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Public Health PG at CDU
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Public Health

Key details

Duration

3 year/s full-time
6 year/s part-time
3 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

240

Course code

WPUBH1
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Bachelor of Public Health will teach how you to connect with communities and work to develop innovative and evidence-based health strategies.



The Bachelor of Public Health focuses on addressing health disparities experienced by population and communities at a local, national and global level. This qualification will prepare you to work in areas of health promotion, policy making, research and disease prevention.



Available to study online or on campus, you will graduate with a broad skill set enabling you the opportunity to work in public health across local, rural, remote and global health settings. The Bachelor of Public Health has diverse and relevant unit offerings encompassing topics such as epidemiology, cultural safety, social media, global and environmental health.



CDU offers a range of scholarships as well as opportunities to study abroad with international study tours.


Professional recognition

Students are eligible to apply for membership with the following professional associations: The Australian Health Promotion Association and the Public Health Association of Australia.

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways

Pathways for VET to Higher Education

Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $32,352.00. This equates to $ $4,044.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Merita - Public Health Student

Why study public health at CDU?

Now more than ever, Australia needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. At CDU, you'll learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.  

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project 
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study Public Health at CDU?

Now, more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. At CDU, you'll learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more. 

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project
Merita - Public Health Student

Why study public health at CDU?

Now more than ever, Australia needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. At CDU, you'll learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.  

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project 
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study Public Health at CDU?

Now, more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. At CDU, you'll learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more. 

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project

What will I study?

The Bachelor of Public Health has 20 core units and 2 specialist electives with flexible online delivery and the option to attend internal classes. In the final year of study you will be supported by CDU academics to work with health agencies and complete your own community health project.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
 Core Units 
 (22 units)
 220cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 220 credit points as detailed below.

 SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1  
 SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 
 SWK102 Communication Skills  
 HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) 
 HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies 
 HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology 
 HSC122 Foundations of Public Health  
 HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion 
 HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion 
 HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) 
 HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management  
 HSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing  
 HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) 
 MAN204 Project Management 
 PHM301 Exploring Public Health  
 SWK312 Social Research Methods 
 HSC312 Global and Environmental Health   
 HSC318 Rural and Remote Health  
 HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) 
 HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) 

 Specialist  Electives  
 (2 units)
 20cp

Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. 

 PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced by PSY150 2022) 
 HSC213 Health Informatics  
 IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work 
 SPE320 Nutrition and Health  
 SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities 
 SWK313 Engaging with Individual and Families in Partnership

  240cp Total Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)

  • A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
  • A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
  • See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.

If course commenced prior to 2023: 
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022 
PSY140 has been replaced by PSY150. Students that have completed PSY140 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY150. 

Course Changes - 2021 

HSC111 Ethics in Health Care has replaced HSC210 Health Sociology from 2021. Students have completed HSC210 do not need to complete HSC111. 
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction has replaced HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health from 2021. Students have completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 COSBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2CO
HSC132 Introduction to Health PromotionCOSWK102 Communication SkillsCO
HSC122 Foundations of Public Health COHSC112 Basics of EpidemiologyCO
HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and PoliciesCOHSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024)CO
Year 2
MAN204 Project ManagementCOHSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only)CO
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021)COHSC204 Chronic Conditions Management CO
SWK312 Social Research MethodsCOHSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing CO
HSC312 Global and Environmental Health COHSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021)CO
Year 3
PHM301 Exploring Public Health COHSC318 Rural and Remote HealthCO
HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp)COHSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp)CO
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 2SE

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Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only)CO
  SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2CO
  SWK102 Communication SkillsCO
  HSC112 Basics of EpidemiologyCO
Year 2
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 COHSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only)CO
HSC122 Foundations of Public Health COHSC204 Chronic Conditions Management CO
HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and PoliciesCOHSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021)CO
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021)COHSC318 Rural and Remote HealthCO
Year 3
MAN204 Project ManagementCOHSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing CO
HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp)COHSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp)CO
HSC312 Global and Environmental HealthCOSpecialist Elective 1SE
Year 4
HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024)CO  
PHM301 Exploring Public Health CO  
SWK312 Social Research MethodsCO  
Specialist Elective 2SE  

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Essential requirements

As this course requires you to undertake a community project, you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing the community project. A national and/or international police check and a current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.



The majority of health facilities will also require you to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificate.

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.

* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.

 

ATAR profile

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

The educational system in place at Menzies is excellent. The professors and staff fully support the students in every way and the campus provides complete facilities for learning.

Julie

CDU student

Menzies Public Health Julie

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

The educational system in place at Menzies is excellent. The professors and staff fully support the students in every way and the campus provides complete facilities for learning.

Julie

CDU student

Menzies Public Health Julie

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
6 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 6 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Public Health
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Public Health, Health

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

International student Bisal's study story (GradDip of Health Research + Master of Public Health)

Learn about public health at CDU

Bishal is from Nepal studying a Graduate Diploma of Health Research + Master of Public Health) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

International student Bisal's study story (GradDip of Health Research + Master of Public Health)

Learn about public health at CDU

Bishal is from Nepal studying a Graduate Diploma of Health Research + Master of Public Health) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
104731
Online (CSP)
104731
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
0101044

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