Can You Study Public Health Without Qualifications?

Yes, in some cases you can. If you do not have the usual qualifications for direct university entry, you may still be able to start through a foundation year, an Access to Higher Education course or another entry route accepted by the university.

You may not have the qualifications for direct university entry yet, but there can still be routes into a Public Health degree.

What is a foundation year?

A foundation year is an extra year at the beginning of your degree.

It is designed to help you develop the academic skills and subject knowledge needed before progressing onto the main Public Health degree.

This can be particularly useful if you have been away from education for a long time or do not currently have the qualifications needed for direct entry.

Could you start with Health and Social Care?

Yes, this can also be a useful route.

A Health and Social Care qualification can help you build knowledge in areas such as health promotion, communities, safeguarding and health inequalities before progressing into Public Health.

The government’s Skills for Careers guidance also explains that adults over 19 who do not have the qualification level needed for university can take an Access to Higher Education Diploma to prepare for higher education.

What could you do after a Public Health degree?

A Public Health degree can help you work towards careers such as Public Health Practitioner, Health Promotion Specialist, Health Protection Practitioner and other roles focused on improving the health of communities.

Some careers can be entered after graduation, while others may require further experience or specialist training.

How Gradulink can help you

Apply for university

We support your application and help eligible students understand the financial support available. Apply today or contact us to speak with our advisors.

Plan your career

We help you understand where your Public Health degree could take you after graduation.