Course overview
Gain expertise in public health services, data, planning, research and management in population-level physical and mental health.
This multidisciplinary course will give you the knowledge and skills for a career in public health. You’ll contribute to the prevention of disease and disabilities, learning techniques to promote wellbeing at the community or population level.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Community development officer
- Health data management officer
- Health data scientist
- Health project consultant
- Health research officer
Industries
- Healthcare
- Government
- Non-government organisations
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates can apply for membership of the Public Health Association of Australia, the Health Services Research Association of Australia & New Zealand, and the Australasian Epidemiological Association.
Why study at Curtin?
Professional recognition
Graduates can apply for membership of the Public Health Association of Australia, the Health Services Research Association Australia and New Zealand, and the Australasian Epidemiological Association.
Accelerated learning
Study this course as a pathway into other allied health courses, or progress into an accelerated master program specialising in health administration, occupational health and safety, public health or sexology.
#1 in Western Australia
Rated first in WA for full-time employment and median salary in undergraduate health services and support. (Good Universities Guide 2026)
Hear from our students
"As part of my course I gained research experience through a placement at the Telethon Kids Institute with a team dedicated to public health. I worked on several projects as a research assistant, which involved applying the skills I had learned throughout my degree. Being hands-on in the workplace was such an amazing experience and led to a position as a paid research assistant with the institute, where I contributed to a published report. "
Rose Wheatley
Bachelor of Science (Health Sciences)
Your student experience
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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Further study options
After completing this course, you may apply to study a graduate-entry master course in midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work or speech pathology.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll learn how psychosocial and environmental factors affect health and wellbeing, and about public health and healthcare systems. You’ll then apply your analytical and planning skills to create evidence-based approaches that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In your third year of study, you can choose a specialisation in Health Data or Health Sciences, to advance your expertise in those areas, or choose an Accelerated Bachelor Master pathway.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Customise your degree
Tailor your course to your interests and goals by choosing a specialisation in Health Data or Health Sciences, or studying an Accelerated Master Degree pathway.
Health Data
The rise in digital technology and the increase in data make this an exciting time for public health and related health disciplines.
In this specialisation, you’ll learn how to analyse big data to reveal health patterns and trends, such as the impacts of climate change on health.
You’ll also learn about data capture, cybersecurity and data visualisation, and how artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used in health.
In addition, you’ll build interpretive and decision-making skills and learn how to present results to various audiences, including clinicians, health professionals and the public.
Health Sciences
This specialisation allows you to select multidisciplinary units such as health promotion, sexology, occupational health and safety, and global public health.
Career outcomes are diverse and you’ll be able to tailor your studies to your career goals.
Accelerated Master Degree Pathway
In the third year of your course you'll complete four units from a master degree. You may then choose to continue studying for your master degree.
As an accelerated pathway, this option reduces the time needed to complete the bachelor and master degrees separately by six months.
The specialisations available are:
- Public Health
- Health Administration
- Sexology
- Occupational Health and Safety
Note: This pathway requires a course-weighted average of 60 or higher after completing 300 credit points.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- any course-specific requirements
- English language requirement.
Guaranteed entry
If you achieve the guaranteed ATAR/selection rank for this course and meet all other entry requirements, you’re guaranteed a place in this course.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2025 Domestic indicative fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
*The indicative first-year fee is based on a standard full-time study load of 200 credit points.
This fee is a guide only. Your total fee may vary depending on the units you choose, your study load or if your course includes additional requirements. For more information on fees, see other fees and charges.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
Curtin Excellence Scholarship
The Excellence scholarship offers support ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 in value to current high school leavers who receive an ATAR of 96 and above.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
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