Public health refers to a collection of disciplines that share a common aim - to prevent disease, promote health and improve wellbeing among the population as a whole rather than focusing on individuals. Some of the most important advances in health internationally over the last century have been public health interventions - including the eradication of smallpox, improvements in workplace safety, reduced morbidity from cholera and decreased trends in tobacco smoking. As a student of the Bachelor of Public Health, you will develop an understanding of evidence-based strategies to address existing, evolving and re-emerging health risks and achieve higher standards of health and wellbeing. A strong emphasis on participation, prevention and partnership with the community is threaded throughout the curriculum. Each of these concepts is explored and developed within the core public health units, resulting in graduates who internalise and integrate the notions of theory, research and practice as the basis of their work. You will also be able to confidently articulate your own vision of a socio-ecological model of public health, develop and maintain community and industry partnerships in promoting public health and participate in the political process to advocate for health, social justice and equity through contributions to public policy and decision-making. You will choose to major in health promotion, environmental health or choose a course of study covering the broad range of public health topics.
As a student majoring in health promotion you will learn to initiate, manage and evaluate health promotion initiatives by applying relevant theoretical knowledge and strategies. After graduation, you will have the capacity to practise as an entry-level health promotion practitioner in accordance with Australian and international health promotion competencies. You will be eligible to become a registered Health Promotion Practitioner with the International Union of Health Promotion and Education.
If you major in environmental health, you will learn to assess, monitor and evaluate environmental health issues and facilitate conflict resolution between agencies, regulated parties and the community through the application of law, provision of information and problem solving. When you graduate, you will be recognised to practise as an entry-level environmental health practitioner in accordance with the enHealth Skills and Knowledge Matrix. You will be eligible to become a Member of Environmental Health Australia, the national association for environmental health professionals.
Choosing the generalist major will develop your skills and knowledge across a broad range of public health topics, including health promotion, environmental health and nutrition. If you graduate with this major, you will be able to transition to the Master of Public Health, receiving credit for at least four units.
You will also gain crucial lifelong learning and transferable generic skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving, applicable to a range of employment opportunities and life situations. The Bachelor of Public Health will also enable you to gain entry into a variety of postgraduate and vocationally oriented courses offered by CQUniversity or other institutions. If you choose to major in environmental health or health promotion, you can tailor your course to enhance your employability or satisfy a personal interest by taking a minor course of study in health promotion (for environmental health majors), environmental health (for health promotion majors), humanitarian service, nutrition , environmental science, built environment, exercise science or human resource management. If you choose a minor in science and sustainability, emergency and disaster management or safety science, you may be eligible for credit should you enrol in one of CQUniversity's postgraduate courses in these fields.
A number of changes within health promotion and environmental health positions have occurred recently meaning that, future graduates will need to diversify into new roles rather than relying on traditional appointments.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health (Environmental Health) will be qualified to work as Environmental Health Officers in Local, State and Federal Government, in public health roles in the armed forces, international aid organisations, other non-profit organisations and in the food industry. Graduates who have selected an appropriate minor may also find employment in government environmental protection appointments as well as environmental management or occupational health and safety roles in private industry.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health (Health Promotion) will be qualified to work as Health Promotion Officers in Local, State and Federal Government, and may also find employment in a range of non-government organisations, such as the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation or other areas relevant to their chosen minor.
Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
---|---|
Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
Qualification (post nominal) | BPubHlth |
AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
|
---|---|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Rank Threshold | SR 60 | ATAR 60 |
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 documentation confirming completion of:
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you are an international student, additional requirements may apply, please visit international student information for more details.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
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.
Each student will be assessed individually.
English (Unit 3 & 4 C) or equivalent and a General Science subject (Unit 3 & 4 C) or equivalent OR Associate Degree in Public Health OR relevant VET Certificate or Diploma.
Interim Awards | Not applicable |
---|---|
Exit Awards | CC44 - Associate Degree in Public Health (specialisation) |
Accreditation |
|
Compulsory Residential School | As a requirement of EHA accreditation, Environmental Health students are required to attend residential school for a number of units in the course: PBHL12001 Communicable Diseases and Public Health; MBIO19012 Microbiology; ENVH12001 Food Safety; ENVH13002 Environmental Health Risk Management |
---|---|
Click here to view all Residential Schools |
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. |
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. |
Year | Number of Students |
---|---|
2024 | 52 |
2023 | 53 |
2022 | 58 |
2021 | 63 |
2020 | 61 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
Examples are:
Examples are:
Examples are:
Examples are:
Examples are:
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
---|
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENVH11001 | Health and the Environment | |
SCIE11022 | Introductory Science | |
PBHL11001 | Public Health Data and Measurement | |
PBHL11002 | Public Health and Chronic Disease | |
PBHL12001 | Communicable Diseases and Public Health | |
PBHL12002 | Public Health Initiatives | |
PBHL13001 | Public Health and Environmental Sustainability | |
HLTH11027 | Foundations of Health |
Number of units: 12 | Total credit points: 72 |
---|
The environmental health profession in New South Wales often includes significant duties relating to building surveying. Students considering working in this jurisdiction should consider the Built Environment minor when planning their study.
