Public health
Why study public health?
Public health is all about preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through organised efforts and informed choices. Learn practical skills in health education and communication, health planning and management.
Public Health at La Trobe
Career opportunities
Graduates are prepared for employment in the rapidly expanding field of health promotion and public health. You may expect to work in a community health centre, community-based rehabilitation centre, geriatric care agency and private health services.
Courses
Local students
NB: The ATARs published here are Clearly In ATAR Rank as a quick guide, based on the most recent intake, and can change from year to year. Additional information on the 2017 intake is now available at the ATAR Wizard.
2018
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Campus/ATAR*:
- Melbourne 55.5
- Year
- 2018
- About this course
- Study health from a social perspective in this combined four-year degree. You'll build an understanding of health and disability alongside the humanities and social sciences.
Through your first year health sciences subjects, you'll focus on human biosciences, the role of health professionals in the community and the various factors that influence health. You can then go on to major in human physiology and anatomy, public health or rehabilitation counselling.
Our human physiology and anatomy electives include both theory and lab practice units. If you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, living with chronic health problems, global health initiatives and health care systems. If you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, behavioural change for rehabilitation clients, health in the workplace, and sports and exercise psychology.
Your arts electives can include anthropology, languages, sociology, drama, philosophy and politics. Arts and health combinations may include health promotion and gender studies, anthropology and public health, human biosciences and archaeology, philosophy and the experience of health and illness, and human biosciences and the philosophy of science.
You can also participate in our international student exchange program. If you choose to focus on public health or rehabilitation counselling, we can help you find work placements. - Career opportunities
- Graduates may find work in medical research, aged care, community health promotion, global health, community-based rehabilitation services or specialist occupational health and safety. You could also go on to postgraduate studies in medical research.
- Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; and a study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics.
NB: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available. - Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal Statement online for other information to be considered during the selection process e.g. details on work experience or reasons for applying. Selection may also be based on GPA or STAT Multiple Choice.
- Subject bonus
- A study score of 25 in Drama, any Humanities, Legal Studies, any Mathematics, any Science or Theatre Studies equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
- How to apply
- Apply now to start in Semester 1, 2018.
To find out more about this course and studying at La Trobe:
- ask us a question
- chat online
- visit our FAQ page
- connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
- call us on 1300 135 045. - See Student Handbook for more details
- The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options.
The delivery of this course can vary between campuses. For detailed information please select the relevant campus:
Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR*:
- Bendigo 50.35
- Melbourne 50.2
- Year
- 2018
- About this course
- If you're interested in medical research, community health, rehabilitation counselling, athlete welfare, environmental health or health promotion - or even if you aren't sure which area of health science is for you - this degree can help you find your niche.
Learn about human biosciences, the role of health professionals and factors that influence health locally and around the world. You'll focus your studies by choosing one or two majors from second year. Study the health and sustainability major, with subjects in environmental health.
A major in public health will include studies in epidemiology and global health initiatives. Or you can major in human physiology and anatomy, or rehabilitation counselling, and study subjects such as living with chronic conditions. Our new sports counselling and athlete welfare major will include studies in sport development and psychology. Complete a new major in health promotion and take on subjects in community health promotion and education. - Career opportunities
- Depending on which subjects you select, you may graduate to take on roles in public health, health promotion, community or private health services, aged care, disability services, research, hospitals, rehabilitation counselling, or occupational health and safety.
You may go on to Honours or postgraduate qualifications in fields like human biosciences, rehabilitation counselling, public health, ergonomics, prosthetics, podiatry, physiotherapy or gerontology (the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of ageing). - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; and a study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics.
NB: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available. - Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Applicants are welcome to provide supporting documentation. Current Year 12 applicants with work experience must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form.
Applicants who wish other information to be considered during the selection process must complete and submit a VTAC Personal Statement. This information may include work experience, reason for applying, and anything else relevant to the course. Applicants with relevant work experience may be eligible for extra consideration during the selection process. Selection may also be based on GPA or STAT Multiple Choice. - Subject bonus
- A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Re-ranking is based on relevant employment or work experience. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply. - Additional information
- Graduates from this course are given first preference for the following programs: Master of Clinical Audiology, Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics, Master of Dietetic Practice, Master of Health Information Management, Master of Occupational Therapy Practice, Master of Orthoptics, Master of Podiatric Practice, Master of Physiotherapy Practice, Master of Social Work, and Master of Speech Pathology.
You can study this course through our Regional Reward. Learn more. - How to apply
- Apply through VTAC if you're currently in Year 12 or you're applying for more than one course or institution.
If you're only applying for one La Trobe course and not considering study at another institution, you can apply direct until applications close in December. Late direct applications may be accepted.
To find out more about this course and studying at La Trobe:
- ask us a question
- chat online
- visit our FAQ page
- connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
- call us on 1300 135 045. - See Student Handbook for more details
- The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options.
The delivery of this course can vary between campuses. For detailed information please select the relevant campus:
Diploma in Health Sciences
- Duration :
- 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Campus/ATAR*:
- Bendigo N/A
- Year
- 2018
- About this course
- If you're interested in a career in health sciences, this course is a pathway into many of our undergraduate programs in this field. The curriculum covers key aspects of science related to health including anatomy and physiology. It explores social, psychological and environmental impacts on health, while preparing you for further tertiary study.
