University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Public Health provides a foundation in the principles and practice of public health, combining core population health theory with practical skills in data analysis, program design and evaluation. The program typically runs over three years full time and includes compulsory core subjects, discipline-specific electives and opportunities for a workplace-integrated learning experience.

• Core topics: foundations of public health; epidemiology; biostatistics; health promotion and behaviour change; environmental and occupational health; health systems and policy; research methods in public health.
• Applied and elective subjects: global health; Indigenous and Aboriginal health; health economics; program planning and evaluation; health communication; infectious disease control; chronic disease prevention.
• Practical experience: a supervised placement or capstone project with a health agency, NGO or government department to apply public health methods in real-world settings.
• Research and pathways: training in quantitative and qualitative research methods prepares graduates for honours or postgraduate study in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health practice or health policy.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the University of Adelaide undergraduate pathway. Domestic applicants usually require completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification with a competitive ATAR or an approved equivalent. International applicants must meet the university's academic entry standards and demonstrate English language proficiency at the level required for undergraduate study.

• Prerequisite subjects are not universally mandated, but background in English and mathematics/statistics or a science subject is recommended to support study in epidemiology and biostatistics.
• Applicants with prior tertiary study, relevant work experience or vocational qualifications may be eligible for admission through alternative entry pathways or credit transfer.
• Applicants seeking progression to honours or certain professional roles should check specific additional requirements for those pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health pursue careers across government, health services, non-government organisations, industry and research. The degree prepares students for roles that focus on population-level health improvement rather than individual clinical care.

• Common entry-level roles include public health officer, health promotion practitioner, program coordinator, research assistant, policy support officer and community health worker.
• With further study or specialised experience graduates can move into epidemiology, health data analysis, health policy analyst roles, environmental health positions, or management and leadership roles in public and non-profit organisations.
• The program also provides a pathway to postgraduate study (including honours, master’s and professional programs) for careers in research, advanced epidemiology, biostatistics and specialised public health disciplines.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers public health teaching informed by active research and engagement with South Australia’s health services and research institutes. Students benefit from interdisciplinary learning, access to applied placement opportunities, and partnerships with government and community organisations.

• Students can learn alongside researchers and practitioners involved in population health, health policy and epidemiology, gaining exposure to current public health challenges and practice.
• The university’s links with local health agencies and research centres provide opportunities for practical experience, internships and project collaborations.
• Completing this degree gives a solid foundation for immediate employment in public health roles or for further study to specialise in areas such as epidemiology, health economics or global health.