This major is accredited by Environmental Health Australia. Graduates of this major are eligible for Membership of Environmental Health Australia.
Number of units: 16 | Total credit points: 96 |
---|
Number of units: 12 | Total credit points: 72 |
---|
This major is accredited by the International Union of Health Promotion and Education through the Australian Health Promotion Association. Graduates of this major are eligible to register for the title of IUHPE Registered Health Promotion Practitioner.
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
The environmental health profession in New South Wales often includes significant duties relating to building surveying.
Students considering working in this jurisdiction should consider the Built Environment minor when planning their study.
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BLAR11050 | Residential Construction | |
BLAR11051 | Construction Legislation 1 | |
BLAR11033 | Building Materials 1 | |
BLAR11043 | Building Systems and Services 1 |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Students completing this minor may be eligible to apply for credit toward CM39 Graduate Diploma of Emergency and Disaster Management or CM52 Master of Emergency and Disaster Management.
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
DSMG28001 | Foundations of Emergency and Disaster Management | |
DSMG29001 | Disaster Risk Reduction | |
DSMG29003 | Building Adaptive Capacity in Communities | |
DSMG29006 | Volunteerism and the Community |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Students will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for units within this minor.
Students majoring in Environmental Health are not eligible to complete this minor.
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete 4 from the following units: | ||
ENVH12002 | Environmental Health Law | |
ENVH12003 | Environmental Toxicology | |
ENVH12001 | Food Safety | |
SCIE28002 | Water Resource Management |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Students will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for units within this minor.
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete 4 from the following units: | ||
ENVR11014 | Environmental Monitoring | |
GEOG12022 | Geographic Information Systems | |
EVST13017 | Catchment to Reef Management | |
SCIE28002 | Water Resource Management |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete 4 from the following units: | ||
BMSC11010 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | |
ESSC11001 | Physical Activity, Fitness and Health | |
ESSC11003 | Skill Acquisition and Movement | |
ESSC12003 | Exercise and Sport Psychology |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Students majoring in Health Promotion are not eligible to complete this minor.
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HLTH11031 | Healthy Lifestyles | |
HLTH11029 | Health Promotion Concepts | |
HLTH12032 | Community Assets and Needs Assessment | |
ENEV12002 | First Nations Community Engagement |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HRMT11011 | Human Resource Management | |
HRMT11010 | Organisational Behaviour | |
HRMT19023 | Conflict and Negotiation | |
HRMT19014 | Human Resources Planning, Recruitment & Selection |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete 4 from the following units: | ||
INDG11013 | First Nation and Non-Indigenous History: The Interface | |
INDG11015 | Contemporary Indigenous Issues | |
NURS11171 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Health | |
INDG12013 | First Nations Cultures and Country |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SOCL11059 | Introducing Social Change | |
ENEG12008 | Appropriate Technology for Humanitarian Projects | |
DSMG29003 | Building Adaptive Capacity in Communities | |
PBHL20005 | Global Public Health |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
This minor/major has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Students may only be enrolled in this minor following discussion and approval from the Head of Course and the Course Advisor.
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11006 | Food, Nutrition and Health | |
NUTR12001 | Human Nutrition | |
NUTR12002 | Nutrition in Practice | |
NUTR13001 | Public Health Nutrition |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Students completing this minor may be eligible to apply for credit toward CC77 Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety.
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
SAFE28003 | Safety in Complexity | |
SAFE28001 | Safety Regulation and Management | |
SAFE20011 | Exposures and Health Risk | |
SAFE29001 | Hazard Management and Risk Control |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
---|
Students who complete this minor may be eligible to apply for credit toward the Master of Sustainable Futures
Available units | ||
---|---|---|
Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENEG11009 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy | |
SCIE28002 | Water Resource Management | |
SCIE28001 | Rethinking Waste | |
SCIE28003 | Sustainability Issues and Solutions |