Students planning a career in nursing may also do an introductory clinical placement in a local health facility. Please note that although this course does not lead to accreditation with any health science registration boards, upon successful completion you will be eligible to apply for entry to a broad range of Health Science programs. - Career opportunities
- On successful completion of this pathway program you will be eligible for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work, and the Bachelor of Public Health Promotion.
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Year 12 plus a recommendation from your secondary school or employer. A piece of written work demonstrating your interest in the program and your academic skills may be required.
NB: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available. - Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Mature-age applicants are normally expected to have completed Year 12 studies or equivalent and to provide a recommendation from an employer.
- Additional information
- All applicants must complete a piece of written work outlining their reasons for interest in the program.
- How to apply
- Apply now to start in Semester 1, 2018.
To find out more about this course and studying at La Trobe:
- ask us a question
- chat online
- visit our FAQ page
- connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
- call us on 1300 135 045. - See Student Handbook for more details
- The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options.
The delivery of this course can vary between campuses. For detailed information please select the relevant campus:
ATAR Wizard
Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2018
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences (025959E)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Annual Tuition Fee (A$) :
- 33 000
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2018
- About this course
- Study health from a social perspective in this combined four-year degree. You'll build an understanding of health and disability alongside the humanities and social sciences.
Through your first year health sciences subjects, you'll focus on human biosciences, the role of health professionals in the community and the various factors that influence health. You can then go on to major in human physiology and anatomy, public health or rehabilitation counselling.
Our human physiology and anatomy electives include both theory and lab practice units. If you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, living with chronic health problems, global health initiatives and health care systems. If you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, behavioural change for rehabilitation clients, health in the workplace, and sports and exercise psychology.
Your arts electives can include anthropology, languages, sociology, drama, philosophy and politics. Arts and health combinations may include health promotion and gender studies, anthropology and public health, human biosciences and archaeology, philosophy and the experience of health and illness, and human biosciences and the philosophy of science.
You can also participate in our international student exchange program. If you choose to focus on public health or rehabilitation counselling, we can help you find work placements. - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. - Subject prerequisite
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; and a study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry,, any Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics.
- Career opportunities
- Work opportunities exist in community development, education, health administration, health promotion, human services, journalism, management, non-clinical aspects of client management including community-based rehabilitation and case management, occupational health and safety and social policy.
You can also find work in government departments and agencies dealing with healthcare, community health centres and hospitals, rehabilitation centres, geriatric care and private healthcare organisations. - How to apply
- Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
Please apply through VTAC if youre completing your VCE or International Baccalaureate (IB) in Victoria, or apply through UAC if youre completing your HSC or IB in New South Wales.
Do you have an excellent academic record? If you're a full-fee paying student, you may be eligible for a La Trobe College Excellence Scholarship and receive up to a 25% reduction on your course fees. - See Student Handbook for more details
- The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options.
The delivery of this course can vary between campuses. For detailed information please select the relevant campus:
Bachelor of Health Sciences (062598G)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tuition Fee (A$) :
- 31 800
- Campus
- Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2018
- About this course
- If you're interested in medical research, community health, rehabilitation counselling, athlete welfare, environmental health or health promotion - or even if you aren't sure which area of health science is for you - this degree can help you find your niche.
Learn about human biosciences, the role of health professionals and factors that influence health locally and around the world. You'll focus your studies by choosing one or two majors from second year. Study the health and sustainability major, with subjects in environmental health.
A major in public health will include studies in epidemiology and global health initiatives. Or you can major in human physiology and anatomy, or rehabilitation counselling, and study subjects such as living with chronic conditions. Our new sports counselling and athlete welfare major will include studies in sport development and psychology. Complete a new major in health promotion and take on subjects in community health promotion and education. - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. - Subject prerequisite
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; and a study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics.
- Additional information
- Applicants must review the Supplementary checklist for required documents to submit with their application.
Available majors only: Health Administration, Health Policy, Health Evaluation and Research. Most majors are held at Franklin Street Campus, please check with Faculty for further information. As this Campus is located in the CBD, you might like to consider finding accommodation closer to your campus.
Graduates from this course are given first preference for the following programs. This is a competitive process and graduates will be eligible to apply on the basis of minimum requirements and relevant prerequisites, as indicated on our website:
Master of Clinical Audiology, Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics, Master of Dietetic Practice, Master of Health Information Management, Master of Occupational Therapy Practice, Master of Orthoptics, Master of Podiatric Practice, Master of Physiotherapy Practice, Master of Social Work and Master of Speech Pathology. - Career opportunities
- Depending on which subjects you select, you may graduate to take on roles in public health, health promotion, community or private health services, aged care, disability services, research, hospitals, rehabilitation counselling, or occupational health and safety.
You may go on to Honours or postgraduate qualifications in fields like human biosciences, rehabilitation counselling, public health, ergonomics, prosthetics, podiatry, physiotherapy or gerontology (the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of ageing). - How to apply
- Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
Please apply through VTAC if you're completing your VCE or International Baccalaureate (IB) in Victoria, or apply through UAC if you're completing your HSC or IB in New South Wales.
Do you have an excellent academic record? If you're a full-fee paying student, you may be eligible for a La Trobe College Excellence Scholarship and receive up to a 25% reduction on your course fees. - See Student Handbook for more details
- The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options.
The delivery of this course can vary between campuses. For detailed information please select the relevant campus:
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Alternative pathways
Diploma of Health Sciences (Bendigo only)
Public health placements
Compulsory field placement subject in Year 3
Overseas study opportunities
You may be eligible for our student exchange program.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. View all the staff from the College of Science, Health and Engineering.