Bachelor of International Public Health

Tackling global health challenges.

Prepare to join a workforce that's tackling today's evolving health challenges. This degree focuses on strategies that go beyond the individual, to address global health concerns including ageing populations, unhealthy lifestyles, communicable disease outbreaks and the health impacts of climate change.

Faculty

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended), Online

Award

Bachelor of International Public Health

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

Overview

The Bachelor of International Public Health is designed for students who are interested in improving the health and wellbeing of populations across the globe, and in the prevention of disease and disability. Public health focuses on improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of communities, with an emphasis on prevention among large groups of people.

This degree focuses on supporting you to develop the practical skills and knowledge required to investigate local and global public health problems, as well as the ability to design and implement innovative new approaches to emerging issues. It will provide you with a solid understanding of the different health needs of communities, the social and environmental factors that influence health and how to reduce the risks and inequities.

This three-year degree will expose you to a range of public health challenges designed to prepare you for a variety of roles within the field of public health, as well as support you to develop your skills in critical thinking, research, communication and leadership.

Our multidisciplinary teaching team has extensive experience in global public health and have active roles in influencing health policies and strategies to support population health in Australia and overseas.

Key features

Wide range of career opportunities
The knowledge and skillset you’ll acquire will equip you for professional careers in a wide range of settings. You’ll be ready to work in Australian public health roles or in community agencies, government or international aid organisations. This degree also provides a pathway to further study, including graduate medicine or a master’s program.

Professional recognition
This degree is consistent with recommendations of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA).

Capstone experience
You’ll complete a capstone experience in your final year, which may include the option of either an internship placement, study abroad tour or research project.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Bring a global perspective to your education
Our degree is taught by academic staff who have extensive work experience in developing and delivering public health programs and policy within various international and domestic settings. This includes working with agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), regional WHO offices, governments from around the world and non-government agencies. In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to consider a student exchange at one of our many overseas partner universities. Moving away from the traditional classroom, this degree will immerse you in a global learning environment, where you’ll study alongside students from Australia and around the world.

Join a sector-leading population health community
Join a community that’s playing a key role in enhancing population health and healthcare systems. This program is delivered by the School of Population Health – a dynamic, international community of staff, alumni, practitioners and students. Our multidisciplinary teaching and research staff have research and practitioner experience in local, national and international settings. Research and collaboration opportunities are available for students in our internationally recognised research centres and institutes. You'll be part of a community involved in translating groundbreaking research into disease prevention and response strategies and informing health policy.

Program Code

3880

CRICOS Code

113666G

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

428200

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

76.1

The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.

The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

English Standard

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

TAFE Admission Pathways
If you’ve studied a relevant diploma under a TAFE Training Package, you can receive credit transfer for up to 36 units of credit (UOC) into the Bachelor of International Public Health. Please see here for the Bachelor of International Public Health TAFE Pathway Study Plan.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

This degree explores a range of public health challenges including ageing populations, unhealthy lifestyles, the rapid transfer of infectious pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, injuries, disasters and the health impacts of climate change and environmental pollution.

In your first year, you'll develop your understanding of core public health topics including global health, health promotion, Indigenous health and human biology. During your second year, you’ll continue to build your understanding and develop your skills with a focus on epidemiology, policy development and advocacy, surveillance, data analysis and leadership in public health.

In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to bring together learning developed during your program and to apply and further develop public health knowledge and skills through a research project, internship or public health study tour.

Download sample program

Full program structure

The Bachelor of International Public Health is completed over three years of full-time study. The program is made up of 24 courses total, including 18 core courses, four prescribed elective courses and two general education courses. View the suggested program pathways to see how you can organise your courses, depending on which term you commence your studies.

PHCM1002 - Introduction to Public Health

PHCM1003 - Global Health

PHCM1001 - International Indigenous Health

PHCM1004 - Health Promotion

SOMS1912 - Human Systems 1

SOMS1913 - Human Systems 2

PHCM2001 – Epidemiology

PHCM2002 – Biostatistics

PHCM2004 - Communicable Disease

PHCM2005 - Principles of Prevention and Public Health Surveillance

PHCM2006 - Public Health Policy and Programs

PHCM2007 - Health Leadership

PHCM2009 - Evaluating Chronic Disease Programs

PHCM3001 - Ethics in Public Health

PHCM3005: Global Health Systems

PHCM3010: Environmental Health

PHCM3007 - Applied Public Health Practice

PHCM3003 - Public Health Capstone
All courses are closely interconnected to support a coherent degree experience and prepare you for new approaches to emerging global public health issues. The courses within this degree will develop your skills in areas such as:

community empowerment

community partnerships and self-determination

advocacy and community engagement

effective communication

critical thinking

cultural competence

independent work

research methods in health

systems thinking

teamwork and leadership.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

There’s strong demand in Australia and globally for professionals with specialised interdisciplinary skills in public health. This degree can lead to a career in:

government departments and ministries of health
public health networks
local area health services
universities and research institutes
international health policy and funding institutions
non-governmental agencies
mental health services
Indigenous health organisations
not-for-profit organisations.

Roles include working as a public health research or health promotion officer, data analyst or epidemiologist, or community development officer. Within these roles, you may be focused on planning and developing innovative policies or strategies that support healthy communities at a local, national or international level. The role may involve monitoring disease trends or working with local communities to advocate for change or deliver relevant health services, training or education.

Accreditation

This degree is consistent with recommendations of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA).

Our students

“I chose the Bachelor of International Public Health because it offered me a really broad understanding of public health systems around the world and the different moving parts and influences in how they all work day-to-day."

Sonia Kohlbacher

Current Student

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$8,585*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$34,260*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$102,875*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Explore Scholarships