You could do a degree in a subject like:

• health promotion
• public health policy
• behavioural science
• health studies

You might be able to do a subject like psychology, social sciences or education.

You could also start by doing a foundation degree in health and social care.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care to get some of the skills and knowledge you'll need in this job. 

If you're 19 or over, you could do an Access to HE Diploma as a way to get into university. 

You could do Access to Health and Human Science or Access to Health Science.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

You could do a Public Health Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start as a health promotion assistant or an NHS 111 health advisor and complete training to work your way up.

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary work experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.

You could apply directly to health promotion specialist roles.

You'll usually need a qualification and experience in medicine, nursing, teaching or social work.

It might also help to have experience of working with communities.

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to enjoy working with other people
• sensitivity and understanding
• administration skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You might need a driving licence for some jobs.

As a health promotion specialist you could:

• promote healthy eating and regular exercise
• give advice on the dangers of smoking or drinking too much
• give information about the risk of coronary heart disease and cancers
• raise awareness of mental health, sexual health and drug misuse
• do research, make publicity materials, run training courses and organise events
• give information and advice to managers in health authorities and local councils

You could work at a health centre or in an office.