Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 70.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection
Rank (ATAR), or - Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more that 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None - Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection
Degree overview
- Play a critical role in planning, managing and influencing health care policy, and graduate ready to address globally significant health challenges.
- Learn how to address the social and cultural, commercial, and environmental factors across the lifespan to reduce risk of diseases, manage chronic conditions, and improve the health and wellbeing of communities and populations.
- Become an expert non-clinical health practitioner with skills transferable across government, community-based roles, healthcare and advocacy roles.
- Gain real-world experience while you study with more than 200 hours of industry-relevant experience and placements in the public health sector and with community organisations.
- Study course content specifically mapped to align with the Foundation Competencies for Public Health Graduates in Australia, International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) Core Competencies Framework and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework.
- Create an industry-standard portfolio of work which can be presented to future employers.
- Learn from experienced academics and industry professionals in public health and the health sector.
- Tailor your studies with a minor or elective courses to match your future career goals.
Snapshot
Start your unstoppable career in improving the health of people and populations. A degree in public health prepares you to be at the forefront of disease prevention and health promotion.
Public health practitioners address social and cultural, commercial and environmental factors which prevent disease and prolong the lifespan of the greater public. With an emphasis on advocacy and equity, you’ll work with individuals, groups, communities and organisations across public and private sectors to engage with meaningful health issues, and become equipped with skills to address global health challenges.
You’ll learn diverse approaches including policy development; data analysis and reporting; media and advocacy; public events; community-based education and preventative interventions to create positive change. These methods may be used to tackle complex global health issues such as infectious diseases, heart disease, cancer and mental health.
You'll engage with 200 hours of industry-relevant experience with local advisory groups, industry groups, local councils, and similar, giving you valuable insight into your future career and allowing you to build your industry networks while studying.
With its strong focus on research, further study opportunities may include a Master of Research, Master of Health Services Management, or Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry).
What you'll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.
Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
What you'll learn
You’ll become equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes to contribute as a dynamic and forward-thinking generalist public health practitioner.
Your studies will equip you with an understanding of the social and commercial determinants of health and wellbeing. You will learn how to engage with communities and populations to promote wellbeing through locally-relevant information and activities. You will learn the principles and purpose of evaluation in public health, the importance of lived-experience perspectives, the role of advocacy, and the responsible dissemination of public health information. You’ll also learn epidemiological techniques to identify patterns in population health, such as the prevalence of mental health conditions or cardiovascular disease, novel associations between risk factors and diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and COVID-19.
During your first year you’ll understand core areas of practice and in your second year you’ll get to apply that knowledge. In the final year, there will be an emphasis on becoming a public health practitioner and entering the workforce, and career development. You will also have the opportunity to showcase your industry project and placement experiences at the annual student conference.
Throughout the degree, you’ll focus on equitable access to health programs and services for priority population groups such as, but not limited to, people experiencing homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse people, veterans, people living in rural and remote locations, young people, and older adults.
Graduates meet a broad range of industry-relevant public health competencies across six key areas including:
- health monitoring and surveillance
- disease prevention and control
- health protection
- health promotion
- health policy, planning and management
- evidence-based professional population health practice
You’ll study either one minor or choose from four elective courses. Your minor can be made up from UniSA’s wide list of majors and minors, allowing you to develop a unique combination of knowledge and skills. Alternatively, the four elective courses can be selected from a specific list of courses related to the degree.
The curriculum is aligned to the Foundation Competencies for Public Health Graduates in Australia and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework. This provides you with transferable skills which can be applied across all levels of government, community-based organisations and programs, as well as in a variety of organisations like the Australian Red Cross, the Heart Foundation, the Royal Society for the Blind, and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate authentic, practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- group assignments
- quizzes
- essays
- project proposals
- case studies
- examinations
- presentations.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health)
This degree is a great choice for those interested in pursuing a non-clinical health career, and are interested in shaping the health and wellbeing of our society.
The Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) pays particular attention to the environments in which we are born, grow, live, work, and play; how they influence health and wellbeing, and how they are changing.
The impact of public health is far reaching. Its scope ranges from vaccines to prevent disease; campaigns and laws which reduce the impacts of tobacco and substance use; access to prenatal services for healthy babies and families; media that provides evidence-based information and recommendations; research that explores mental health, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions; safety advances such as seatbelt laws, which have saved millions of lives; sun-safety messaging; access to contraception; education to prevent sexually transmitted disease; environments that promote wellbeing; and community programs that promote physical activity and social engagement.
