Environmental health is a graduate profession, so all would-be EHPs must first obtain a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. This is combined with work-based learning, plus professional exams after graduation before you’re a fully qualified EHP.
School or College leavers looking to enrol on an accredited BSc degree course should be thinking in terms of achieving a minimum of 160 UCAS points with science at AS/A2 level, or 200 UCAS points without science. Alternatively, entry can be gained through an appropriate GNVQ, BTEC or Foundation Degree qualification.
For more mature aspirants, including career-changers, there are flexible alternatives into BSc degrees, including one-year science access or Foundation Degrees. Graduates who already have a BSc in another field may be able to go straight onto a postgraduate MSc course and qualify that way.
The key thing to remember is that your degree course must be CIEH-accredited. More and more universities are in discussions with the CIEH about running accredited courses, so the choice is growing all the time. For anyone wanting to become a professionally qualified EHP, whether you are a school leaver, graduate or career changer, the gateway to qualification is a CIEH accredited degree.
Most universities offer the option of studying part time, and for MSc degrees there are distance learning opportunities.
The curriculum of BSc and MSc courses offers in-depth studies of food safety, occupational health, environmental protection, public health and housing. Other studies put science in a social, economic and legal context.
Although they may vary slightly, all graduate and post-graduate accredited courses essentially cover the same ground. Obviously the syllabus will give you in-depth understanding of all the five key areas of environmental health — food safety, housing, environmental protection, occupational health and public health.
Just as important, though, is the emphasis placed on developing your skills in general management, communication, negotiating, analysis and evaluation. You’ll learn how we intervene, how we educate and how we go about ensuring legal compliance.
There is a lot to learn, but the studies are never dull. There’s an interesting mix of laboratory work, case studies, visits and group projects.
With your degree and work-based learning under your belt, you’re close to a professional qualification which is recognised and respected throughout Europe and the rest of the world.