Environmental health practitioner : Entry requirements

To become a qualified environmental health practitioner (EHP), an honours degree (BSc) or postgraduate degree (MSc) in environmental health accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)  in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) in Scotland, is essential.

Accredited courses are available to study full time, part time or in integrated/sandwich formats. Study is combined with work-based learning plus professional assessments after graduating, before becoming a fully qualified EHP.

Graduates who have at least a second class honours degree in another subject, or who have equivalent qualifications and experience, may be able to enter an accredited postgraduate MSc course. Candidates are usually expected to hold a degree in a science-based discipline or a subject closely related to environmental health.

Graduates from accredited foundation degree programmes may be able to top up to an accredited BSc degree.

For a list of accredited foundation, BSc and MSc courses see the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)  website.

For those without a degree, it is possible to work as an environmental health technician whilst studying part time for a degree in environmental health.

Pre-entry work experience is useful as it can provide an insight into the profession, as well as helping to secure training placement opportunities. Local authorities may offer short periods of work experience. It may be possible to work shadow an experienced practitioner to find out more about the profession.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
• confidence in dealing with the public;
• report-writing skills;
• a strong scientific ability and technical understanding;
• assertiveness and diplomacy skills, being sensitive to other people's views;
• the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure;
• good decision-making skills;
• the ability to work independently and as a member of a team;
• a methodical, careful approach to gathering facts and assessing evidence;
• time management and organisational skills, as well as the ability to manage your own workload;
• self-motivation;
• a flexible approach to work;
• IT skills.

A full UK driving licence is required for most positions.

Competition for course places may be high so it is advisable to apply early. In some instances, relevant work experience is a prerequisite. Training placements are embedded within courses but students may need to find their own placement, which may be easier to access if you have already made contact with a relevant organisation. Training placements are offered by a wide range of organisations, including local authorities, private sector companies, central government departments and the National Health Service.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.