Health promotion specialist

You could do a degree in a subject like:

• health promotion
• public health policy
• behavioural science
• health studies

You might be able to do a subject like psychology, social sciences or education.

You could also start by doing a foundation degree in health and social care.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care to get some of the skills and knowledge you'll need in this job.

If you're 19 or over, you could do an Access to HE Diploma as a way to get into university.

You could do Access to Health and Human Science or Access to Health Science.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

More Information

• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could do a Public Health Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a health promotion assistant or an NHS 111 health advisor and complete training to work your way up.

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

You can also find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it .

You could apply directly to health promotion specialist roles.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in medicine, nursing, teaching or social work.

It might also help to have experience of working with communities.

Career Tips

You could work for different types of organisations like the NHS, local authorities or charities.

You can also find details of current health campaigns and initiatives through the Royal Society for Public Health.

Further Information

You can find out more on careers in health promotion as a public health practitioner through Health Careers .

As a health promotion specialist you could:

• promote healthy eating and regular exercise
• give advice on the dangers of smoking or drinking too much
• give information about the risk of coronary heart disease and cancers
• raise awareness of mental health, sexual health and drug misuse
• do research, make publicity materials, run training courses and organise events
• give information and advice to managers in health authorities and local councils

You could work at a health centre or in an office.