Level 4 Certificate in Public Health

This one-year course offers an excellent opportunity if you are looking to enter the exciting world of public health and social care, or if you are already working within the field and looking to advance your career. You will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of public health policymaking while gaining work place experience through observations and professional reflections. This is an intellectually stimulating course, providing you with contemporary knowledge associated with a career in public health and/or social care.

The course is ideal for those who are looking to upskill their existing skills who are working in public health settings. Additionally, the course will deepen your knowledge and understanding of public health and social care, and develop your academic literacy skills. An integral part of the learning on the programme takes place through workplace experience. You will need to undertake paid or voluntary work within a public health or social care setting. A minimum of 50 work placement hours are required to enable you to gain experience and reflect on work-based learning.

Suitable work placements may include care homes and family centres, educational establishments, or public health centres. Students are encouraged to find their own placement according to their expectations for their career development.

Advice and guidance are available through the World of Work team or the programme leader. It is advisable that you check with your programme leader to ensure your work placement is suitable to meet the learning outcomes of the programme prior to starting your course.

You will be required to attend timetabled sessions typically two days a week, allowing you to work in a public health or social care setting for the rest of the week. Students can expect a mix of online and on campus teaching. Our virtual learning environment (VLE) allows you to stay on top of assignments 24/7.

Note students are required to maintain attendance at 80%.

Students will be studying a suite of modules including:

Year 1 (Level 4):

Developing Academic Literacy: This module aims to develop students’ academic literacy and equip them with study, search, referencing and writing skills essential to their programme within higher education. Students will complete an annotated bibliography and a reflective essay for this module. Understanding Self and Principles of Communication: This module provides a theoretical and practical basis on which students can build personal and professional capabilities in communication. Students will be assessed through a role play and a VLE discussion. Sociology of Health Care: This module enables students to begin to consider theoretical concepts of health, the social determinants of health and policies of responsive intervention and preventative measures. As part of their assessment, students will complete a written essay and a report. Health Assets and Health Needs: This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of and impact of health inequalities, examining strategies for health needs assessment of individuals as well as vulnerable groups. Assessments include a poster presentation and a written essay. Risk Assessment in Health Care: This module introduces students to aspects of risk assessment incorporated within the Health and Safety at work legislation in approaches to care delivery and Public Health. Assessments include a case study analysis and a written essay. Introduction to Professional Practice: This module aims to prepare students to work in an area of public health and/or social care. Assessments include the completion of a work portfolio and a written reflective analysis. Note modules are subject to approval/change.