Health promotion specialist

You could do a degree in a subject like:

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

Other subjects like psychology, social sciences and education may also be accepted by employers.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to do a public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.

You may find opportunities in office based, community, or healthcare roles. You could be working for different types of organisations like the NHS, local authorities or charities.

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
• guide to apprenticeships

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.

You could contact the health promotion unit or voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

You can apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in an area like medicine, nursing, teaching or social work. Experience of working with communities would also be useful.

Career tips

There are lots of voluntary and charitable organisations who work on health issues, and there are often job opportunities in the area of health promotion.

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

Further information

You can find more on careers in health promotion through Health Careers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• administration skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• promote healthy eating and regular exercise
• advise of the dangers of smoking or excessive drinking
• give information about the risk of coronary heart disease and cancers
• raise awareness of mental health, sexual health, and drug misuse

You may also:

• do research
• produce publicity materials
• organise exhibitions and events
• run training courses and workshops
• provide information and advice to managers in health authorities and local councils

You could work in an office.