Qualifications
Overview
The purpose of the major in Public Health is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in science and health, experience in critical appraisal and scientific investigation, and an understanding of values and ethics in health. Graduates will have the ability to apply these to improving health and wellbeing through disease prevention, health promotion, and health service planning, delivery, and evaluation.
The major in Public Health aims to:
- provide a strong foundation in health sciences, with detailed knowledge in public health
- equip students to meet the Aotearoa New Zealand competencies for public health, and health promotion (endorsed by the Health Promotion forum)
- provide the knowledge and skills to operate effectively in health sector organisations (such as district health boards, primary care organisations, public health units, Māori health organisations, and non-governmental organisations)
- contribute to the health sector workforce by preparing students to work as effective members of multidisciplinary teams in the health sector
- contribute to meeting national health workforce development goals
- provide the required foundation for students who wish to undertake postgraduate study in health-related fields.
Why study Public Health at UC?
- UC is ranked first in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in Public Health (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
Courses
UC offers a major in Public Health as part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Public Health major
To complete a major in Public Health within the Bachelor of Health Sciences, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
- HLTH 111 Global Health
Plus another three 100-level courses from Health Sciences or other degrees.
200-level
- HLTH 213 Health Systems and Policy
- HLTH 214 Environmental and Occupational Health
Plus one course at 100-level (or above), and two 15-point courses at 200-level from Health Sciences or other degrees.
300-level
- HLTH 312 Health Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
Plus either:
- SOCI 311 Mental Health and Society
Or both:
- GEOG 325 Health, Wellbeing and Environment
- HLED 321 Health Education in Practice – Internship
Plus another two 15-point courses at 200-level (or above) and one 15-point course at 300-level from Health Sciences or other degrees.
Career opportunities
Students with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health will be able to work effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams in the health sector. Examples of career pathways include community development roles in public health units, district health boards, non-governmental organisations, local government, health promoters, public health analysts, and a research career in public health.
Graduates might also go on to postgraduate study to further their specialisation in the field.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Health Sciences.
Contact us
School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email [email protected]
Location
Rehua building – see the School’s website for up-to-date location details.
Postal address
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand