Science, Evidence and Politics: Building Healthy Public Policy

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
PUBH 3004
Course ID icon
Course ID
201341
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to provide you with a deeper understanding of the determinants of health and the role of health public policy as an approach to shape and influence the impact of the determinants on population health and wellbeing. You will examine the theory and evidence of healthy public policy, examine frameworks and explore case studies from a range of country contexts. You will be introduced to the role of policy; the policy cycle and steps involved in policymaking and examine the influence of politics and vested interests on the policy making process. You will develop skills in stakeholders' analysis and mapping and the art of diplomacy and negotiation. These are critical skills required to build and sustain partnerships which is at the heart of healthy public policy approaches.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the healthy public policy approach and why it is helpful in addressing the upstream determinants of health
  • Critically explain different governance structures and system and how these influence the nature of policy making and the role of different stakeholders
  • Review and critique the policy cycle and policymaking process
  • Identify and describe the challenges of using evidence and science in the policy making process

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A