BSc Environmental Health with Professional Practice
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
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)
The University of the West of Scotland
Overview:
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public university with campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire, London, and Paisley. It is known for its commitment to widening participation and providing accessible education to all. UWS offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various academic disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWS offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student clubs, societies, and sports teams. Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including social events, cultural programs, and volunteering opportunities. The university also provides support services such as career guidance, academic advising, and mental health resources.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Widening Participation:
UWS is committed to making education accessible to all, regardless of background or prior experience.Career-Focused Programs:
The university offers programs designed to prepare students for specific careers and industries.Global Outlook:
UWS has a strong international focus, with students and staff from around the world.Research Excellence:
UWS is recognized for its high-quality research, particularly in areas such as health, social sciences, and engineering.Supportive Environment:
The university provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.Academic Programs:
UWS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six academic schools:
- School of Business and Enterprise
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
- School of Creative Industries
- School of Education
- School of Health and Life Sciences
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care
Other:
UWS is a registered Scottish charity and is recognized by the UK authorities as a "recognised body" with degree awarding powers. The university is committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and has been ranked 16th in the world for its impact on reducing inequalities.
Entry Requirements:
Scottish Applicants:
- Year 2 Entry:
- SQA Advanced Highers: BBC (120 UCAS Tariff points) including Biology plus SQA National 5 (Grade C, or above) / Intermediate 2 (Grade C, or above) / Standard Grade (Credit) in Chemistry
- A levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points) including Biology
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 30 points including HL Biology plus SL Chemistry
- SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Environmental Health based subject
- Applicants may be invited for interview.
RUK Applicants:
- Considered on an individual basis due to the professional practice element of the program.
International Applicants:
- Not accepted due to the professional practice element of the program.
General Notes:
- Entry requirements may vary depending on individual qualifications and experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English Language Requirements for most courses:
- For applicants whose first language is not English, the university requires a minimum English language proficiency level.
- The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
- Additional Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Social Work Degrees:
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, no sub-test less than 7.0
- Health & Midwifery Awards:
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, score of at least 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and no less than 6.5 in writing
- Biomedical Degrees:
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, no sub-test less than 6.5
- Alternative English Language Tests:
- TOEFL IBT
- CAE
- CPE
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English
- PTE Pearson Academic English
- West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE)
- Pre-sessional English Courses:
- The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL IBT, and WAEC for both home/EU and international students.
Additional Notes:
- Entry requirements are subject to change.
