Health studies - Subject Guide

Single Honours 

• Nursing 

• Public Health 

• Medical Laboratory Science 

• Environmental Health 

• Health Informatics 

Joint Honours 

• Health and Psychology 

• Public Health and Social Work 

• Nutrition and Exercise Science 

• Kinesiology and Health Studies 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years: An extra year of study can give you the opportunity to fine tune your knowledge before starting university and offers a great opportunity to improve English language skills before embarking upon your degree course. 

• Sandwich degrees: A sandwich degree includes an extra year taken after Year 2 or Year 3 of your undergraduate studies, which you can use to study abroad or gain practical working experience. 

• Integrated Master’s: An integrated Master’s degree allows you to extend your undergraduate studies by one year, and gain a Master’s degree for relatively little extra cost. 

• Degree apprenticeships: Earn while you learn, with a three to six year course that gets you valuable work experience while your employer covers tuition fees. 

FIND OUT MORE: Different types of undergraduate degree

SOURCE: WHATUNI

FIND OUT MORE

• What you need to know to apply to university through UCAS

• UCAS points calculator

There are a huge variety of options within the field of health, since this includes all public and allied health subjects. Courses can range from medicine and dentistry which carry very stringent entry requirements, to more accessible options such as therapeutic sciences or nutrition and dietetics. In general, keen problem-solving and communication skills are important, and A-level (or equivalent) subjects in life and applied sciences like biology and psychology can be an advantage. 

FIND OUT MORE: How to choose your A-level subjects

Health studies covers a huge range of courses, within a complex global field of healthcare. Developing an area of expertise within this field can lead you to advanced career roles, and the ability to become a specialist on a particular topic.  

• Epidemiology: Epidemiologists study patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions within populations. They investigate outbreaks, analyse data to identify risk factors, and develop strategies for disease prevention and control.  

• Health policy and management: This specialism involves researching and developing policies and programs to improve service delivery and health outcomes. Professionals in this field work in government agencies, healthcare organisations, and advocacy groups to shape the future of healthcare and manage their underlying systems effectively. 

• Environmental health: Specialists assess and mitigate environmental factors that affect human health. They study air and water quality, hazardous substances, and occupational health hazards to protect communities from environmental threats and promote a safe and healthy environment.  

• Global health: Focuses on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity on a global scale. Specialists work on international health initiatives, respond to global health crises, and collaborate with governments and organisations to improve the health of communities all around the world.  

• Biostatistics: Biostatisticians apply principles of data science to inform public health research, policy, and practice. They design studies, develop statistical models, and interpret data to understand disease patterns, evaluate interventions, and make evidence-based decisions. 

FIND OUT MORE: View all courses

• Epidemiology 

• Health promotion and education 

• Environmental health 

• Biostatistics 

• Maternal and child health 

• Health policy and management 

• Global health 

• Infectious disease control 

• Chronic disease prevention 

• Occupational health and safety 

You can expect to develop a range of subject-specific skills essential for working in the healthcare sector. You’ll learn clinical skills such as patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, and medication administration to provide direct patient care.  

Additionally, students gain proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, enabling them to understand and communicate effectively about healthcare issues. They learn about healthcare laws and regulations, patient confidentiality, and ethical standards to ensure compliance and uphold patient rights. 

Students also develop skills in administration, including resource allocation, financial planning, and information systems management, to support the efficient operation of healthcare organisations. You’ll also acquire more general skills in teamwork, collaboration, and cultural competence to work effectively in diverse workplace environments and provide patient-centred care that meets the needs of individuals and communities. 

Transferable skill you’ll learn: 

• Teamwork 

• Data presentation 

• Problem solving 

• Legal literacy 

• Advanced communication  

In the UK, professional accreditation can be gained through a large number of regulatory bodies and professional healthcare organisation. Some examples include: 

• General Medical Council (GMC) 

• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 

• General Dental Council (GDC) 

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) 

• Royal College of Physicians (RCP) 

• Royal College of Nursing (RCN) 

These are just a few of many examples. Since healthcare is a field with particularly high consequences, it requires an advanced system of regulation to ensure the safest working environments and the highest standards of care. 

If you are interested in a career in healthcare, then you might consider looking into one of its parallel pathways. There are many ways to have an impact, and this can be through data, policymaking, or caregiving. Some of the alternative options which include strong similarities include: 

• Sports coaching 

• Veterinary science  

• Data modelling 

• Biochemistry 

• Supply chain management 

With a healthcare degree, you can pursue a huge range of careers in public and private health organisations, as well as research institutions and educational settings. You could work directly with patients as a nurse, physician, pharmacist, or allied health professional, or alternatively take on roles in healthcare administration, informatics, or policymaking. A healthcare degree equips you with the skills to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and contribute to improving global well-being. Career options include: 

• Registered nurse  

• Physician  

• Medical researcher 

• Pharmacist 

• Physical therapist  

• Occupational therapist 

• Health educator 

• Health services administrator 

• Public health specialist 

• Medical social worker 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in health or a related subject. 

FIND OUT MORE: Career guides