EU/International induction: September 2019
Usually 2 years part-time
Part-time
£13,000 (INT) *
Overview
The CertHE Environmental Health will give you an in-depth understanding of the policies and scientific principles of different forms of environmental health intervention. Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress to our BSc Environmental Health.
Why study CertHE Environmental Health at Middlesex University?
Our one-year course is designed to provide specialist education and training for students wishing to gain qualifications in environmental health, who may already be working in the profession. Through your studies you will explore the relationship between professional, domestic and leisure environments and how they impact on the health and well being of individuals and societies. You will also develop an understanding of environmental health law and its application within the UK and Europe and internationally.
This certificate is equivalent to the first year of the BSc Environmental Health. After successfully completing the course you will be able to continue your studies on one of these degrees, which can lead to a career as a fully accredited environmental or public health practitioner.
Course highlights
- We are the largest and foremost provide of environmental health courses in the UK
- We offer specialist teaching and learning spaces for environmental health, including a food inspection laboratory and a Grade 2 microbiology laboratory
- As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.
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Course content
What will you study on the CertHE Environmental Health ?
This course will give you a thorough understanding of environmental health issues and you will develop skills and knowledge that will underpin your future studies in environmental health sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on building a knowledge base in environmental health and food chemistry using examples from practice and field-based experience.
You will explore areas such as human anatomy, the nature of micro-organisms, the cycle of disease transmission and risk assessment. You will also be encouraged to develop a comprehensive appreciation of environmental health law and its application to the UK, European and international arena.
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Core modules
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Environmental Health Science (30 credits) - Compulsory
This module will introduce the fundamental scientific concepts underpinning the assessment of chemicals, physical agents and micro-organisms in the context of pollution and occupational safety and health. You will acquire skills in scientific information gathering, experimentation, data analysis and presentation. You will develop your knowledge on chemistry, physics and microbiology which will form the basis of further studies in specialist modules in Environmental Health.
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Physiology and Anatomy (15 credits) - Compulsory
This module will provide you with the knowledge of the human anatomy and its hierarchical organisation from cell to organ system. An understanding of how the main body systems and mechanisms involved maintaining a "state of health" will be developed along with an introduction to how these systems can malfunction. Grounding in practical anatomy will be provided which includes hands-on practical work in identification and recognition of the main anatomical features of organs and structures of the body.
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Food Animals and Vectors of Disease (15 credits) – Compulsory
This module will provide an understanding of disease transmission and vectors of disease, emphasising the importance of zoonotic diseases in environmental and public health. You will develop your knowledge of comparative anatomy and physiology of the food animals with hands-on practical work to enable identification, differentiation and fitness of food items of animal origin. You will explore strategies which ensure the safety and quality control in relation to inspection, zoonotic disease transmission and fitness. In addition, you will gain practical skills in the identification of the main arthropod and vertebrate pests, their diversity, role as biological and mechanical vectors of disease and their socioeconomic impact. You will also look at strategies for control such as integrated pest management principles.
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Principles of Health Stressors (30 credits) - Compulsory
This module will develop your understanding in the concepts of health and ill-health and factors which influence and contribute to an individual’s state of health. You will examine how physical, chemical, biological, social and psycho-stressors impact on human health and the environment. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of illness and well-being through examining toxicology, aetiology, epidemiology and demography. You will explore the relationship between food, lifestyle, health and disease, and develop an appreciation of the importance of these in the prevention of disease and facilitating health improvement.
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Introduction to Law and Environmental Health (30 credits) - Compulsory
This module aims to develop your administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress. You will also develop an appreciation of governance and the legal systems, including legal doctrines applicable to criminal, evidence and civil law. The professional practice element focuses upon the assessment of risk upon which further risk management skills can be developed. You will gain understanding of the principles and breadth of environmental health professional practice.
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You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
How is the CertHE Environmental Health taught?
You will learn the facts at lectures, and develop your understanding at workshops, seminars and practical classes, including laboratory sessions. You will work on group projects, case study analyses and laboratory experiments, and will develop a portfolio of work. You will be encouraged to discuss and challenge your knowledge at seminars, and to further your study through reading.
Assessment
You will be assessed through written and oral exams and tests, as well as essays, laboratory reports, other written assignments and presentations.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Careers
How can the CertHE Environmental Health support your career?
From this course you can progress to an undergraduate degree in Environmental Health or Environmental and Public Health, which will enable you to gain the qualifications to become an Environmental Health Practitioner (after meeting the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) professional requirements). To meet this standard you will complete an Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP), take a set of professional exams and undertake an interview.
The career options include:
- Environmental and Public Health Practitioner in the public and private sector
- Working for government agencies such as DCLG, DfID, DOH, HPA
- Working within a private consultancy
- Working within non-governmental organisations, including World Bank, aid agencies, and children's welfare groups.
Campus life
Student profiles
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