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Bachelor of Science in Public Health

JS4537

APHEA Bachelor23.png

This is a four-year full-time credit-based honours programme leading to a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree awarded by the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Subject to previous qualifications obtained, students may be considered for admission with Advanced Standing.​

The JC School of Public Health and Primary Care of the Faculty of Medicine launched the first public health undergraduate programme in Hong Kong, Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSc in Public Health), in 2009.

 

This programme is designed to provide a broad understanding of public health issues as a concrete foundation for pursuing a wide range of careers within the health sector, as well as in the corporate sector, legal profession and such.  In addition to learning the basic precepts of population sciences, the legal and ethical framework of public health and the field of primary care, students will be able to specialize in their chosen area of studies under the three domains of public health: 1) health protection, 2) health improvement and 3) health services. Upon completion, graduates are expected to be conversant with the basic principles of public health such as health services management, infectious disease control, food safety, health education and promotion, and occupational and environmental health. Additionally, graduates are expected to be able to apply their substantive knowledge of these areas to practical, real-life settings.

All secondary and sub-degree students from Hong Kong, Mainland China and oversea countries are welcome to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (JS4537) programme.

Programme Accreditation 

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health has been accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) in 2023.

 

APHEA is an accreditation body stemmed from a collaboration between the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its accreditation/validation is globally recognized and multiple public health institutions and programmes around the world have been APHEA accredited/validated.

Official Webpage of APHEA: 

https://www.aphea.be/Pages/A2.CURRICULA/Validated_Programmes.html

Programme Structure

Curriculum 

Our programme provides students who have an interest in public health with passion and valuable insight into population health issues. Concepts students can expect to grasp in term of knowledge, skill and value aspects in the following areas: social determinants of health, environmental impact on health, healthy lifestyles, public health law and ethics, biostatistics and epidemiology fundamentals, emergency preparedness and disaster response, infectious diseases, and health services reform.

 

Study Pattern

Students are required to complete at least 123 units of courses to fulfill graduation requirement. Here is the the suggested study pattern for the major programme requirement courses throughout the four years normative study period: 

