Course Summary
The BSc (Hons) Applied Health Science at Portobello Institute is a three-year undergraduate honours degree designed for students who want to build a strong foundation in health science and progress towards careers in the allied health professions.
The programme provides a structured pathway into postgraduate pre-registration master’s programmes in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or dietetics.
When combined with one of these two-year master’s programmes, the degree offers a five-year route from undergraduate study to professional qualification, subject to programme accreditation and regulatory requirements.
Over three years, students study core areas of applied health science, including human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, psychology, human development, public health, professional practice, ethics, communication, interdisciplinary working, research, and evidence-based practice.
Applied learning, practical workshops, clinical scenarios, and placement experience help students connect academic study with real-world healthcare practice.
- Awarding body: University of Essex
- Qualification outcome: BSc (Hons) Applied Health Science, equivalent to NFQ level 8
- Key progression note: Graduates can progress directly into postgraduate study in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or dietetics, leading to eligibility to apply for professional registration and practise.
Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Peter Doyle to discuss study options.
Fees, payment plan, and funding information is available.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Note: It may also be possible to do an Erasmus+ Programme allowing you to study abroad for a
period of at least 2 months to 12 months. This study can be through English or through your
language of choice � please check with your course coordinator to see if this is possible
for this course.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
PLC Progression Links
The Student
Who Is This Programme For?
This degree is suited to investigative and social learners who are interested in health science, human biology, healthcare systems, and improving patient outcomes.
The programme is ideal for individuals who enjoy understanding how the body works, exploring health and disease, and learning how healthcare professionals support individuals and communities. Students who are curious, motivated, compassionate, and interested in future healthcare careers will be well placed to thrive.
The course is particularly suited to students seeking a clear academic route into allied health professions, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or dietetics.
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
What Career Pathways Are Available?
The BSc (Hons) Applied Health Science prepares students for further postgraduate study in allied health and provides a broad foundation for roles across the health, wellbeing, research, policy, and service sectors.
Graduates are well positioned for postgraduate progression routes, such as Portobello Institute programmes:
- MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)
- MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration)
- MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration)
- MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration)
For students who choose not to pursue postgraduate clinical training, the degree also supports wider health and wellbeing career options.
Graduates may be suited to roles such as:
- Health promotion officer
- Public health officer
- Community health worker
- Clinical research assistant
- Health research assistant
- Health policy or advocacy officer
- Healthcare management or administration officer
- Wellbeing, lifestyle, or health programme coordinator
- Roles within NGOs, charities, and voluntary health organisations
As part of the programme, students complete placement modules in Year 2 and Year 3 and gain experience in real-world healthcare-related environments. Typical placement settings may include hospitals, primary care and community health services, GP practices, nursing homes, residential care facilities, hospices, and specialist care services.
Professional Eligibility
This undergraduate degree does not qualify graduates to practise as regulated allied health professionals on its own. Instead, it provides the academic foundation for progression to postgraduate pre-registration master’s programmes. Graduates who complete an approved pre-registration MSc may then apply for professional registration with regulators HCPC and CORU.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
