Public health careers

If you want to make a real difference, a career in public health helps you to improve lives, prevent disease, and create healthier communities on a local, national, or even global scale 

What is public health?

Public health professionals work to prevent diseases, promote healthy behaviours, and address health disparities among different groups of people.Ìý

Their work involves: 

• analysing health data 
• developing and implementing programmes 
• working with stakeholders such as government agencies, nonprofit organisations, and healthcare providers.Ìý

According to National Health Service (NHS) Health Careers, public health encompasses three key areas: 

• health protection - preventing the outbreak of epidemics, planning emergency responses, and ensuring food safety.Ìý
• improving people's health - promoting healthier lifestyles through campaigns encouraging better eating, physical exercise, and discouraging smoking and drug use.Ìý
• healthcare services - aims to guarantee everyone's access to high-quality health services and medications when needed.Ìý

Who are the main employers in public health?

Stephen Clayton, director of the MSc Public Health programme at the University of Liverpool, highlights the range of career paths available in public health. He explains how many roles are located in local authorities, the NHS and the third sector (charity sector), as well as globally in bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).

There are also careers available in universities and colleges in research and teaching.Ìý

How do I get a job in public health?

Public health is a diverse field with many roles available, from school nurses and substance misuse workers to public health consultants and epidemiologists. This variety means there's no single, fixed path to entering the field.Ìý

To get started, explore the different public health jobs that interest you. Research the specific qualifications and educational requirements for each role. Some common examples include: 

• environmental health practitioner 
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• health and safety adviser 
• health improvement practitioner 
• health visitor 
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• occupational hygienist.Ìý

For a more comprehensive overview of public health jobs, see Health Careers - The public health workforce explained.Ìý

Work experience 

Gaining work experience through volunteering for public health charities is an excellent way to impress potential employers. If you're searching for job opportunities, consider exploring NHS Jobs and local authority websites as starting points.Ìý 

Staying informed about public health issues is crucial. Regularly checking the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and the Faculty of Public Health websites is recommended. For a broader perspective, research the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO.Ìý

Masters degree in public health 

Aspiring to a high-level role in public health, such as consultancy, can be boosted by pursuing a Masters degree. This advanced degree equips individuals with the in-depth knowledge and specialised skills highly sought-after by employers in this sector.Ìý

'Our MSc Public Health graduates have gone on to work as epidemiologists on big research projects at universities, while others became officers for mental health practice in local authorities or started prestigious training programmes to become advanced PH practitioners,' adds Dr Tilly Paz, deputy course lead for the MSc Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School.Ìý

Dr Paz emphasises the importance of tailoring the programme to individual career goals. She says, 'If a student knows in advance what type of job they would like to do, they could then use the optional modules and the dissertation to strengthen their knowledge in the field and become an expert on the topic. Such choices make their applications and interviews more likely to result in a suitable job'.Ìý 

What does an MSc in public health involve?

As well as providing a strong foundation in contemporary public health practice, a postgraduate course can connect you with professionals. This gives you the opportunity to be involved in real-world projects.Ìý 

If you're interested in a career in health research, the right course can link you with leading researchers and serve as a stepping stone to a PhD.Ìý

Entry requirements for Masters programmes in public health usually include an undergraduate degree in a health-related subject. Relevant subjects are often accepted, such as: 

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• psychology.Ìý

Tuition fees for one-year, full-time courses range between £9,000 and £15,000, although you may be eligible for a Masters loan.Ìý 

Most Masters degrees in public health are also available to study over two years on a part-time basis.Ìý

You'll typically study a set of core modules and write a dissertation. For instance, the modules you'll take on the University of Salford's MSc Public Health i²Ô³¦±ô³Ü»å±ð:Ìý

• 21st-century global public health challenges 
• epidemiology and statistics for public health 
• research methods applied to public health.Ìý

²Ñ±ð²¹²Ô·É³ó¾±±ô±ð, London Metropolitan University's MSc covers modules such as: 

• ethical issues in healthcare 
• health improvement 
• introduction to epidemiology.Ìý
• Finding the ideal public health Masters degree requires careful research and consideration of your interests. When selecting a programme, prioritise those focusing on the ‘upstream’ causes or ‘social determinants’ of health. This emphasis is crucial because most health issues stem from unequal access to a healthy environment and society.Ìý

Additionally, it's essential to verify if your chosen programme is accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation or includes core modules approved by the Royal Society for Public Health. This will significantly enhance your career prospects in the field of public health.Ìý

‘Accreditation by such bodies can provide an additional stamp of excellence for programmes, although it is not a requirement as it is for other professional qualifications,' says Stephen.Ìý

Graduates of MSc in public health courses often go on to positions within: 

• the NHS 
• community organisations 
• government agencies 
• local authorities 
• health promotion agencies 
• human rights agencies 
• health sectors abroad 
• international health institutions 
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• business and voluntary sectors.Ìý

'People aspiring to high-level roles such as public health consultant or director of public health need to undertake the Faculty of Public Health Specialty Training Scheme. This is a five-year training scheme, the first year requiring students to complete and pass a Masters in public health,' says Stephen.Ìý

To find the right programme for you, search for postgraduate courses in public health.Ìý

What will I be paid as a public health graduate?

Public health offers a range of career paths, each with its own unique salary range. Entry-level positions, like environmental health practitioners, typically earn £25,000 to £40,000 per year.Ìý 

In contrast, starting salaries for more specialised roles like epidemiologists range from £33,706 to £40,588.Ìý

Several factors influence earnings, including experience, education, and the type of organisation. For instance, attending higher education, gaining certifications, and developing specialised skills often translate to higher salaries.Ìý 

The type of organisation, whether government, non-profit, or private sector, significantly impacts compensation packages.Ìý 

What are the most important public health issues?

The priority of public health professionals is to reduce disparities in health outcomes. Other major challenges are: 

• antimicrobial resistance  
• building public trust in health protection and preventative measures 
• environmental sustainability and climate change 
• mental health  
• preparing for epidemics.Ìý

Additionally, there is a growing concern about illnesses and deaths caused by ‘lifestyle diseases'. These are often linked to: 

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• excessive alcohol consumption 
• unhealthy diets.Ìý 

Furthermore, poverty and limited opportunities can exacerbate these issues, as evidenced by the disproportionately high rates of such illnesses in underprivileged communities.Ìý

Find out more

• Explore the healthcare sector.