Public Health

Protect and improve the health of communities around the world by preventing disease and promoting wellbeing.

• Be part of a remarkable health culture

  By studying public health at the University of Adelaide and you’ll become part of a rich history of world-class health education and research that stretches back over 135 years.

  You’ll also join a university ranked in the top 100 worldwide for public health*.

  Our community of leading scientists, educators and students are working together to advance innovative ideas to change individual behaviours, public policies, and health care practices.

• Grow in a career that makes a real difference

  The capabilities you'll gain from our public health degrees will be extensive, readily transferable, and highly sought-after. You'll be well prepared to start—or advance—your career in a wide variety of health areas. You might tackle major chronic illnesses, advocate for better child health outcomes, fight new and emerging infectious diseases, or develop policies and practices to reduce the global burden of disease.

  Whatever you choose to do, you'll be involved in making a healthier world for all. This includes in:

  
  
  • Medical research
  • Health policy and advocacy
  • Health education and outreach services
  • Government agencies
  • Community health organisations.

  In addition to learning from active researchers, you’ll also benefit from our strong connections to research groups and institutes across Australia, including: BetterStart, Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, Adelaide Health Technology Assessment and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

  There are also opportunities to undertake professional placements at a range of government agencies and other health organisations—so you can develop real-world skills while you study.

• Career prospects

  When you work in public health, you can expect a long and varied career where the work you do really makes an impact—whether that’s on an individual, community, or population level.

  Employment growth for the majority of public-health-related roles ranges broadly from stable to very strong. Health is one of Australia's largest and fastest growing industries, with 16% industry growth predicted by 2026^†. In South Australia alone, the health and medical industries sector is forecast to more than double by 2030 to reach $5 billion.

See our degrees