Jack had a childhood love of science which led to his undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences. He initially planned to become a doctor, but he chose to continue his studies in Public Health so he could help improve systems through policy.
I want to know why things go wrong and what we can change to improve things. The Public Health programme allowed me to work within the healthcare sector, but this way I’d be able to improve the lives of thousands of people through policy instead of in a clinical setting.
The course has core modules surrounded by flexible opportunities so you can pursue areas that interest you. The tutors are always available for support, and we have regular seminars on everything to do with careers. This covers how to write a CV, prepare for interviews and how to search for jobs.
I think the course has perfectly balanced all aspects of an enormous topic. It’s not all reading theory for a year, it has a practical element as well. We research a topic ourselves, relevant to a societal issue, and write a report that could be sent to a regional body or local government.
I always feel supported, and the range of external lectures we have is amazing. It provides such an amazing insight into what we can aim towards in our careers while providing context for our seminars. It’s fascinating to see the potential career paths in public health.
For me, influencing policy means being able to translate data and evidence into real world actions to help better the wellbeing of everyone. What really stood out during the course is the importance of listening to the communities affected by these decisions and not just the data.
It’s not just about making changes on paper, but about ensuring those changes are fair, sustainable and shaped by the people they impact the most.
Developing skills to influence policy
I’m hoping to continue in to research, and I’m looking at ways to improve the wellbeing of the population and how to influence policy decisions.
The course has helped me develop critical thinking skills to evaluate evidence, and work with data to understand the wider determinants of health. These are essential for roles across the healthcare sector including the NHS, supporting local public health teams or the third sector.
Having completed my undergraduate degree at Southampton, I already knew that the University offered a supportive environment. The support included feedback from lecturers and having a tutor who would check in and see how I was doing on a personal level.
I trusted that I would receive an education from academics and professionals on a range of topics they are deeply passionate about.
Jack, Public Health (MPH)
I’ve really valued the interdisciplinary nature of this course. I’ve developed a solid foundation in both the analytical and practical sides of public health and policy making. It’s nice knowing I’ve been given the skills to make a difference to not just my generation but the generations after me as well.
