Bachelor of Science in Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BScPH) is a four-year programme that prepares students to protect and improve the health of communities through disease prevention, health promotion and evidence-based decision making. The course begins with a six-month foundation in the core sciences – Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics – to build the analytical and scientific skills needed for Public Health. This is followed by training in the principles of General Public Health in the latter part of first year and the beginning of second year, where students are introduced to areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems and health promotion in line with international undergraduate public health standards.  In the later stages of the programme, students move into specialised areas of Public Health and research. They study Environmental Health, Occupational Health, Nutrition and Population Studies, and are required to undertake a six-month research project. This research component gives students an opportunity to apply key public health concepts to real-world problems, with a focus on common Public Health challenges in Zambia and the wider region, reflecting global best practice where fieldwork and research are central to public health training.  Graduates of the BScPH can pursue careers in government ministries and departments, local authorities, hospitals, NGOs, international organisations and research institutions. Typical roles include public or community health officer, health promotion or health education officer, programme officer or coordinator in disease control and health programmes, environmental or occupational health officer, monitoring and evaluation assistant, and research or data officer on health projects. The degree also provides a strong platform for postgraduate study in public health, epidemiology, health policy, global health and related health sciences. The course is licensed by the Health Professions Council of Zambia. All students entering this course must be indexed by the HPCZ and hold a training number. This will form the basis of their registration with this professional body upon completion of their training.