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. Students of the Bachelor of Public Health 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 public health nutrition.
Students majoring in health promotion will learn to initiate, manage and evaluate a health promotion project by applying relevant theoretical knowledge and strategies. Graduates will have the capacity to practise as an entry-level health promotion practitioner in accordance with Australian and international health promotion competencies.
Students majoring in environmental health 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. Graduates will be recognised to practise as an entry-level environmental health practitioner in accordance with the enHealth Skills and Knowledge Matrix.
Students majoring in public health nutrition will learn to develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate a range of food and nutrition interventions through working with local, state, national and international government, non-government and community-based organisations. Graduates will have the capacity to practise as entry-level public health nutritionists.
All students will 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. You can tailor your own course to enhance your employability or satisfy a personal interest by taking a minor unit of study in health promotion (for environmental health majors), environmental health (for health promotion majors), occupational health and safety, nutrition (for health promotion majors), environmental science, built environment, exercise science or management and human resources. Alternatively, you can elect to take up to four units selected from any the University has to offer, provided any pre-requisites are met.
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 |
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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
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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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 evidence of 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 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.
International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Senior English and a Science subject OR Associate Degree in Public Health OR relevant VET Certificate or Diploma.
Interim Awards | Not applicable |
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Exit Awards | CC44 - Associate Degree in Public Health (specialisation) |
Accreditation |
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Compulsory Residential School | Students are required to attend residential school for a number of units in the course: Compulsory for all students: SCIE11022 Introductory Science; Environmental Health Majors: PBHL12001 Communicable Diseases and Public Health; MBIO19012 Microbiology; ENVH12001 Food Safety; ENVH13002 Env Health Risk Management |
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Click here to view all Residential Schools |
PBHL13003 - Placement in professional environment relevant to chosen major. Developing experience relevant to professional- specific activities/tasks. Planning and conducting a research project or health promotion program in the workplace. |
PBHL13004 - Placement in professional environment relevant to chosen major. Developing experience relevant to professional- specific activities/tasks. Planning and conducting a research project or health promotion program in the workplace. |
Year | Number of Students |
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2024 | 53 |
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:
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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 | |||||||
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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 | |||||||
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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 | |||||||
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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: 12 | Total credit points: 72 |
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Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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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 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HLTH11031 | Healthy Lifestyles | |
ENVR11011 | Modern Environmental Issues | |
AINV11003 | Introduction to Investigative Methods | |
ENVH12002 | Environmental Health Law | |
MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
ENVH12001 | Food Safety | |
ENVH12003 | Environmental Toxicology | |
ENVH13002 | Environmental Health Risk Management |
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HLTH11031 | Healthy Lifestyles | |
HLTH11029 | Health Promotion Concepts | |
INDG11006 | Education and Learning: Colonisation and Decolonisation in the Cultural Interface | |
HLTH12032 | Community Assets and Needs Assessment | |
HLTH12030 | Drugs in Society | |
HLTH12031 | Community Engaged Learning | |
GEOG19021 | Geographic Information Systems | |
HLTH13035 | Health in all Policies |
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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Students majoring in Public Health Nutrition are strongly recommended to enrol in the Health Promotion Minor.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11006 | Food, Nutrition and Health | |
HLTH12032 | Community Assets and Needs Assessment | |
NUTR12001 | Human Nutrition | |
NUTR12002 | Nutrition in Practice | |
ENVH12001 | Food Safety | |
NUTR13001 | Public Health Nutrition | |
BMSC11010 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | |
BMSC11011 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Available units | ||
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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 |
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Students will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for ENVH12001 Food Safety and ENVH13002 Environmental Health Risk Management.
Students majoring in Environmental Health are not eligible to complete this minor.
Students studying Nutrition cannot choose ENVH12001 as it is already core to their major.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete 4 from the following units: | ||
ENVR11011 | Modern Environmental Issues | |
ENVH12001 | Food Safety | |
ENVH12002 | Environmental Health Law | |
ENVH12003 | Environmental Toxicology | |
ENEV12002 | First Nations and Community Engagement | |
ENVH13002 | Environmental Health Risk Management |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Environmental Health majors cannot choose ENVR1101.
Health Promotion majors cannot choose GEOG19021.
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students enrolled in the Nutrition major complete Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 as core, so should choose three units from the optional list.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete 2 from the following units: | ||
ESSC11001 | Physical Activity, Fitness and Health | |
ESSC12001 | Exercise and Sport Physiology | |
ESSC12003 | Exercise and Sport Psychology | |
ESSC12004 | Exercise and Sport Biomechanics | |
ESSC12005 | Applied Exercise and Sport Physiology | |
ESSC12007 | Applied Exercise and Sport Psychology | |
ESSC12008 | Applied Exercise and Sport Biomechanics | |
ESSC13006 | Applied Skill Acquisition and Movement |
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ESSC11003 | Skill Acquisition and Movement | |
BMSC11010 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students majoring in Health Promotion are not eligible to complete this minor.
Students majoring in Nutrition are recommended to take this minor. As HLTH12032 Community Assets and Needs Assessment is already a core unit for these students, they should choose HLTH11031 Healthy Lifestyles.
Students majoring in Environmental Health should choose HLTH12032 Community Assets and Needs Assessment, as HLTH11031 Healthy Lifestyles is already a core unit in the Environmental Health major.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HLTH11029 | Health Promotion Concepts | |
HLTH12031 | Community Engaged Learning | |
HLTH13035 | Health in all Policies |
Available units | ||
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Students must complete 1 from the following units: | ||
HLTH12032 | Community Assets and Needs Assessment | |
HLTH11031 | Healthy Lifestyles |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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INDG11006 is already core for Health Promotion students. These students should enrol in the remaining four units in this list.
Available units | ||
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Students must complete 4 from the following units: | ||
INDG11006 | Education and Learning: Colonisation and Decolonisation in the Cultural Interface | |
INDG11015 | Contemporary Indigenous Issues | |
INDG11013 | First Nation and Non-Indigenous History: The Interface | |
INDG19015 | Aboriginal Cultures and Country | |
ENEV12002 | First Nations and Community Engagement |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HRMT11011 | Human Resource Management | |
MGMT11109 | Introduction to Business |
Available units | ||
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Students must complete 2 from the following units: | ||
HRMT19016 | Contemporary HRM Issues | |
HRMT19020 | Perspectives on Organisational Change | |
HRMT19021 | Principles of Employment Relations | |
HRMT19023 | Conflict and Negotiation |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students majoring in Nutrition are not able to take this minor.
Available units | ||
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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 |
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Available units | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
OCHS11025 | Health and Safety Risk Management | |
OCHS11027 | OHS Fundamentals | |
OCHS12015 | Occupational Health and Safety Law | |
OCHS13018 | Safety Systems |
Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
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Students can select four electives from any Units offered by the University, provided prerequisites are met.