BSc (Hons) Public Health with Foundation Year
Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand population health, prevent ill-health, promote wellbeing and contribute to healthier communities.
Course Overview
Public health is concerned with protecting and improving the health of communities and populations. It considers the wider factors that influence health, rather than focusing only on the treatment of individual illness.
The BSc (Hons) Public Health with Foundation Year is awarded by the University of Wolverhampton and delivered at Green Valley Academy. It provides an accessible route into undergraduate study while preparing students to understand the complex and multidisciplinary nature of modern public health.
The course draws on current UK policy (including the 10 Year Health Plan for England and the NHS Long Term Plan) and international frameworks such as the WHO programme of work and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong emphasis on prevention and the wider determinants of health.
You study 120 credits each year, made up of 30-credit modules. The Foundation Year builds academic confidence and introduces health, social care and wellbeing, before you progress into the degree itself.
Course Highlights
- Foundation Year included
- 30-credit module structure
- Health promotion and prevention
- Epidemiology and population data
- Health psychology
- Health inequalities
- Micro-placement in Year 3
- Digital health and infodemiology
- 60-credit final-year dissertation
Why Study Public Health?
Build academic knowledge, practical understanding and transferable professional skills that can support a future career in public health and related sectors.
Foundation Year Support
Develop academic writing, reading, research, digital and study skills before progressing into the main degree.
Population Health
Understand how social, economic, behavioural and environmental factors affect health across the life course.
Health Promotion
Plan, deliver and evaluate campaigns that prevent ill-health, encourage healthier behaviour and improve population wellbeing.
Research & Evidence
Build research skills from Level 5 methods and ethics through to an independent 60-credit dissertation in your final year.
Work Experience
Evidence your competencies against the Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework through a Year 3 micro-placement.
Career Development
Build communication, teamwork, research, leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Course Structure
The programme combines a Foundation Year with three further years of undergraduate Public Health study. Full-time students study 120 credits in each academic year.
Module content, codes, credit values, assessment methods and availability may change through normal academic review.
Teaching & Assessment
How You Will Learn
Teaching combines on-campus sessions with online learning and independent study. Each 30-credit module has a maximum of two summative assessments, alongside formative activities that give you feedback before you submit.
- Lectures
- Seminars and workshops
- Case studies
- Group activities
- Online tasks, quizzes and discussion forums
- Supervised independent research
Assessment Methods
You may be assessed through:
- Reports and written coursework
- Portfolios
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Online quizzes and tests
- Group work and focus-group appraisal
- Dissertation and research poster
Career Opportunities
Public-health knowledge can support careers across healthcare, local government, community organisations, research and policy.
Course Fees 2026/27
Tuition Fee
This is the fee for one academic year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and the fees applicable to a particular academic year are published on the University website.
Available Intakes
September
First cohort commences 14 September 2026
Study Mode
Full-time, 4 years
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4 (previously grade C) or above, or equivalent (Key Skills Level 2 English or Functional Skills Level 2 English). GCSE Short Courses are not accepted.
- Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.
- Attendance at a compulsory Preparation for Foundation Assessment Day during the application stage.
Entry requirements are subject to regular review. The requirements applicable to a particular academic year are published on the University of Wolverhampton website and externally as appropriate.
Preparation for Foundation Assessment Day
At Green Valley Academy you will take part in a variety of activities that assess your suitability for the course. This is a required part of the application process.
The course is open to all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly welcome mature and non-traditional learners in the Luton area.
How to Apply
Green Valley Academy Admissions can guide you through the application process.
Submit Enquiry
Tell us you're interested in the Public Health with Foundation Year course.
Eligibility Review
Admissions reviews your qualifications and background.
Submit Documents
Provide the academic and supporting documents required.
Assessment Day
Attend the compulsory Preparation for Foundation Assessment Day.
Decision & Offer
Eligible applicants receive their decision and offer information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the course?
The course is a four-year full-time programme, including the Foundation Year.
Is the Foundation Year part of the degree?
Yes. The Foundation Year is the first year of the four-year programme and prepares students for undergraduate-level study.
How many modules will I study each year?
You study 120 credits each year. In Years 1 to 3 this is four 30-credit modules. In Year 4 you study two 30-credit modules alongside a 60-credit Research Dissertation.
Is there a placement?
Yes. In Year 3 the Public Health in Practice module includes a micro-placement. If you are already working in a relevant role, or prefer a sector and industry analysis route, alternative arrangements are available.
How much is the tuition fee?
The tuition fee for 2026/27 is £9,790 per academic year.
Is £9,790 the fee for the complete four-year course?
No. £9,790 is the fee for one academic year. Tuition fees may be reviewed for future academic years.
Which intakes are available?
The course has a September intake. The first cohort commences on 14 September 2026.
Do I need previous Public Health experience?
Previous specialist Public Health experience is not normally required for the Foundation Year route.
Can I apply for student finance?
Eligible students may be able to apply for tuition-fee and maintenance support through UK student-finance services. Eligibility depends on residency, personal circumstances and current funding rules.
What careers could I pursue after graduating?
Career areas can include public-health practice, health improvement, health promotion, commissioning, public-health intelligence, community development and research.
Ready to Start Your Public Health Journey?
Speak to Green Valley Academy Admissions about your eligibility, preferred intake and application process.