Bachelor of Public Health (Specialisation)
| Rank threshold | ATAR: 60 SR: 60 |
| Duration | 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time |
| Location | Online and |
| Next start term | Term 1, 2024 |
| Study mode | On Campus, Online |
| Course code | CC59 |
Overview
Become a leader in improving the health of communities and the wider population with the Bachelor of Public Health (Specialisation) at CQUniversity. Develop broad skills and knowledge in public health, whilst developing specialised expertise in the areas of environmental health, health promotion and nutrition. Benefit from the support of experienced public health lecturers and authentic work-integrated learning opportunities including 240 hours of practical placements to build a professional portfolio to graduate work-ready.
In this course you will develop a broad understanding of evidence-based strategies to address a range of health risks and achieve higher standards of health. With a strong emphasis on participation, prevention and partnership with the community, you will develop solid foundations of the socio-ecological model of public health. Enjoy the option to major in health promotion, environmental health or public health nutrition.
Health promotion major
In this major, you'll learn to initiate, manage and evaluate a health promotion project. You'll do this by applying relevant theoretical knowledge and strategies.
Environmental health major
You will learn to assess, monitor and evaluate environmental health issues. You'll gain skills to facilitate conflict resolution between agencies, regulated parties and communities. You'll do this by applying relevant law, provision of information and problem solving.
Public health nutrition major
You'll gain the skills and knowledge to develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate a range of food and nutrition interventions. This includes working with local, state, national and international government, non-government and community-based organisations.
Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals with a range of minors to choose from. Minor options include:
- health promotion,
- environmental health,
- occupational health and safety,
- nutrition,
- environmental science,
- built environment,
- exercise science or
- human resources management.
During your studies you will have the opportunity to complete practical placements in real-world settings, enabling you to further enhance your employability and put the skills and knowledge you obtain into practice.
“You need a degree to work in public health because there's a lot of science involved in legislation.
Victoria Keevers
Bachelor of Public Health
Career Opportunities
Completion of the Bachelor of Public Health (Specialisation) will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as:
- Environmental Health Officer
- Health Promotion Officer
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Environmental Manager
- Occupational health and safety roles (upon selection of appropriate minor).
Structure & Availability
Course structure
You are required to complete 24 units consisting of 12 core units, one eight-unit major and one four-unit minor.
Unit information
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.
Credit transfer information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
On-Campus Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2024 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 2, 2024 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
Online Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 2, 2024 | Available Online |
Environmental Health major
As an Environmental Health graduate, you will be skilled to work in local, state and federal government, in overseas aid, the military (including the army and air force as an environmental health officer) as well as in private industry. Create change by working on projects that focus on the link between environment and human health such as safe drinking water, safe food, clean air, healthy housing, disaster management, areas impacted by changing environments, and settlement planning to improve health, prevent injury and disease.
Health Promotion major
The Health Promotion major equips you with the skills to work in the community, industry, business, and government sectors to educate people to make healthy choices. You will be qualified to work in a range of areas such as infant feeding, maternal health, child health, chronic disease prevention, Aboriginal health, food supply, food security, or overseas development and more.
Public Health Nutrition major
This major allows you to provide advice and guidance to organisations, private industry, community health groups and government about population-level nutrition issues. You will have the skills to write and develop policies about nutrition in schools, food labelling, and regulations relating to allergens and intolerances. Plus, you'll work closely with health promotion professionals to improve health issues relating to diet, especially obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Students studying this major must also study the Health Promotion (Nutrition students) minor.
Minors
You can choose from the following minors to specialise your skillset; Built Environment, Environmental Health (only available within the Health Promotion major), Environmental Science, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Health Promotion (Nutrition students) (must be studied with the Public Health Nutrition major), Human Resource Management, Indigenous Studies, Liberal Studies, Nutrition Science, and Occupational Health and Safety.
PBHL12001 Communicable Diseases and Public Health;
MBIO19012 Microbiology;
ENVH12001 Food Safety;
ENVH13002 Env Health Risk Management
Public Health in Practice B - PBHL13004
Placement in professional environment relevant to chosen major. Developing experience relevant to professional- specific activities/tasks. Planning and conducting a research project, nutrition project or health promotion program in the workplace.
Public Health in Practice A - PBHL13003
Placement in professional environment relevant to chosen major. Developing experience relevant to professional- specific activities/tasks. Planning and conducting a research project, nutrition project or health promotion program in the workplace.
Requirements
Rank Threshold |
A rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank that applications will be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 60 | ATAR 60.0 |
Student profile
If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent secondary education and the student profile for this course view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2023.Institute profile
To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2023 view our Institute Profile.Recommended study
Prerequisites
Entry Requirements
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
If you are an international student, visit our international student information for more details.
Each student will be assessed individually.
No requirements
No requirements
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
| Fee Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $8,296 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth support and government assistance loans
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.
Other study costs
Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
How to apply
| State | Admission Code |
|---|---|
| Queensland | Online: 851795; Bundaberg: 811791; Cairns: 821791; Townsville: 801791; Rockhampton: 851791 |
| Victoria | Online: 150571 |
| New South Wales | Online: 160571 |
| Northern Territory | Online: 150571 |
| Western Australia | Online: 150571 |
| South Australia | Online: 150571 |
| Tasmania | Online: 150571 |
If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way.
Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.
Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.
What’s the best way to apply?
- Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
- Option 2: Ideal if you are studying with one of our partner study hubs.
- Option 3: Ideal if you have previously studied with CQU.
Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre
View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.
| If you live in | Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)* |
| Queensland | Apply via QTAC |
| New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Apply via UAC |
| Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia | Apply via ApplyCQUNI |
*Please note that you may be required to pay a fee when applying via a TAC.
Option 2: Want to study with one of our partner study hubs? Apply via ApplyCQUni
Benefit from local support, space, technology and facilities offered by one of our delivery partners.
| If you are studying with: | Study Support |
| Murray River Study Hub | Access to local study facilities. |
Option 3: If you have previously studied with CQU, apply direct.
As a past CQU student, you may be eligible to apply directly to CQU for this course. To apply directly, your prior study with CQU must be a completed or partially completed CQU course or unit, including:
- CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS), Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP), or Start Uni Now (SUN) units.
- A CQU certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or research higher degree, or a unit within these courses.
