Email: m.e.brennan.1@bham.ac.uk 

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Fees and funding

The fees for this full-time course are: £16,200 for international students, who are not from the EU, and £5,600 for EU students.

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships
International students can gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. 

For further information email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

Programme overview

This programme provides an accredited pathway for science-based graduates to become environmental health practitioners. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

The programme covers the following modules: 

Related links

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Related Research

Back to top

Apply now

Public and Environmental Health MSc students

The course is taught using formal lectures; workshops; group work; case studies; practical simulations e.g. mock trial; industrial/commercial visits; and student centered learning.

Modules

The compulsory modules are:

In addition, you can select one elective module from either:

The research dissertation is worth 50 credits. It will include opportunities to work with lecturers and students in other public health-related fields.

There will be a special emphasis in providing you with an understanding of the role of the Environmental Health Practitioner within the broader public health field, and the necessary networks and partnerships required in the delivery of individual and community health related interventions.

Course Schedule

Public and Environmental Health MSc course schedule

Students must expect to attend 4-5 days per week in the autumn and spring terms. There is little teaching in the summer term with time set aside for completing assignments, examination preparation, and undertaking the Dissertation.

Assessments

Assessments are in the form of formal written examinations, group work presentations and research dissertations.

Short Courses

You may wish to take the opportunity to study an additional short course leading to an extra qualification whilst at the University.

Certificate in Environmental Noise Monitoring - accredited by the Institute of Acoustics

This will be a practically based module which will enable you to make reliable measurements of background noise and noise from a variety of noise sources, according to the requirements of relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice or legislation. The presentation and interpretation of the measured data will be considered and the significance of measured noise levels in terms of acceptability to people will be assessed. The principal methods of noise control to mitigate the impact of noise on the community will be identified. Having considered the above you will be able to critically appraise the noise measurement methodology, data and interpretation in reports and environmental appraisals, and to comment on proposals for noise impact mitigation.

For further details contact: 
Sue Fellows
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3260
Email: s.fellows@bham.ac.uk

Practical Food Inspection

This provides you with a specific certified training programme on practical food inspection. This short course covers a wide range of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and processed food. You will learn how to identify and examine these foods for fitness for human consumption. The course meets the syllabus requirements of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and is certificated by the University. This will take place in June and July with the examination in September. The cost will be an additional £300 for the training and examinations.

For further information please contact:
Val Walker
Email: V.C.Walker@bham.ac.uk 
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3077

Why study Public and Environmental Health Science MSc at Birmingham?

This course provides the opportunity to explore the impacts that environmental health stressors (threats) have on the physical health and social well-being of individuals and communities. It comprises a twelve-month course leading to a Masters Degree in Public and Environmental Health Science.

The ethos of the course is to provide international students with the skills and knowledge to work within a range of organizations including national or 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. You will have opportunity to be taught by and supported in their own research dissertations by the research scientists within the Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management.  

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

CIEH LogoOur MSc in Public & Environmental Health is accredited by Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is the professional body which oversees all of professional practice and qualifications in the UK. It is a member of the International Federation of Environmental Health. It has endorsed this MSc as being suitable for international students who wish to pursue a career in Environmental Health.

All international students are able to apply for free student membership of the CIEH whilst on this MSc course. This brings you a range of benefits. The necessary forms will be circulated to you during the induction week.

International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH)

The University is a member of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) which represents environmental practitioners at an international level.

Employability

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course have found employment with:

  • Environmental Health Practitioners in the fieldGovernment Health Departments
  • Government Health and Environmental Protection Agencies
  • International and National Non-Governmental organizations
  • Multi-national companies
  • International Environmental Health Consultancies
  • Higher Educational Establishments

During the time on the course, students will be encouraged to develop employability skills which are essential for graduate recruitment. These include:

  • Time management
  • Communication Skills
  • Team working
  • Personal planning and organisation
  • Critical thinking skills