  • Course Offerings
  • Course List of BSc in Public Health for AY2022-23
  • Course List of BSc in Public Health for AY2023-24
  • Course List of BSc in Gerontology for AY2022-23
  • Course List of BSc in Community Health Practice for AY2022-23
  • Non-JUPAS Year One applicants
    Minimum Requirements: https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/non-jupas-yr-1/requirements.html Important Dates for the 2024 Admissions Exercise: https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/non-jupas-yr-1/important_dates.html Interview Arrangement: Selected applicants will be interviewed individually between November 2023 and August 2024.​
  • Enquiry
    Should you need any further information regarding admission to Bachelor of Science in Public Health, please contact (852) 2252 8421 (Tel) or email: sphpc_ug@cuhk.edu.hk
  • Scholarship and Financial Aid
    Our School and University offer a number of awards and scholarships to recognize students with outstanding performance and encourage students to participate in diverse learning activities. A partial list of awards and scholarships offered by JCSPHPC to our undergraduate students in the academic year 2023-24: ​ In recognition of outstanding academic or research achievement Janette Heung Memorial Foundation Scholarship Kiang Ping Fai Scholarship Pearl Island Lions Club Public Health Scholarship South China Venture Capital Outstanding Practicum Poster Prize To Teuk Ki Public Health Research Project Outstanding Award To encourage overseas exchange South China Venture Capital Overseas Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Academic Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Overseas Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Study Tour Subsidy Scheme
  • JUPAS applicants
    Points to Note The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) admits local students with Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination results via the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS). Minimum Requirements: Level 3 in Chinese Language and English Language; and Level 2 in Mathematics (Compulsory Part) ; and Attained in CITIZENSHIP AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Level 3 in any two electives*. *NOTE: The two subjects may include: (i) 2 elective subjects; or (ii)1 elective subject and Mathematics (Extended Part) Module I or Module II. Interview Arrangement: No admission interviews will be arranged for JUPAS applicants this year. Important Dates for the 2023 Admissions Exercise: http://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/jupas/important_dates.html Latest JUPAS Admission Information: https://www.jupas.edu.hk/en/programme/cuhk/JS4537/
  • Download Programme Brochure
  • International applicants
    The “International Students Admissions Scheme” is for non-local applicants who: require a student visa/entry permit to study in Hong Kong; or are holders of a visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG); or are holders of a dependant visa/entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/entry permit by the Director of Immigration. Since overseas' examinations and qualifications are many and varied, for information regarding the general requirements and language requirements for admission, please visit the website of CUHK Undergraduate Admissions at: https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/international/requirements.html Interview Arrangement: Selected applicants will be interviewed individually between November 2023 and August 2024.​
  • Mainland Gaokao applicants
    Bachelor of Science in Public Health has no programme-specific requirement for Mainland Gaokao applicants. Information regarding admission requirements for Mainland Gaokao applicants can be found on the Office of Admission and Financial Aids website at: https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/sc/mainland/requirements.html Interview Arrangement: Selected applicants will be interviewed individually between November 2023 and August 2024.​
  • Enquiry
    Should you need any further information regarding admission to Bachelor of Science in Community Health Practice, please contact (852) 2252 8421 (Tel) or email: sphpc_ug@cuhk.edu.hk
  • Scholarship and Financial Aid
    Our School and University offer a number of awards and scholarships to recognize students with outstanding performance and encourage students to participate in diverse learning activities. A partial list of awards and scholarships offered by JCSPHPC to our undergraduate students in the academic year 2023-24:​ ​ Outstanding Practicum Poster Prize South China Venture Capital Overseas Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Academic Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Overseas Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Study Tour Subsidy Scheme
  • Non-JUPAS Senior Year Applicants
    Minimum Requirements: Local students with Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications will be considered Non-JUPAS applicants and can apply for senior-year admission. Applicants shall be eligible to apply for admission if they: have successfully completed a local course of study leading to the qualification of associate degree / higher diploma, and have attained an acceptable level of proficiency in English and Chinese languages*. Interview Arrangement: Selected applicants will be interviewed individually between November 2022 and August 2023.​ Remarks: Applicants with overseas associate degree/ higher diploma qualifications should apply for admission via the Non-JUPAS (Local) Admissions Scheme. Senior-year places are not for inter-institutional transfer of UGC-funded undergraduate students. Regarding the details of the language requirements, please visit CUHK Undergraduate Admissions website at: https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/non-jupas-senior/requirements.html
  • Download Programme Brochure
  • Non-JUPAS Senior Year Applicants
    Minimum Requirements: Local students with Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications will be considered Non-JUPAS applicants and can apply for senior-year admission. Applicants shall be eligible to apply for admission if they: have successfully completed a local course of study leading to the qualification of associate degree / higher diploma, and have attained an acceptable level of proficiency in English and Chinese languages. Interview Arrangement: Selected applicants will be interviewed individually between November 2022 and August 2023.​ Remarks: Applicants with overseas associate degree/ higher diploma qualifications should apply for admission via the Non-JUPAS (Local) Admissions Scheme. Senior-year places are not for inter-institutional transfer of UGC-funded undergraduate students. Regarding the details of the language requirements, please visit CUHK Undergraduate Admissions website at: https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/non-jupas-senior/requirements.html
  • Scholarship and Financial Aid
    Our School and University offer a number of awards and scholarships to recognize students with outstanding performance and encourage students to participate in diverse learning activities. A partial list of awards and scholarships offered by JCSPHPC to our undergraduate students in academic year 2023-24:​ ​ South China Venture Capital Overseas Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Academic Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Overseas Exchange Scholarship Pure Heart Study Tour Subsidy Scheme
  • Download Programme Brochure
  • Enquiry
    Should you need any further information regarding admission to Bachelor of Science in Gerontology, please contact (852) 2252 8421 (Tel) or email: sphpc_ug@cuhk.edu.hk
  • Declaration of Minor in Public Health
    Regarding the declaration of minor in public health, please visit the website of Registration and Examinations Section, CUHK for more details: http://www.res.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/undergraduate-students/information-for-current-year-2-or-above-students
  • Download the Study Scheme
  • Enquiry
    Should you need any further information regarding minor in public health, please contact (852) 2252 8427 (Tel) or email: sphpc_ug@cuhk.edu.hk
  • Eligibility for Minor in Public Health
    All current CUHK students are welcome to declare Minor Programme in Public Health. However, this minor programme does not applicable to students majoring in Community Health Practice, Gerontology, and Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management.
  • Minor Programme Requirement
    Students are required to complete a minimum of 18 units of courses as follows: Required Courses (6 units): PHPC1001 Foundations in Public Health (2) PHPC1017 Principles of Infectious Diseases (1) PHPC2017 Epidemiology (3) Elective Courses (12 units): 12 units of courses chosen from the following, with at least 6 units of courses at 3000 or above level: PHPC1022 Lifestyle and Health (2) PHPC2009 Environment and Work (3) PHPC2010 Health Care System & Policy (3) PHPC2011 Global Health (3) PHPC2015 Biostatistis (3) PHPC2016 Theories and Concepts of Health Behaviours (3) PHPC2020 Inter-disciplinary Approach of Integrated Medical and Social Care Service in Community (3) PHPC3012 Public Health Ethics and Law (1) PHPC3014 Evidence-Based Public Health and Healthcare (3) PHPC3016 Environment and Health (3) PHPC3017 Work and Health (3) PHPC3024 Economics and Financing in Healthcare Systems (3) PHPC3028 Practical Data Collection, Management and Analysis (3) PHPC4028 Health Care Quality (3) PHPC4029 Healthcare Organisation and Management (3) PHPC4031 Gender and Age-Related Healthcare (3)
  • Overview
    This programme provides a basic understanding of current public health issues and is targeted towards students from all disciplines. Core public health skills such as foundations in public health, epidemiology, infectious disease, health and social behaviour and introduction to health system will be discussed.
  • Enquiry
    Should you have any questions regarding the mentorship programme, please contact our staff at Tel: 2252 8426 / Email: sphpc_ug@cuhk.edu.hk
  • Matching Mechanism for Mentors and Mentees
  • How to Apply?
    Mentor's Application: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13694598 Mentee's Application: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13694600 Application Deadline: 20 Sep 2024
  • What is Mentorship Programme?
    The Mentorship Programme is one of the key student affairs programmes for students to facilitate students’ educational, social and personal growth. It aims to develop students as future leaders of society in the wider environment of public health and establish a long-term relationship between the teachers, the alumni, the professionals in relevant fields, the School and the students. An opening mixer is organized annually by the school to bring mentors, mentees, and teachers together, as well as encourage self-planned meetings between mentors and mentees.
  • Who are the Mentors?
    Mentors Alumni of JCSPHPC serve as mentors for mentees and offer guidance on career development. Senior Mentors Senior mentors are mentors with at least five years of experience in public health-related fields.
  • Who are the Mentees?
    All JC School of Public Health and Primary Care undergraduate students are eligible to be mentees in this programme. The program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, get career planning advice, and establish a network for the future.

