Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
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.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as primary and community health centres, health project officer, health promotion practitioner, health policy development, education facilities, mental health settings, alcohol and drug services, non-government organisations, universities and research facilities, research officer, rural and remote health settings, corporate and industrial settings, supported employment and government departments.
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
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, subject to meeting criteria. 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 in 2025 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.
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
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
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
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 an integrated focus on Indigenous health founded on social justice and social determinants of health and cultural safety framework preparing you to apply your knowledge and skills in multiple health roles. You will gain practical experience and industry connections with the incorporation of a community 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 otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (22 units) | 220cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 220 credit points as detailed below. SBI161* Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 and SBI172 from 2025 - see additional information below) *Students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should read the course changes and transitional arrangements provided below. |
| Specialist Electives (2 units) | 20cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced by PSY150 2022) |
| 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 - 2025
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 and SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 have been replaced by SBI161 and SBI162 from Semester 1 2025.
- Students who have completed BOTH SBI171 and SBI172 prior to 2025 do not need to complete SBI161 or SBI162.
- Students who have NOT completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should complete the two new units SBI161 and SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI171 only (and not SBI172) should complete SBI172 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI172 only (and not SBI171) should complete SBI171 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI161.
SBI171 and SBI172 will be offered for a final time in 2025 but will only be available to students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025.
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 AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 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 enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC122 Foundations of Public Health | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only) | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing | CO |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | CO | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO | HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only) | CO |
| HSC122 Foundations of Public Health | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | CO | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | CO |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO | ||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
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.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
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
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from 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 Module (including One Skill Retake) | A 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 Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A 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, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (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.
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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, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | 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 | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/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
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
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.
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.
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