Explore a career in

Public Health

Explore a career in

Public Health

Study Options

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Apply for study in 2026

What does a career in public health look like?

Public Health is a unique degree as it doesn't pigeonhole you into a particular profession. Graduates can follow their passion choosing distinctive career pathways, addressing bio-medical, research, and social determinants of population health and equity, Indigenous health, economic factors, and global approaches to health issues, such as obesity and heart disease.

As a public health professional, you will perform essential services that protect our communities. You might monitor the health status of a community to identify potential problems, diagnose and investigate health problems and hazards in the community or inform, educate, and empower people about health issues, particularly the underserved and those at risk.

You may develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts, enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety or link people to needed personal health services and ensure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.

Study options

Flinders offer a variety of undergraduate or postgraduate Public Health courses which are delivered in-person at Bedford Park or 100% online designed for flexible study. There is also up to 80% off postgraduate fees due to Government subsidies.*

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Public Health

Bachelor of Public Health (Honours)

Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health, are eligible for consideration under the Flinders Graduates Reserved sub-quota, as it is a pathway course for the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Postgraduate

Up to 80% off fees due to Government subsidies*

Explore a range of postgraduate courses with up to 80% off fees, including the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, the Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion, the Master of Public Health and Master of Clinical Epidemiology.

^{*Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Support Places. Not all courses. Offer subject to change.}

Study a Master of Clinical Epidemiology 100% online

Transform data into better health outcomes.

Elevate patient outcomes with a Master of Clinical Epidemiology, where you'll learn to design clinical trials, frame research questions, and interpret evidence to improve care. Developed with industry partners, this degree equips you with specialised clinical research skills.

Learn more

Potential occupations

Graduates are expected to progress into employment in public health policy, management and practice that includes the following potential occupations:

health and safety manager
epidemiologist/research analyst
public health project manager
public health senior consultant
academia
public health officer
health administrator
health promotion planning and evaluation officer
health information officer

Potential employers

World Health Organisation
government departments of health in policy, surveillance, health promotion, drug and alcohol services
research and higher education settings
community organisations such as the Heart Foundation and Cancer Council

Accreditation

Professionally accredited programs with globally recognised qualifications that increase your job opportunities worldwide.

Our Masters of Public Health degrees meet the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM) and aligns with the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australia (CAPHIA).

Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia’s largest industry
and is projected to have strong employment growth through to May 2033

Jobs and Skills Australia 2024

No.1 in Australia
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement and skills development

^{The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only}

Get inspired

Looking for inspiration? See what industry experts and current students are saying about public health at Flinders University.

Start your career in Public Health

If you're passionate about making positive change, explore Public Health at Flinders

Watch more

Tina’s mission to empower communities

With a passion for improving health and advocating for health equity, Tina is ready to create a healthier future for all.

An experience to cherish for a lifetime

To Nagpriya, the quality of education and the learning environment were equally as important as that of her chosen career path.

Three reasons to study Public Health

We spoke to current students, alumni and Flinders teaching staff before compiling three top reasons to consider studying Public Health.

Future-proof your degree

Prepare for a bright future career with our step-by-step guide designed for Public Health students.

This guide is aligned to a three-year undergraduate Public Health timeline and includes curriculum based topics, careers workshops, online resources and activities within the Flinders Horizon Award.

Bachelor of Public Health students

Master of Public Health students

Future-proof your degree

Prepare for a bright future career with our step-by-step guide designed for Public Health students.

This guide is aligned to a three-year undergraduate Public Health timeline and includes curriculum based topics, careers workshops, online resources and activities within the Flinders Horizon Award.

Bachelor of Public Health students

Master of Public Health students

Frequently asked questions

What is public health?

The World Health Organization defines public health as 'the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society'. This science-based, evidence-backed field strives to give everyone a safe place to live, learn, work and play.

The health care industry treats people who are sick, while public health aims to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place.

Why should I consider a public health degree?

Public Health professionals:

can experience job security and professional variety in their public health careers
have an ability to impact health directly at community level
participate in advocacy to improve health
have a worldwide impact by contributing to involvement in international health initiatives.

Discover our top reasons to study Public Health

How much do public health jobs pay?

In Australia, public health jobs pay an annual salary of ~$80,000 (source: payscale.com)

Is the Bachelor of Public Health a pathway to the Doctor of Medicine (MD)?

Yes. The Bachelor of Public Health at Flinders University provides an excellent pathway to medicine for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine (MD). This degree builds a strong foundation in health systems, epidemiology, and public health practice, preparing you for further medical study.

Flinders University graduates, including those from the Bachelor of Public Health, receive priority consideration for entry into the MD through the Flinders Graduates Reserved sub-quota. Up to 75% of MD places are allocated to Flinders graduates, with 30% specifically reserved for graduates of the Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Paramedicine, or Bachelor of Public Health, offering a clear and competitive pathway to medicine.

What’s the difference between courses “available online” and “Flinders Online”?

Courses available online are part of campus-based programs and combine flexible online study with some live (synchronous) sessions, giving you the benefits of direct interaction with lecturers and classmates while still fitting around your schedule. Flinders Online courses are fully online and self-paced (asynchronous), designed for maximum flexibility, allowing you to study from anywhere at times that suit you, while still receiving expert guidance and high-quality learning materials.

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We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.