Experiential Learning

Induction Programme

Students will participate in site visits covering government, private, and non-governmental organisations to explore the students’ perspective on professional public health practices.

 

Research Project and Practicum

Students are requested to complete 100 hours of field work and a research project based on the chosen field of interest with the guidance of a supervisor. It is an essential experience which develops student’s understanding, analytical and researching skills as well as critical thinking in a particular subject.

Student Support

Year Coordinator system 

To maintain continuous rapport with students throughout their 4-year studies. A Year Coordinator will take care of all students in the same year of study, and provide extra support or refer students to external services and regular Teacher-and-Student gatherings will be organized.

Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS)

PASS is a program where students work together to consolidate understanding, reinforce key concepts and develop effective study strategies. Each session is facilitated by PASS Leaders; students who have excelled in the course in the past.

Mentorship Programme

In order to enhance the career prospect of  undergraduate programmes students of JCSPHPC and nurture the local community of caring public health talents, Mentors (alumni) will offer guidance to mentees (current students) on career planning and development as well as broadening their horizons. 

Year Coordinators in 2023

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Our School and University offer a number of awards and scholarships to recognize students with outstanding performance and encourage students to participate in diverse learning activities. A partial list of awards and scholarships offered by JCSPHPC to our undergraduate students in the academic year 2023-24:

In recognition of outstanding academic or research achievement

  • Janette Heung Memorial Foundation Scholarship

  • Kiang Ping Fai Scholarship

  • Pearl Island Lions Club Public Health Scholarship

  • South China Venture Capital Outstanding Practicum Poster Prize

  • To Teuk Ki Public Health Research Project Outstanding Award

 

To encourage overseas exchange

  • South China Venture Capital Overseas Exchange Scholarship

  • Pure Heart Academic Exchange Scholarship

  • Pure Heart Overseas Exchange Scholarship

  • Pure Heart Study Tour Subsidy Scheme

Articulation Programme

Master of Public Health Offered by CUHK

 

Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Public Health are eligible to have credit exemption: 

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