Why Bachelor of Public Health?
Become an advocate for longer and healthier lives for everyone.
Public health does much more than just prevent illnesses. It also helps us understand why some populations have better or poorer health outcomes than others. It guides society with strategies and policies to support and promote health and wellbeing for everyone’s benefit.
Studying public health means exploring the many factors that influence wellbeing. You’ll use research techniques and practice-based skills to investigate big issues in health today. You’ll learn how to develop and deliver policy and promotion initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of communities and populations.
By understanding health on a local and global scale, you’ll graduate ready to contribute to all areas of public health.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Public Health will give you the skills to shape healthier futures using an information-driven, people-first approach.
You’ll explore key concepts underpinning public health – including the social, cultural, commercial and environmental factors that influence health across the lifespan. Learn about the determinants of health and the different frameworks that can be used to promote wellness, with specific attention paid to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Explore how public health initiatives prevent ill health and lead to longer, healthier lives.
You’ll also gain hands-on, technical skills. Learn how to conduct research and analyse data, and how to communicate findings to everyday people and industry. Apply your skills in real-world practice while on placement in a public health setting. Learn how to engage with diverse groups of people in an ethical, socially responsible, and culturally responsive way. Choose optional topics of interest, from children’s and environmental health to international health promotion.
You’ll graduate ready to work with both industry and community groups to encourage longer and healthier lives. You’ll discover how your skills can contribute to informed and easy-to-understand health policy that has a lasting impact.
Key features
Learn how to develop and deliver health policy for diverse populations. - Explore how different groups of people define and experience health and wellbeing both in Australia and globally.
- Build transferrable skills in research, data analysis, communication and project management.
- Choose from a range of electives focusing on topics you care about.
- Engage with real-world industry in a public health setting while studying.
- Graduate ready to join a globally mobile workforce that can improve population health and wellbeing.
What you'll learn
Our three-year Bachelor of Public Health prepares you to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. As a health degree with a large-scale focus, you can choose subjects aligned with your interests from the very beginning.
In your first year, you’ll get an introduction to the Australian health system. You’ll explore diverse perspectives of health and wellbeing, determinants of health, how they apply to people in general, as well as how they impact specific populations. You’ll also develop foundational expertise in the use and analysis of data and how that data shapes health policy and initiatives.
In your second year, you’ll build upon these frameworks as you learn to review, analyse, evaluate and critique public health policy. You’ll unpack how to improve and address gaps in current systems. Explore data-driven and people-centred approaches to research and development of public health initiatives, all while expanding your thinking as an ethical, culturally responsive and globally conscious citizen.
In your final year, you’ll improve your ability to deliver impactful policy and projects by studying courses in project management. You’ll also get to put your skills into practice in a real-world public health setting.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have opportunities to take courses in topic areas such as:
- Aboriginal health
- Biostatistics and epidemiology
- Qualitative approaches
- Clinical trials
- Environmental, rural and global health
- Ethics, and economics
- Promotion and policy.
