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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Health Science?
Be at the forefront of improving the health of people and populations with South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.1
Public health practitioners address social and cultural, commercial and environmental factors which prevent disease and prolong the lifespan of the greater public and specific communities. With a versatile skillset and strong focus on advocacy, public health practitioners can be found working in industry and contributing to research across the globe, tackling health issues like infectious diseases, heart disease, cancer and mental health.
The Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) will prepare you for a non-clinical career improving the health and wellbeing of society at large. Develop industry-relevant skills and knowledge in environmental and social sciences to tackle major health concerns, learn from experienced academics and industry professionals, and specialise in elective areas that matter to you.
The Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership is perfect for students interested in applying their passion for sustainability and the environment to transform peoples' lives through experiential outdoor teaching. This unique, hands-on offering prepares you to become an outdoor leader and practitioner equipped with knowledge in environmental science and sustainability, outdoor leadership, management and cultural studies.
Graduate career ready with valuable industry placements throughout your studies. Participate in hundreds of hours of practical industry experience and benefit from our strong connections to local industry partners. Build your industry networks while studying and get a first-hand insight into your future career.
With public health's strong focus on research, take your unstoppable career further with postgraduate studies. You may be interested in a Master of Research (Health Sciences) or a Master of Health Services Management to step up into leadership and management positions across the diverse and in-demand health and ageing sectors.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Key features
- Gain specialised non-clinical knowledge and broadly applicable skills focused on improving public health, outdoor education and leadership.
- Nurture an advocacy and equity-based perspective to tackle local and global health and environment issues.
- Gain exposure to Australia's evolving health sector through passionate industry professionals and learn from experienced researchers and academics.
- In public health, complete more than 200 hours of industry placements, and present a project proposal to an external consultant as part of your undergraduate degree.
- In outdoor and environmental leadership, embark on 400 hours of industry placement and fieldwork, including the opportunity for self-guided adventure trips and registration for outdoor leadership accreditation.
- Study at a university with above world-class research in public health and health services, and environmental sciences and management.1
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,1 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
We're South Australia’s largest and most diverse provider of health industry graduates. In fact, we're ranked No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers.2 You’ll work and study alongside like-minded peers and collaborate across disciplines – in much the same way as when you enter the workforce.
You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our teachers have a very practical approach to learning, which means you’ll work on real-world projects and gain direct practical experience. We’ve also invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you'll get the opportunity to use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces.
UniSA is Australia’s youngest university with a five-star rating for excellence.3 We're inspired by challenges and opportunities, and partner with local icons and international organisations to deliver impact and change.
1Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings. 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 32023 QS Stars Rankings.
UniSA offers the following Health Science degrees
Choose your level of study
Short programs
Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. We offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set.
Designed in collaboration with expert academics, program content is industry-relevant and up-to-date. Short programs include:
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
In today’s complex health systems, there's increasing demand for non-clinical roles related to the improvement of individual and population health. Dedicated people with specialised skills, in-depth industry knowledge and an understanding of health beyond illness and disease play a key role within these systems.
Career opportunities in public health and outdoor education are broad and are applicable worldwide. You may end up in public or private institutions, non-for-profit groups, community organisations, government or research bodies.
Studying public health can lead to careers such as:
- Health researcher: design, manage and direct research projects related to non-clinical health care.
- Health promotion officer: plan and develop policies, strategies and projects which promote health locally, regionally or nationally.
- Epidemiologist/data analyst: research and analyse infectious diseases; analyse health data using a variety of statistical software; educate policy makers, healthcare workers and the community to contain or prevent disease outbreaks.
- Health policy analyst: responsible for conducting research into the effectiveness of proposed health care policies.
- Healthy ageing officer: develop and coordinate a range of ‘healthy ageing’ programs for older people
- Evaluation officer: plan, develop and undertake evaluations of models of care across health systems.
Studying outdoor and environmental leadership can lead to careers such as:
- Outdoor education practitioner: facilitate nature-based outdoor learning experiences for personal and group development, health and wellbeing, environmental learning, sustainability and social justice.
- Youth worker: collaborate with social workers, psychologists and support agencies to provide therapeutic outdoor experiences for at-risk youth and community members.
- Community development officer: design, implement and lead initiatives and collective solutions to address issues associated with recreational, health, housing and other community welfare matters.
- Ecotourism guide: plan and lead culturally aware and environmentally sustainable experiences to assist with nature-based therapy and responsible tourism practices.
- Outdoor adventure instructor: provide adventure-based learning experiences with accreditation in bushwalking, kayaking and rock-climbing.
- Environmental interpretation officer: provide guidance and consultation for human interaction with natural environments and educate visitors and tourists in areas of cultural and conservationist significance.
Global networks
UniSA's staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have completed placements and internships with organisations like:
- Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Royal Adelaide Hospital
- Southern Cross Care (SA & NT)
- Local councils like the City of Charles Sturt and City of Tea Tree Gully
- Surf Lifesaving South Australia
Industry facts
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
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
I studied Health Science as it’s a broad degree which gave me time to determine what I wanted to specialise in. My placement at Southern Cross Care provided hands-on experience, where I helped develop a pamphlet that teaches families of the elderly about aged care and different conditions that elderly people may have.
Brian Lai
Bachelor of Health Science
Health Science is a diverse degree that has flexibility with majors and minors to make it what you enjoy and are passionate about. Since graduating, I started working with the Royal Society for the Blind (RSB). I really enjoy my role at the RSB and I like the diversity of different audiences, networking with other service providers and advocating for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Georgia Proctor
Bachelor of Health Science
Community Educator | Royal Society for the Blind
I was always interested in healthcare and this flexible degree provided me with a well-rounded view of health as a whole, giving me a broad range of career options. It’s rewarding working with patients who are benefitting from the studies we’re running.
Michael Contibas
Bachelor of Health Science
Clinical Trial Coordinator | SAHMRI and Royal Adelaide Hospital
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
