Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSc in Public Health) is a four-year full-time credit-based honours programme leading to a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree awarded by the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This programme is designed to provide a broad understanding of public health issues as a concrete foundation for pursuing a wide range of careers within the health sector, as well as in the corporate sector, legal profession, and more.

Programme Overview

The JC School of Public Health and Primary Care of the Faculty of Medicine launched the first public health undergraduate programme in Hong Kong, Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSc in Public Health), in 2009. The programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of public health principles, including health services management, infectious disease control, food safety, health education, and promotion, as well as occupational and environmental health.

Programme Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health has been accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) in 2023. APHEA is an accreditation body stemming from a collaboration between the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with its accreditation/validation being globally recognized.

Programme Structure

The programme provides students with an interest in public health with passion and valuable insight into population health issues. Concepts students can expect to grasp include:

• Social determinants of health
• Environmental impact on health
• Healthy lifestyles
• Public health law and ethics
• Biostatistics and epidemiology fundamentals
• Emergency preparedness and disaster response
• Infectious diseases
• Health services reform

Study Pattern

Students are required to complete at least 123 units of courses to fulfill graduation requirements. The suggested study pattern for major programme requirement courses throughout the four-year normative study period is provided.

Experiential Learning

Induction Programme

Students participate in site visits covering government, private, and non-governmental organisations to explore professional public health practices.

Research Project and Practicum

Students complete 100 hours of field work and a research project based on their chosen field of interest with the guidance of a supervisor. This experience develops students' understanding, analytical, and researching skills, as well as critical thinking in a particular subject.

Student Support

Year Coordinator System

A Year Coordinator takes care of all students in the same year of study, providing extra support or referring students to external services. Regular Teacher-and-Student gatherings are organized.

Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS)

PASS is a program where students work together to consolidate understanding, reinforce key concepts, and develop effective study strategies. Each session is facilitated by PASS Leaders; students who have excelled in the course in the past.

Mentorship Programme

Mentors (alumni) offer guidance to mentees (current students) on career planning and development, as well as broadening their horizons.

Year Coordinators

• Dr. Tony Ka-chun YUNG: Deputy Programme Director, 1st & 2nd Year Coordinator
• Prof. Eliza Lai-yi WONG: Programme Director, 3rd Year Coordinator
• Prof. Kin-fai HO: Head of Graduate Committee, 4th Year Coordinator

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The School and University offer a number of awards and scholarships to recognize students with outstanding performance and encourage students to participate in diverse learning activities. A partial list of awards and scholarships includes:

• Janette Heung Memorial Foundation Admission Scholarship
• Janette Heung Memorial Foundation Scholarship
• Kiang Ping Fai Scholarship
• Pearl Island Lions Club Public Health Scholarship
• To Teuk Ki Public Health Research Project Outstanding Award
• South China Venture Capital Overseas Exchange Scholarship
• Pure Heart Academic Exchange Scholarship
• Pure Heart Overseas Exchange Scholarship
• Pure Heart Study Tour Subsidy Scheme

Articulation Programme

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health are eligible for credit exemption in the Master of Public Health programme offered by CUHK, with up to 12 units out of 36 units exempted within two years of graduation.