Our curriculum is evidence-based, informed by current and leading research in public health, and aligned with local and global public health competency frameworks. You’ll be taught by passionate researchers and academics with extensive public health experience.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 72 units for Core courses, and
- 48 units for Discipline courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 to 24 units for Electives
Complete 72 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 54 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Information and Intelligence
|
Course code
PUBH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upstream Determinants of Health
|
Course code
PUBH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health, Society and Systems
|
Course code
PUBH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Approaches in Health
|
Course code
PUBH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Foundations of Health
|
Course code
PUBH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation
|
Course code
PUBH3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Designing and Managing Public Health Programs
|
Course code
PUBH2902
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health, Society and Systems
|
Course code
PUBH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Public Health Information and Intelligence
|
Course code
PUBH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upstream Determinants of Health
|
Course code
PUBH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Qualitative Approaches in Health
|
Course code
PUBH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Social Foundations of Health
|
Course code
PUBH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation
|
Course code
PUBH3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Designing and Managing Public Health Programs
|
Course code
PUBH2902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Science, Evidence and Politics: Building Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)
|
Course code
PUBH3900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 6 units for all Non-selective discipline course, and
- 12 units from Selective group 1, and
- 12 units from Selective group 2, and
- 18 units from Selective group 3
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science, Evidence and Politics: Building Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH3004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Health Ethics
|
Course code
HLTH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human-Animal Relationships in Health and Society
|
Course code
PUBH1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control
|
Course code
PUBH2011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
From Child to Adult: Priorities for Health, Wellbeing and Relationships
|
Course code
MDST2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Health
|
Course code
PUBH2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Ethics
|
Course code
PUBH2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Biostatistics
|
Course code
PUBH2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Rural Public Health
|
Course code
PUBH2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Occupational Health
|
Course code
PUBH2024
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Reproductive Health Matters
|
Course code
HBIO3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infant, Child and Adolescent Health
|
Course code
HBIO3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Health
|
Course code
PUBH2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Promotion in Action
|
Course code
PUBH3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology in Action
|
Course code
PUBH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Public Health Practice
|
Course code
PUBH3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Trials: Design and Analysis
|
Course code
PUBH3019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Health Economics
|
Course code
PUBH3018
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health, Society and Systems
|
Course code
PUBH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Public Health Information and Intelligence
|
Course code
PUBH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upstream Determinants of Health
|
Course code
PUBH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Qualitative Approaches in Health
|
Course code
PUBH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Social Foundations of Health
|
Course code
PUBH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation
|
Course code
PUBH3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Designing and Managing Public Health Programs
|
Course code
PUBH2902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Science, Evidence and Politics: Building Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)
|
Course code
PUBH3900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)
|
Course code
PUBH3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health, Society and Systems
|
Course code
PUBH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Public Health Information and Intelligence
|
Course code
PUBH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upstream Determinants of Health
|
Course code
PUBH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Qualitative Approaches in Health
|
Course code
PUBH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Social Foundations of Health
|
Course code
PUBH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation
|
Course code
PUBH3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Designing and Managing Public Health Programs
|
Course code
PUBH2902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Science, Evidence and Politics: Building Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)
|
Course code
PUBH3900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 to 24 units comprising:
- 18 to 24 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health, Culture, Community, and Country
|
Course code
INDG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health, Society and Systems
|
Course code
PUBH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Public Health Information and Intelligence
|
Course code
PUBH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upstream Determinants of Health
|
Course code
PUBH1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Qualitative Approaches in Health
|
Course code
PUBH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Social Foundations of Health
|
Course code
PUBH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation
|
Course code
PUBH3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Designing and Managing Public Health Programs
|
Course code
PUBH2902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Science, Evidence and Politics: Building Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)
|
Course code
PUBH3900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Public health practitioners are experts in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities and populations, with deep knowledge of health and inter-related systems, and in the experience of health across diverse population groups. You’ll graduate ready to join Australia’s growing and in-demand health workforce with broadly applicable skills in collaboration, communication, analysis, planning, and project management.
You might work in government, communicating new research to the public and keeping people safe during health crises. You could collaborate on projects in remote Aboriginal settings, develop initiatives to support youth mental health, or contribute to improving access to health services for LGBTQIA+ communities. Perhaps you’ll lead major campaigns in Australia – whether it’s educating youth and parents on strategies for social media use that support better mental health or reducing the risk of skin cancer through a catchy jingle.
You could also be a:
- Public health research officer
- NGO worker
- Epidemiologist/data analyst
- Clinical studies coordinator
- Community development officer
- Health promotion practitioner
- Policy officer
- Workplace health coordinator.
Industry trends
Australia’s health system faces big challenges. These include the management of rising chronic disease, an increase in people who are older and both data and research booms. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024).
Public health professionals are uniquely positioned to tackle these complex challenges. Through Adelaide University’s forward-focused curriculum, you’ll gain the skills to improve policy, programs and services to meet these growing areas of need. Whether you end up advocating to fund under-resourced programs, educating fellow health workers, or making services more efficient and accessible, we’ll prepare you for success.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE).
Graduates are eligible for membership of IUHPE.
Ready to apply?
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
