Public Health degrees

A public health degree opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers across government, community organisations, and healthcare settings. Graduates may pursue roles such as health promotion officer, epidemiologist, researcher, policy advisor, health data analyst, or program manager, each focused on protecting and promoting the health of communities.

Given Australia’s growing emphasis on health prevention, public health professionals are in high demand to support mental health, chronic disease prevention, and emergency response efforts. 

At UniSQ, we understand every student has had a different journey to study. That’s why we offer pathway programs to get you your place at university and access our wide range of health degrees. Whether you’ve just finished high school, haven’t studied in years, or have a VET, TAFE or other relevant qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to start a public health degree at UniSQ.

Yes! UniSQ is dedicated to giving students the flexibility necessary to balance studies with work and everyday life. Whether you’re looking to study public health online, on-campus or a combination of the two, UniSQ offers several postgraduate public health degrees and diplomas that can fit into your life.

If you’re wanting to create positive change in your community, studying public health opens up a range of career pathways where you can make an impact. You’ll develop your analytical, research and communication skills while exploring the epidemiological, social and behavioural issues related to health.

According to the Good Universities Guide, 2025, UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars for health services and support:

• skill development
• student support
• teaching quality. 

At UniSQ, public health is offered at the postgraduate level with flexible online and on-campus options.

Typical timeframes are 0.5 year full-time for the Graduate Certificate of Public Health, 1 year full-time for the Graduate Diploma of Public Health, and 2 years full-time for the Master of Public Health, with part-time equivalents available. You may also be eligible for recognition of prior learning, which can reduce the number of courses you need to complete. 

A public health degree focuses on population-level health emphasising prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, policy, and community wellbeing. In contrast, a health science degree often centres on individual health, biomedical research, or preparation for clinical roles.

Public health graduates are trained to design and implement strategies for healthier communities, whereas health science degrees equip you with knowledge of human biology and clinical foundations.