Sagar Singh

Master of Public Health

As soon as Sagar visited Birmingham, he knew that he wanted to continue his education at BCU. His time at BCU opened doors for his career in the Public Health sector and making a difference in his community. 

“After completing my bachelor’s degree in Pakistan and working for six years in my field, I decided I needed to strengthen my professional knowledge to grow further. In 2022, I had the chance to visit Birmingham, and that visit changed my outlook; I met inspiring senior leaders who had completed their PhDs at BCU. Their confidence, achievements, and deep knowledge motivated me, and I saw how BCU helped them reach their goals. That moment made my decision clear: I wanted to study at BCU to expand my skills, build expertise, and take my career to the next level.

Coming from a developing country like Pakistan and a middle-class family, I faced many challenges in pursuing higher education in the UK. Financial limitations and limited opportunities made the journey difficult, but I stayed focused on my goal and worked hard to overcome every obstacle. My determination helped me secure admission to the university. Once I began my studies, I received a lot of support from my personal tutor and university staff, which gave me confidence and helped me settle into my academic journey.

My time at BCU was unforgettable. I will always be grateful to BCU for not only shaping my personal and professional growth, but also giving me such a meaningful and inspiring learning experience. When I moved away from my parents, BCU quickly became my second home. The support from everyone, including the Students’ Union, my personal tutor, my Head of Department for Master of Public Health, and my module leaders, was exceptional. They were always encouraging, approachable, and ready to guide me whenever I needed help.

BCU gave me opportunities to get involved beyond academia; I joined different societies, which helped me connect with students from different courses and backgrounds. The university’s diversity taught me to value and understand different cultures and perspectives.

The support I received during my dissertation was outstanding. My supervisors guided me at every step, ensuring I felt confident and focused. The Careers support team was another highlight. They helped me prepare for interviews, explore new career paths, and build professional confidence.

Now, I’m a Public Health Practitioner at West Sussex County Council, a government local authority in the Southeast of England. I have been in this role for over 16 months, working within the Health Protection team of Public Health. My work focuses on improving population health and supporting health protection initiatives across the county.

Since graduating from BCU, my journey has been full of learning, growth, and meaningful experiences. Soon after completing my dissertation, I started working as a Domestic Abuse Support Coordinator in the Public Health team at Wolverhampton City Council. This role helped me understand community challenges, develop strong communication skills, and apply my public health knowledge to real situations. After six months, I moved to West Sussex County Council, where I’ve been ever since.

My career so far has been rewarding. Each role has strengthened my professional confidence and deepened my commitment to public health. The foundation I built at BCU gave me the skills and motivation to grow in this field, and I continue to build on that every day.

My course at BCU has a strong connection to my current role and future goals. The Master of Public Health program gave me the knowledge, analytical skills, and practical understanding I now apply every day as a Public Health Practitioner at West Sussex County Council.

Through the Public Health course, I learned how to assess health needs, plan interventions, and evaluate public health programs. These skills are central to my current work. The research and dissertation experience at BCU also strengthened my ability to use evidence to guide decisions and develop effective public health strategies.

My advice to BCU students is to stay focused and make the most of every opportunity. Be curious, ask questions, and get involved in projects beyond your studies. The experience you gain will not only strengthen your skills but also prepare you for your future career. Most importantly, stay determined. Hard work and focusing on your goals will make your time at BCU both rewarding and transformative.

A typical workday as a Public Health Practitioner is varied and focused on protecting and improving population health. My day often begins with reviewing health protection updates, data reports, and ongoing project tasks. I work closely with different teams within Public Health, including health improvement, communities, and intelligence teams, to ensure our work aligns with wider public health priorities. I often support projects that focus on communicable disease control, vaccination uptake, and emergency preparedness.

Collaboration is a key part of my role. I regularly engage with external partners such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the NHS, and other local authorities. Together we coordinate responses to health protection issues, support surveillance activities, and plan preventive actions to manage public health risks.

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Working in a multi-agency environment helps me apply my skills from the Master of Public Health program at BCU; while also building the experience I need to progress toward my goal of registration with UK Public Health Register (UKPHR).

The most challenging part of my career path has been moving to a new country and building a career in Public Health from scratch. I faced financial and cultural challenges and had to prove myself in a competitive field. I overcame these by staying focused on my goals, working hard, seeking guidance from mentors, and learning from every opportunity. Determination and persistence helped me succeed and secure my current role in Health Protection.

My proudest achievement since graduating was getting my job at West Sussex County Council in the Health Protection team. I always wanted to work in infectious diseases, so it was a big step in my career. Sharing the news with my parents was a very special moment. My father supported me throughout my journey, and seeing his pride made me very happy.

In the long term, I want to become a Consultant in Public Health. My next step is to gain UKPHR registration and build a strong portfolio for specialist training. I am focused on developing the knowledge, leadership skills, and experience needed to work at a strategic level.

Working in the Health Protection team has given me a solid foundation in public health practice. I plan to keep building on this by leading projects, contributing to policies, and supporting health improvement across communities. Each step is part of my journey toward becoming a Public Health Consultant and making a lasting impact in the field.

My advice to fellow BCU graduates starting their career is to stay focused, proactive, and confident in your skills. Apply what you learned at BCU in real-world settings but be ready to keep learning every day. Build strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and external partners. Networking and collaboration are key to growth and opportunity. Take on challenges, volunteer for projects, and seek experiences that stretch your skills. Every task is a chance to learn and demonstrate your value.

‘I AM BCU’ means being part of a community that inspires growth, learning, and achievement. It represents the confidence, skills, and determination I gained at BCU. It is a reminder that I belong to a diverse, supportive, and ambitious network that empowers me to reach my full potential and make a real impact in world."