Bachelor of Public Health (Food and Society)

Public Health is the art and science of promoting healthy people, places and policies. Public Health improves the health and quality of life of a population by working to prevent disease, prolong life and promote health through scientifically analysing populations and generating solutions to problems.

This degree

This degree will provide you with an understanding of the key issues affecting the health of populations. You will develop skills in obtaining, reviewing and analysing health information; planning and managing a health program or project; and improving the health of the population.

High achieving students can undertake an honours year at the conclusion of the degree to further develop and apply their research skills.

What you will study

The food and society major students will become champions for safe, nutritious, affordable, secure, fair and environmentally sustainable food systems that sustain communities and support optimal health and wellbeing. Graduates will work in a variety of settings to advance and celebrate the central role of food in societies. They will be global advocates for accountability in food systems, food environments and food reporting; critical participants in food policy development and implementation; and catalysts for social change. 

Graduates’ knowledge and skills will enable them to:

• work with and alongside communities and community organisations to strengthen their food-related skills and voices
• effectively communicate practical, evidence-based and community relevant food ideas
• undertake impactful food promotion initiatives at local, state and national levels
• work within organisations and settings to embed sustainable and innovative food practices
• develop innovative and entrepreneurial food enterprises, and
• undertake critical analysis, empirical research, and policy and practice evaluation to inform the evidence base for sustaining and sustainable food systems.

During the RSU Bachelor of Public Health you will learn the basics of the health sector and develop an understanding of the problems involving health, illness, treatment and welfare. There is an emphasis on the scientific basis of public health, together with social policy and communication aspects.

Course structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Public Health requires the successful completion of 144 credit points of subjects, including: 

1. 72 credit points of core subjects;
2. 48 credit points from one of the Public Health majors;
3. 24 credit points of elective subjects selected from the General Schedule.  No more than 12 credit points of elective subjects shall be completed at 100 level.

Students must select a major at the end of the first session of full-time study. 

No more than 60 credit points of 100-level subjects will count towards the degree. 

Core subjects

Majors

Majors are available in the following areas:

• Social Epidemiology
• Health Promotion
• Food and Society

Electives

Students are required to complete 24 credit points of electives from the General Schedule. Subjects from the Sciences or Social Sciences are recommended for this degree.  No more than 12 credit points of elective subjects shall be completed at 100 level.

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar degree is available for high achieving students. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Public Health (Dean's Scholar). 

Honours

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first three years of the Bachelor of Public Health, may apply to complete an additional fourth year at honours level. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Public Health (Honours).