Bachelor of Health Science (Epidemiology and Public Health) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Health Science (Epidemiology and Public Health)

If the study of people sparks your interest learn how to apply this to inform public health and policy decisions.

Challenge your analytical mind and aim to research diseases and public health issues to improve preventative healthcare. Gain specialised skills to stand out from the pack, our epidemiology degree is the first in Queensland and the second in Australia.

CRICOS code
085353E
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Semester tuition fee 2015
A$11,100
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$66,600
Footnotes
  • Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
  • * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
  • Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013371
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 16 Rank - 64
UniSC program code
SC375
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Study mode
On campus
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2015
  • What will I pay?
Total courses
23
Total units
288

Challenge your analytical mind and aim to research diseases and public health issues to improve preventative healthcare. Gain specialised skills to stand out from the pack, our epidemiology degree is the first in Queensland and the second in Australia.

Develop competencies to lead and teach the next generation of professional epidemiologists. Your studies will focus on disease patterns, causes of disease, and data collection and analysis for the prevention and treatment of disease.

In your final year, you engage in a research project to fine tune your research skills. You also gain essential industry experience through a supervised professional placement.

The program offers a solid foundation to lead you to a higher research degree or ongoing training. Pursue career opportunities as an epidemiologist, research analyst, research assistant, public policy officer or public health officer.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this program you can pursue a career as an epidemiologist, research analyst, research assistant, public policy or public health officer.

Membership

International Epidemiological Association; Australasian Epidemiological Association; Public Health Association of Australia; Australian Health Promotion Association.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking work place learning, students must undergo a criminal history check and obtain a Blue Card. Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Program structure

Introductory courses (9)

COR109 ICT Professional Practice
HLT140 ICT Project Management
LFS103 ICT Internship
NUR131 ICT Industry Project
PUB102 Communication and Thought
PUB104 Think Health
PUB112 Introductory Bioscience
SCI110 Research Foundations
SCS130 Environment and Health

Advanced courses (9)

PUB210 Introduction to Behavioural Health
PUB252 Public Health Foundations
PUB262 Science Research Methods
PUB271 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
PUB310 Concepts of Epidemiology
PUB351 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
PUB361 Environmental Health Risk Management
SCI202 Health Promotion Principles
SCS202 Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Plus select one 24 unit option from:
SRP301 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation(12 units) and
HLT326 Epidemiology and Biostatistics(12 units)
OR
SRP321 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics(24 units)

Elective courses (4)

Select 4 elective courses (of which 3 courses must be 200 or 300 level)  from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Total units: 288

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must successfully complete the following course requirements as listed in the Program structure.

  • Complete no more than 10 introductory courses, including the core course.
  • Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 or 300 coded) courses.
Program notes
  • Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card), which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the work place learning component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
  • Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state / territory authority).
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
  • When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.