The programme atÊÊeducates and supports anyone pursuing public or private sector careers that promote and protect human health and welfare. Employability is excellent, thanks to strong links with and direct teaching input from employers across the South West.

Direct routes to employment or career enhancement

The majority of our students go straight into related employment. With many securing positions before graduation, with employers such as national food and health, safety and environment organisations and consultancies, national retailers and the leisure/holiday sector, as well as local councils, or overseas with a growing international focus on environmental health issues. This is reflected in our increasing number of international applicants.

Careers / Further study

There are more than 8,000 qualified Environmental Health Officers/Practitioners (EHOs/EHPs) in the UK and the employment opportunities are expanding. They are employed by both local government and industry, especially in food manufacturing, retail and the leisure sector.Ê Demand for EHPs in the public health sector is also rising as are the number of opportunities for Environmental Consultants. EHPs are also employed by theÊFood Standards Agency,ÊPublic Health EnglandÊand theÊEnvironment Agency.

You will need to develop scientific and technological knowledge - as well as collaboration skills for working closely with other professionals and communities.

You may spend time inspecting premises and processes, giving technical advice and dealing with complaints. Practitioners also work to prevent future environmental problems with health protection and promotion programmes, and through involvement in the planning process. EHPs may also get involved in the legal side of things - for example, instigating enforcement procedures and appearing at judicial hearings.