BSc (Hons) Public Health Sciences

The BSc Public Health Sciences in UCC is the only undergraduate degree in public health in Ireland. Students study across the spectrum of health-related disciplines, which opens up a wide range of career opportunities or further study on graduation.

The 12-week work placement is an essential element of the course and placement options are available for students across all public health practice areas, both in Ireland and abroad.

The School of Public Health is involved in major national research focusing on nutritional epidemiology, looking at causes and prevention of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disesase, tobacco control and health services research. As such, the degree programme is facilitated to prepare graduates for the complex working world.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Students undertake a 12-week work placement at the end of Year 3, providing them with the opportunity to experience the working world and apply theory to practice.  The BSc Public Health Sciences has built strong relationships with national and international organisations including HSE Public Health Departments, Safefood, Public Health England and the WHO in Copenhagen, all of which accept UCC students on placement.  The work placement opens doors to future work opportunities with a larger number of employers recruiting graduates for positions in Ireland, elsewhere in Europe and in other economically developed or developing countries.

Alternatively, a limited number of students may be permitted to undertake the Third Year of their BSc Public Health Sciences studies abroad, at an approved institution.