Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health

The BSc in Environmental Health at NIU is a dynamic, interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the expertise to assess, manage, and mitigate environmental risks affecting public health. The curriculum integrates core scientific principles, policy frameworks, and practical applications, ensuring graduates possess a well-rounded understanding of environmental hazards, disease prevention, food safety, occupational health, waste management, and sustainable solutions.

Students engage in rigorous coursework covering microbiology, toxicology, environmental epidemiology, air and water quality assessment, and regulatory compliance. Practical components include field research, laboratory work, and case-based analyses, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The program also emphasizes disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and ethical considerations in environmental health management.

Aligned with Uganda’s Higher Education Qualifications Framework (UHEQF), the BSc EH fosters professionals who can drive policy, research, and community-based interventions to safeguard health and well-being. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, research institutions, environmental consultancy, public health advocacy, and private sector enterprises. Through its integrative approach, NIU’s BSc in Environmental Health empowers students to shape sustainable, health-focused solutions for communities, ensuring safer environments for future generations.

1. At the end of this programme, graduates will be able to:

   1. Environmental Health Risk Analysis: Graduates will assess and mitigate environmental hazards affecting public health using scientific methodologies and regulatory frameworks.
   2. Disease Prevention & Public Health Strategies: Students will develop evidence-based approaches to sanitation, occupational health, food safety, and water quality to enhance community well-being.
   3. Policy & Compliance Expertise: Learners will demonstrate proficiency in national and international environmental health regulations, ensuring ethical and legal adherence in professional practice.
   4. Applied Research & Data Interpretation: Graduates will conduct environmental health research, analyze epidemiological data, and apply findings to innovative solutions addressing public health challenges.
   5. Sustainability & Intervention Implementation: Students will design and implement sustainable environmental health interventions, integrating technology and global best practices to promote long-term safety and well-being.

Direct Entry

To meet the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) entry requirements, applicants must:

1. Have a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least six credits, including English and Mathematics.
2. Possess a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with two Principal Passes in Biology, Mathematics, or Chemistry obtained in one sitting (or recognized equivalents from UNEB).
3. Foreign applicants should have completed secondary education, earning at least five subjects with a minimum grade of C and proof of English proficiency if prior studies weren’t in English.

These criteria ensure readiness for university or diploma programs.

Diploma Entry

Candidates seeking admission through the Diploma holder’s Scheme must:
1. Have passed Mathematics and English with at least a credit in the Uganda Certificate of Education or its equivalent
2. Have done a combination involving Economics, Entrepreneurship, Geography, Agriculture, Mathematics at UACE and passed at least one of the subjects at Principle level

3. Have obtained a diploma or its equivalent qualification (at credit/distinction level) in the relevant field from a recognized higher institution of learning.

Mature Entry

The applicant must have passed Mature Age Entry Examinations (with at least 50%) of any institution dully authorized by the NCHE to issue such examination. For purposes of admission the Mature Age Entrance Certificate shall be valid for no more than two years. Eligibility for Admissions in Advanced Standing. This programme shall take on students who apply to be admitted in Advanced Standing. Those deemed to be eligible for admission in Advanced Standing shall possess the following:

1. One full academic year of studies in health or a related discipline with an official academic testimonial or transcript that shows a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.4/4 or its equivalence from a dully authorized programme and legally recognized tertiary institution.

2. Diploma of no less than two (2) full academic years of study or Higher National Diploma of no less than four (4) full academic years of study or National Certificate in Education or its equivalent qualification of no less than three full academic years of study in the discipline of health or related subject from a legally recognised tertiary institution with;

i. Evidence of one-year work experience in the business sector;

ii. An English Language Proficiency attestation (for those who did not study in English); and

iii. An Attestation or evidence of proficiency in use of Computer and Internet.

Tuition $250 (Ugx 925,000) per term

On campus $165 (Ugx 600,000) per semester

Diploma holder in any Science course Two Years

Direct Entry: Three years