BSc Environmental Health with Professional Practice

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Environmental Health with Professional Practice at the University of the West of Scotland is a professionally accredited undergraduate degree that combines academic study with professional practice. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to become environmental health professionals, preparing them for careers in environmental health, public health, and related fields. The program includes a 48-week placement with a local authority, providing students with hands-on experience in the field. Graduates are eligible to become professional environmental health officers (EHOs) or pursue broader environmental health roles in various industries.

Program Outline

BSc (Hons) Environmental Health with Professional Practice at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS)

Degree Overview:

This program is a unique, professionally-accredited undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become environmental health professionals. It combines academic study with professional practice, including a 48-week placement with a local authority, to prepare graduates for a successful career in the field.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage the health and safety of organizations.
• Enable graduates to become professional environmental health officers (EHOs) or move into broader environmental health roles in various industries.
• Provide students with a thorough understanding of the legislative framework, risk management, environmental protection, and public health.
• Develop students' transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication, and teamwork.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Introduction to Environmental Health
• Health and Safety Law
• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Food Safety
• Environmental Protection

Year 2:

• Environmental Health Legislation
• Risk Management
• Entomology and Parasitology
• Introduction to Microbiological Analysis
• Health and Hygiene
• Environmental Protection

Year 3:

• 39-week professional practice placement with a local authority
• Food Inspection and Food Safety

Year 4:

• Advanced Food Inspection
• Housing, Acoustics and Health
• Public Health Microbiology
• Pollution Control
• 9-week professional practice placement with a local authority
• Supervised research dissertation

Assessment:

• Written examinations
• Coursework
• Practical assessments
• Portfolio

Teaching:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Group work
• Independent learning
• Supervised research

Careers:

• Environmental Health Officer (starting salary: £35,000)
• Government agencies (SEPA, FSS/FSA, HSE, PHS)
• Private industry / third sector
• Academia
• Environmental Specialist
• Food Safety / Standards Officer / Consultant
• Built Environment / Housing Officer

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS).
• Graduates have gone on to enroll in postgraduate programs at UWS, including MSc Waste and Resource Management, as well as Public Health and Business Management.
• The program information presented here is based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

Scottish £1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS ) All other UK & Republic of Ireland £9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750 Channel Islands & Isle of Man £9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750 International (all other EU plus Non-EU) £9,250 per year of study

Modular Tuition Fees (20-credit points) 2024-25

Scottish £305 per module (20 credits) All other UK & Republic of Ireland £1,550 per module (20 credits) Channel Islands & Isle of Man £1,550 per module (20 credits) International (all other EU plus Non-EU) £1,550 per module (20 credits)