MSc/PGDipEnvironmental Health

Introduction

A professionally accredited, vocational postgraduate education in environmental health with strong links to public and private sector employers, and taught content that reflects current and predicted industry trends.

Our MSc Environmental Health course is designed specifically to enable health professionals to develop expertise in environmental health issues, and is aimed at graduates keen to acquire the professional skills associated with identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling environmental factors that affect health. It educates and supports anyone pursuing public or private sector careers that promote and protect human health and welfare. Employability is excellent, thanks to strong links with and direct teaching input from employers across the South West.

Direct routes to employment or career enhancement

The majority of our students go straight into related employment. With many securing positions before graduation, with employers such as national food and health, safety and environment organisations and consultancies, national retailers and the leisure/holiday sector, as well as local councils, or overseas with a growing international focus on environmental health issues. This is reflected in our increasing number of international applicants.

You'll have the knowledge and experience in decision-making needed to identify and tackle environmental health issues in a wide range of contexts. You'll also be ready to contribute significantly to existing environmental health practice, and to respond and initiate change in line with current and emerging public health issues.

On completing the course, you can continue your professional development by registering for the Chartered Practitioner Programme, delivered by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). You will be then designated as having achieved the highest professional level and able to use the nominals CEnvH.

The faculty also provides an MSc Environmental Health Professional Practice course for those seeking professional training.

Learning and Teaching

The course is supported fully by on-line material and library access, and comprises a careful balance of individual and group learning. Group sessions are designed to take advantage of the wide range of practical and professional skills and experience our students bring to the mix.

Careers / Further study

There are more than 8,000 qualified Environmental Health Officers/Practitioners (EHOs/EHPs) in the UK and the employment opportunities are expanding. They are employed by both local government and industry, especially in food manufacturing, retail and the leisure sector. Demand for EHPs in the public health sector is also rising as are the number of opportunities for Environmental Consultants. EHPs are also employed by the Food Standards Agency, Public Health England and the Environment Agency.

You will need to develop scientific and technological knowledge - as well as collaboration skills for working closely with other professionals and communities.

Students can exit with PGDip awards.