| Rank threshold | ATAR: 60 SR: 60 |
| Duration | 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time |
| Location | Online and |
| Next start term | Term 2, 2024 |
| Study mode | On Campus, Online |
| Course code | CC59 |
| First-year fee | $8,944 (Indicative) (CSP) |
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.
Study experience
- Accredited Qualification
“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, 2023 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 2, 2023 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 1, 2024 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 2, 2024 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 1, 2025 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
| Term 2, 2025 | Bundaberg, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville |
Online Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2023 | Available Online |
| Term 2, 2023 | Available Online |
| Term 1, 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 2, 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 1, 2025 | Available Online |
| Term 2, 2025 | 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
Professional Practice - Environmental Health Australia (EHA)
Core
This accreditation entitles graduates with the Environmental Health major to become members of Environmental Health Australia and qualifies them to work as an Environmental Health Officer in those States with legislatory requirements for authorised persons, including Western Australia.
Professional Practice - International Union of Health Promotion and Education
Core
This accreditation makes graduates with the Health promotion major eligible to apply to become a registered Health Promotion Practitioner through the International Union of Health Promotion and Education.
Professional Practice - International Union of Health Promotion and Education
Health Promotion Major
This accreditation makes graduates eligible to apply to become a registered Health Promotion Practitioner through the International Union of Health Promotion and Education.
Professional Practice - Environmental Health Australia (EHA)
Environmental Health Major
This accreditation entitles graduates to become members of Environmental Health Australia and qualifies them to work as an Environmental Health Officer in those States with legislatory requirements for authorised persons, including Western Australia.
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
To be eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Student and Course Profiles
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2023 via our Institute Profile.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. 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.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to apply
How to apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your application options
Follow these steps
Extra admission information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Start your application
When applying through a tertiary admissions centre (TAC) you can use the relevant TAC code below to search for a course or add it to your application preferences.
