Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This degree combines core public‑health theory with applied skills in research, planning and practice. You study foundations such as epidemiology, biostatistics, social determinants of health, and health promotion alongside modules that cover health policy, environmental health, Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, ethics and law in public health, and program planning and evaluation.

• Introductory epidemiology and population health concepts
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis for health
• Health promotion theory, behaviour change and community engagement
• Health systems, policy analysis and health economics
• Environmental and occupational health principles
• Indigenous health and culturally safe practice
• Program planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Capstone or applied project integrated with a workplace or community partner
• Professional practice placement(s) offering experience in public‑sector, NGO or community settings

Teaching typically uses a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies and supervised field placements so you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The course emphasises interprofessional collaboration, ethical decision‑making and skills for working with diverse and underserved communities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed secondary school qualifications equivalent to the Australian Year 12 certificate. ACU considers a mix of academic results and other indicators of readiness for tertiary study; mature‑age applicants and those with relevant professional or community experience may be eligible through alternative entry pathways or recognition of prior learning.

• Completion of an Australian Year 12 or recognised international equivalent
• English language proficiency at a level required for tertiary study if English is not your first language
• Some campuses or intakes may consider interviews or personal statements; documented relevant work, volunteering or community involvement strengthens applications

Specific entry criteria can vary by campus and pathway, so check ACU admissions pages or contact admissions advisers for advice on prerequisites, bridging programs and credit transfer arrangements.

Career prospects

Graduates work across the public, private and not‑for‑profit sectors in roles that focus on preventing disease and improving population wellbeing. Common career pathways include:

• Health promotion officer or coordinator in government health departments and community organisations
• Public health project officer or program evaluator
• Policy officer or advisor working on health policy, planning and assessment
• Research assistant in applied public‑health research units or universities
• Community development worker and roles in Indigenous health services
• Workplace or environmental health officer roles (some jurisdictions require additional registration or postgraduate study)

The degree also provides a pathway to postgraduate study in public health, epidemiology, global health or health policy for those seeking specialist or research careers.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values‑based education with a focus on social justice, equity and community engagement, which aligns with the aims of public health practice. The university offers practical learning through supervised placements and partnerships with health services, local government and community organisations, helping students build professional networks and real‑world experience.

ACU programmes are delivered across metropolitan and regional campuses, which can provide opportunities to study issues relevant to urban, rural and regional populations. Small cohort sizes and academic support services help students develop professional skills in communication, leadership and interprofessional teamwork that employers seek in the public‑health workforce.