Bachelor of Environmental Health at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Programme overview

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) are committed to improving environmental and occupational health. The task of the EHP is determined by legislation and includes the following: Industrial, commercial and housing development; safe water supply; food safety; occupational health and safety; pollution control (air, water, soil, radiation and environmental noise pollution); disease control; health surveillance; research; health promotion and community development; waste management; pest control; transport safety; public relations; as well as accident and disaster control. Offering type listed: FULLTIME - DISTRICT 6 CAMPUS.

Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences | Department: Environmental and Occupational Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Subjects listed on the programme page include Anatomy and Physiology; Chemistry; Mathematics; Microbiology; Physics; Professional Practice 1.

Career pathways

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) operate within the district health system of South Africa. Local authorities are the guardians of environmental health and are the main employers. Other employment opportunities exist in national government departments e.g. the Department of Health, Water Affairs, Veterinary Services, Environmental Affairs and the Department of Labour, in Provincial Health Departments, the SA National Defence Force, private concerns such as environmental health consultants, food hygiene consultants and occupational health and safety consultants. Environmental Health Practitioners are not office bound. The majority of work is often in an outdoor environment. It is an extremely diverse career. PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION EHPs are required to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as “Student Environmental Health Practitioners”, whilst busy with vocational studies, “Environmental Health Practitioner: Public Services”, for the period whilst conducting the compulsory “Community Service” year and finally as “Environmental Health Practitioner”: Independent Practice. Qualified EHPs are also required to continue developing their skills through a Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme in order to maintain their level of professional competency.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum NSC requirements for degree entry must be met with: • Mathematics: NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50-59%). • Technical Mathematics: NSC achievement rating of at least 5 (60-69%). • Physical Science: NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50-59%). • Life Science: NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50-59%). • English: NSC rating of at least 4 (50-59%) APS for Mainstream Bachelor of Environmental Health: • 32 with Maths; • 33 with Tech Maths

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 intake open on Monday, 11 May 2026. Closing date for bachelor's/bachelor of science programmes is 30 September 2026 for South African citizens and 31 August 2026 for non-South African citizens, with earlier dates for health programmes (30 June 2026 for Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Diagnostic Radiography, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy; 31 July 2026 for Emergency Medical Care and Opticianry).

The application fee is R110 (non-refundable); the late application fee is R160. A deposit of R1,750 is payable on acceptance and a registration fee of R785 applies.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study-at-cput/undergraduate/apply

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