With its broad scope, you can focus on areas of public health that matter to you.
You’ll be taught by industry-experienced academics and researchers, from a university producing above world-class research in public health and health services.1
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
What is public health?
Hear about the Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) from UniSA’s Professor Katherine Baldock.
Your career
Careers in health are on the rise. In Australia, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth over the next five years.1
Public health practitioners can work in various roles in Australia and overseas, including:
- Public health research officer: source, analyse and report on research data and information to inform public health policies or health promotion programs; collaborate with other researchers to develop research methods and interview techniques; possess extensive knowledge of local population and health trends; contribute to the delivery of research planning, policy, reporting and quality management processes in an organisation.
- Health promotion officer: plan and develop policies, strategies and projects which promote health locally, regionally or nationally; grow health awareness among individuals, groups and organisations; run community training courses and workshops; write and produce leaflets, posters, videos and brochures to aid health promotion in different environments; and ensure work is underpinned by up-to-date knowledge of health promotion theory.
- Epidemiologist/data analyst: research, monitor and analyse infectious diseases; collect and analyse health data using a variety of statistical software; educate policy makers, healthcare workers and the community to contain or prevent disease outbreaks.
- Wellness and lifestyle coordinator: design, evaluate and execute lifestyle programs; contribute to the social and emotional life of populations; establish relationships and networks to promote a healthier life.
- Community development officer: deliver innovative programs and community engagement plans; identify and leverage funding opportunities; develop consultation activities; engage with stakeholders to deliver activities aimed at improving community health outcomes.
- Women’s health officer: address the social, political and environmental causes of gender inequities impacting the health and wellbeing of women through research and advocacy for systemic change; deliver training and education programs on women’s health issues and gender awareness; raise awareness of health and wellbeing issues experienced by women.
- Aboriginal health officer: deliver high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services in urban, regional, rural and remote locations across Australia; educate and train non-Aboriginal organisations; advocate for culturally respectful and needs based approaches to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Clinical trials coordinator: conduct and implement clinical trials through site set up, ongoing liaison and data monitoring for quality control, project management and monitoring of participants.
- Health policy analyst: research, report and manage healthcare policies and programs, with a focus on evaluating and improving current policies that consider the health of the public.
- Public health manager: maintain healthcare standards, manage finances, coordinate treatment programs, and provide an efficient healthcare operation.
Depending on your results, you may also be eligible to continue onto postgraduate study. You can take your career to the next level with a Master of Research, Master of Health Services Management, Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) or Master of Occupational Therapy (Graduate Entry).
1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program provides a qualification that is recognised as the basis for initial registration of graduates by the International Union of Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), as internationally recognised competent Health Promotion Practitioners. Accreditation recognises that education and training undertaken by graduates of this program covers all domains of the IUHPE Core Competencies Framework, and that their learning outcomes relate to the performance criteria defined in the IUHPE Professional Standards, preparing graduates to be competent Health Promotion Practitioners as defined by the IUHPE (the international program accrediting body).
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a Health Science (Public Health) student you'll have access to our:
- anatomy laboratories
- exercise physiology laboratory
You'll also access a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
I am privileged with directing a dynamic and flexible degree in collaboration with a group of dedicated teachers and researchers, all focused on developing capable, industry-ready graduates who will contribute to improving and maintaining the health of communities. As an educator, I seek to provide an environment that supports student engagement, wellbeing, and knowledge development, providing teaching and learning practices that enable students to realise and achieve their potential.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
Public health aims to tackle big issues through small changes and influences. The sector helps people learn about their health, influences the way they use spaces, improves access to healthier foods and services, and much more. It’s full of people who want to make a difference to the world around them. My role at the Australian Red Cross focuses on the systems and processes that drive the delivery of essential health services in the aged care industry. Seeing the impact our work has on the health and well-being of our community is extremely rewarding and inspiring.
Lauren Noble
Bachelor of Health Science
Coordinator Administration Function and Quality Systems | Australian Red Cross
As an Epidemiologist, I manage, compile and analyse health data which informs research, government policies and campaigns to promote wellbeing behaviours within our communities. Working in Public Health, our aim is to improve the health of the population as a whole. The South Australian State Government’s focus on prevention of disease through healthy living is very positive. Through a variety of initiatives, people are becoming more aware that prevention is a worthwhile long-term investment, resulting in happier, healthier communities and reduced pressure on the health care industry.
Iordan Kostadinov
Bachelor of Health Science
Epidemiologist | SA Health
Student Insight into Public Health
