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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BSc (Honours) Public Health and Wellbeing

: Course code: R64

Public health is rapidly developing. This degree provides a critical understanding of public health and wellbeing, and its policy and practice aims. You’ll learn about preventing infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, as well as non-communicable diseases, for example heart disease, and how to promote health and enhance wellbeing. You’ll discover how the social determinants of health and illness lead to inequalities and the nature of evidence-based interventions to prevent ill health and promote good health. You will also learn about the United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR) Standards and develop the skills needed for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment.

Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

Explore a rapidly developing area of health and social care.
Critically evaluate how inequalities in society impact individual and community health.
Learn about the ethical, legal, economic and political issues that influence healthcare provision.
Learn about the United Kingdom Public Health Register and its standards for practice.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Part-time study – 6 years

Full-time study – 3–4 years

Time limit – 10 years

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This health and wellbeing degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 with a choice of 60-credit optional modules, then complete a compulsory 60-credit module.
Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study one compulsory 60-credit module and a further 60 credits from a range of health and wellbeing modules.
Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study two 60-credit compulsory modules to complete your degree.

At Stage 1, you’ll study two 60-credit modules in which you will learn about the fundamentals of public health and wellbeing and about other aspects of care or health science.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Wellbeing across the lifecourse (K119)	60
You'll choose one from:
Introducing health and social care (K102)	60
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)	60

At Stage 2, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of public health and critical issues in health and social care through a choice of modules.

Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Critical ideas in wellbeing and public health (K212)	60
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Critical perspectives on mental health in society (K243)	60
Death, dying and bereavement (K220)	60
Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207) – planned for October 2025	60
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)	30
Human biology (SK299)	30
Infection, immunity and public health (SK297)	30

At Stage 3, you’ll gain a sound and critical understanding of public health practice and complete your study of the UKPHR standards for practice and how they can be employed. You'll also develop your own investigation and collect evidence that could justify a change in public health policy or practice.

Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study both:
Investigating health and social care (K323)	60
Public health: health promotion and health security (K310)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 6 September 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BSc (Honours) Public Health and Wellbeing uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Online tutorials
Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
Group-work
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Practical work
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Public Health and Wellbeing.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BSc (Honours) in Public Health and Wellbeing

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

Y033

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

Y034

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£21,816	£5,934 (21%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£14,544	£3,956 (21%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£7,272	£1,978 (21%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £21,816

Saving with The Open University £5,934 (21%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £14,544

Saving with The Open University £3,956 (21%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £7,272

Saving with The Open University £1,978 (21%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

The BSc (Honours) Public Health and Wellbeing (R64) focuses on defining the nature of public health and builds knowledge of the United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR) standards for evidence-based public health practice. It also emphasises how public health requires crossing professional boundaries and understanding the service user perspective. You’ll acquire a strong set of highly valued transferable skills, including skills in written communication; finding, evaluating and presenting research and other sources of information; problem-solving and time management. You’ll learn to work independently and as part of a team.

Completion of this qualification would not in itself provide the working experience of public health practice that is required to apply to the UKPHR. You will have to source your own working experience of public health practice via employment or other equivalent means. However, this qualification and the module that supports it, Public health: health promotion and health security (K310) is mapped against the United Kingdom Public Health Register Standards, and completion of the module/degree provides all of the underpinning knowledge of the UKPHR Standards to support your application.

Career relevance

This degree is focused on providing underpinning knowledge for public health practice but is also applicable to a wide range of health and social care careers in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors, though some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Some of our students include:

public health practitioner
health promotion worker
health improvement practitioner
care managers
healthcare assistants and healthcare support workers
health educators
health scientists
practice managers
social work assistants
specialist practitioners
youth workers and youth justice workers.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public and voluntary sectors. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Professional recognition

This degree provides underpinning knowledge for UKPHR registration. It doesn’t include a practice opportunity in public health. Applications for UKPHR registration must demonstrate how the applicant had met UKPHR standards through their own practice.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:

public health practitioner
health promotion worker
health improvement practitioner
care home advocate
grants officer
health educator

policy maker in the field
registered care home manager
social researcher
substance abuse outreach worker
community support worker
volunteer co-ordinator

care manager
practice manager
specialist practitioner
youth worker.

Thinking of studying this course?

This course will next open for registration in March 2025. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

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Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

Classification of your degree

International recognition

Regulations

Compare this course

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

Fees and funding in England

Tuition fee