Public Health BSc (Hons) - CK706

Are you interested in public health, disease prevention, health promotion, health care research, diet and nutrition, sports and exercise, the environment, sociology, community development and working in developing countries? If so, then this multidisciplinary public health course could be for you. Effective public health involves all levels of society from working with individuals and communities to governments and international agencies to foster health.

During the course, you will study the cause of disease (epidemiology); the biological basis of disease (biological sciences); the social influences on healthand ill health (social sciences) as well as quantitative and qualitative research methodology.

A BSc in Public Health from UCC will open up a range of career opportunities to you, as well as providing a sound basis for postgraduate study at master’s level and beyond in a wide range of health-related disciplines. Furthermore, it serves as a good foundation for graduate entry into degrees such as medicine and occupational therapy.

The BSc Public Health offers an integrated learning experience in an interdisciplinary environment,to produce graduates who are passionate about public health.

Year 1:

Students will study a range of subjects including:

Population Health,

Epidemiology,

Biological Science

and Social Science.

By the end of year 1, you will have an understanding of the importance of the main factors influencing the health of populations, and of the role of health services in addressing patterns of ill health.

Year 2:

You will develop your understanding of public health and broaden your studies to include Nutrition, Microbiology and Management.

By the end of year 2, you will possess an integrated set of skills that are deployed to investigate patterns of health and ill health in communities and whole populations from a biological, individual, social, environmental, economic or political perspective.

Year 3:

You will apply your theoretical knowledge in modules such as Public Health Practice and Data Management.

You will undertake a 12-week work placement in a professional public health setting.

By the end of this year, you will have a working knowledge of the different perspectives taken to protect and promote the health of populations.

You will understand the contribution of each perspective in addressing practical health issues.

Year 4:

You will study a range of core public health areas including Public Health Advocacy, Health Services,Health Protection and Primary Care.

You will also choose two elective modules in your particular area of interest such as epidemiology, nutrition and/or global health.

By the end of year 4, you will have specialist knowledge and experience of undertaking a critical analysis of a public health issue, and will be able to integrate knowledge and skills to work with health issues at a local, national and/or global level.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of Programme Modules.

HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and one other subject recognised for entry purposes. Additional requirements: a HC3 in either a laboratory science subject or Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.

Mature applicants should apply directly through the CAO (www.cao.ie) and may be called to attend for interview. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is the 1st February of the year of entry. Students are required to have previously studied Mathematics and a Laboratory Science subject. There are five places available for mature applicants.

International Students should visit the International Education Website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/international/noneu-ug/apply/

FETAC Links Booklet (1,515kB).

GARDA CLEARANCE

All student on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities.  To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.

Garda Vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted his/her place on the programme in question.  It involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether there are any criminal proceedings pending.  The Gardai provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of 6 months or more (including permanent residence).

All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of 6 months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries or residence.  This Certificate should state that the student has no convictions recorded against him or her while residing there.

EU Applicants: Application to the first year of the degree programme is made directly throughthe Central Applications Office (CAO).  Applicants should apply on-line at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non EU Applicants

The BSc Public Health teaching is delivered from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. There are approximately 16 hours of scheduled lectures and/or tutorials and/or practical sessions perweek, and students are expected to use the remaining time for reading and consolidating their learning. Field trips are included within the scheduled teaching time. You undertake a compulsory 12-week work placement in year 3 outside the university.

Garda Vetting and Infectious Diseases Policy

Assessment in the BSc Public Health is designed to suit all types of learner and comprises acombination of continuous assessment and end-of-year written exams. The continuous assessment varies and could take the form of an essay, project, in-class test, oral presentation or some other piece of coursework prescribed by the lecturer.

The BSc Public Health is an interdisciplinary degree lead by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in the School of Medicine. In addition to core teaching from staff in their home department, you take modules, and are taught by staff, from across all the four colleges in UCC. Therefore you benefit from the range of expertise relevant to public health available in the university as a whole.

Tara O’Connell

Course Administrator

E: t.oconnell@ucc.ie

T: +353 (0)21 420 5503