The rewarding pathways of a career in public health

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Public health is a unique field where passion meets purpose, where groundbreaking advancements have the power to transform lives and communities, and where individuals like yourself have the opportunity to make a real difference.

Our public health diploma and master’s in public health online degree programmes can form an important step in your pathway to a fulfilling career in public health, dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities.

There are a number of challenges relating to global public health affecting a rapidly changing world including navigating the impacts of Covid on a post-Covid society, the cost of living crisis, substance abuse and addiction, climate change, infectious diseases and malnutrition, to name just a few of the issues currently affecting communities.

The rising costs of energy bills and food prices have left many households having to compromise their lifestyle, unable to afford healthy living essentials they previously could. The need for skilled public health professionals has become increasingly apparent as these issues highlight the demand for comprehensive and accessible education in this important field. In this blog, we will further explore what a career in public health looks like, and how you can make it your reality.

What jobs can you get with a public health degree?

Studying a degree in public health can open up a whole range of rewarding career opportunities. While our public health courses will undoubtedly expand your medical knowledge, there is a whole scope outside of medical roles of public health jobs in the wider public sector.

Five examples of jobs which can form part of a public health career include:

1. Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists track and investigate causes of diseases to understand their source, how they are transmitted and prevent further spread.

2. Environmental Health Specialist

Environmental Health Specialists assess and address environmental factors that relate to health - this may include water and air quality, food hygiene standards, and waste management - their role is to safeguard such standards to ensure the wellbeing of communities.

3. Health Visitor

Health visitors are specialist community public health nurses who work with families with children aged 0 to 5 to identify early needs and risk factors, reduce inequalities and safeguard vulnerable children.

4. Health and Safety Advisor

Health and safety advisors promote a positive health and safety culture in the workplace, ensuring that organisations comply with safety legislations and policies.

5. Public Health Policy Analyst

Public health policy analysts use data and research to inform important decision making affecting public health policies and initiatives at local, national and international levels.

How to start a career in Public Health

Deciding to embark on a career in public health is the beginning of an exciting journey, one which requires a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and confidence. Our public health courses are designed to equip you with exactly the foundation you need to thrive in a successful career in this field.

Our curriculum offers an in-depth understanding of the latest research, strategies and innovations in public health, and with a wealth of clinically-rich scenario based learning, you will gain the knowledge required to apply practically.

By studying with Learna | Diploma MSc, you will have the opportunity to build all-important connections with like-minded professionals as you join a global multidisciplinary network of thousands of other healthcare professionals looking to make a difference. Such connections can prove invaluable as you build your career, and you can utilise your network to share knowledge, ask questions and engage in best practice based on global learning.

Not only will you have the opportunity to foster connections with your peers, you will also have access to guidance and expertise from our specialist tutors with a wealth of experience, who will keep you informed on the latest developments and research in public health, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve.

What can you do with a master’s in public health?

If you are looking to pursue leadership roles in the industry, a master’s in public health could be just the thing to help you stand out from the crowd and get ahead. You will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that influences policies and can make a huge impact on communities.

You can be at the forefront of pioneering positive change, using evidence-based interventions and effective strategies to truly improve lives.

Studying at master’s level means developing essential skills in research, investigation and critical analysis which employers in this sector value highly. Our MSc public health course also includes a professional project on a topic of your choosing, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and understanding and demonstrate your passion in this field. The levels of dedication and expertise you will gain at this level increase your chances of promotion and access to higher-paying positions, allowing you to progress your career and achieve your goals.

Thinking of taking your research even further? A master’s is an essential step in the pathway to pursuing a PhD in Public Health. By choosing our part time masters in public health, you can continue to work full-time and balance family or other commitments alongside your studies, with no lectures or seminars, learning is 100% flexible and 100% online - so you can study at a pace that suits you.

Why study public health?

Studying public health will not only give you a strong foundation of knowledge, it will teach you how to develop and apply critical skills in research, evaluation, reflection and management strategies. At Learna | Diploma MSc, our courses are built in partnership with field-leaders based on clinical scenarios to prepare you for real life applications.

Careers in public health are undoubtedly rewarding - this is a field in which you can make a meaningful impact on many lives. From addressing health inequalities to prevention to reacting to a global pandemic, every step you take in this career path is a step towards a healthier future. Our public health courses prepare you to handle complex scenarios with confidence and demonstrate leadership in the face of crisis.

Don’t miss out on your chance to make a real difference! Join us on this exciting journey to take your career to the next level and become an expert in the field of public health. Apply for our postgraduate diploma in public health or masters in public health today and embark on a rewarding career that has the potential to shape many lives. Visit our course pages to find out more.