Explore a career in public health
Understand, influence and transform public health initiatives around the world
What is public health?
If you’re interested in working with world-leading practitioners to drive better health outcomes on a local and global level, a career in public health might be the perfect opportunity for you.
At UNSW, we refer to the profession more broadly as population health. This includes public and global health, infectious diseases, and health leadership and management. Our programs prepare you to work collaboratively with industry, government and other health professionals to create a more equitable world by uplifting population health.
Working in a population health-related field is perfect for people who are passionate about positively influencing the health outcomes of their community. You’ll be a curious, open-minded learner who’s not afraid to challenge existing systems and look for unique ways to deliver values-based healthcare to shape a better future.
With a public health degree, you might consult for a large global health organisation or work with government agencies to deliver national health initiatives.
Introducing the School of Population Health
At UNSW School of Population Health, we’re proudly leading the way in educating the next generation of health professionals. Led by a team of world-class practitioners and academics, we’re working to drive positive change across various public health contexts.
Our vision is to transform and uplift people’s health in Australia and around the world. Our faculty brings experience from multiple disciplines in local and international settings. These diverse perspectives allow us to examine health systems, outcomes and policies with a focus on equity, diversity and social justice.
#20 globally for public health research
Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, 2024
Most employable graduates
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards 2020-2025
#5 in Australia for life sciences and medicine
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025
Why study public health at UNSW?
UNSW School of Population Health is at the forefront of research and transformation. Our programs drive real-world impact where students work to solve complex local and global health system challenges. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, research projects and placements. And you’ll do it all under the guidance of experienced practitioners from diverse health backgrounds who value equity and innovation.
At UNSW, we encourage you to tailor your studies around your interests and aspirations. You can choose any combination of our four study areas to complete two masters degrees in less than two years and add an extension component to dive into postgraduate research.
Our vision is to transform and uplift people’s health in Australia and around the world. Our faculty brings experience from multiple disciplines in local and international settings. These diverse perspectives allow us to examine health systems, outcomes and policies with a focus on equity, diversity and social justice.
Tailored
Two master's degrees in less than two years
At UNSW, you can combine two study areas within the School of Population Health and graduate with two master's degrees in two years or less.
Impact
Real-world impact beyond the classroom
Join an innovative, research-led school that directly impacts health and healthcare outcomes in Australia and beyond.
Connect
Build connections and experience from day one
Take advantage of UNSW’s global network of health organisations and gain real-world experience through an internship or work placement.
Research
Take your research to the next level
You’ll have the opportunity to extend your degree to complete a research project, which can open the door for a future PhD.
Explore our double master's degrees
At UNSW, you can complete a double degree in record time. Combine your interests and give yourself a competitive edge in the job market by tackling two master's degrees in just 1.7 years.
Interested in an undergraduate degree?
UNSW's Bachelor of Public Health will teach you how to tackle global health challenges. This unique degree goes beyond the individual, to address global health concerns including ageing populations, unhealthy lifestyles, communicable disease outbreaks and the health impacts of climate change.
Complete a research project
Want to take your studies to the next level? You can add an extension component to any single or dual degree within the School of Population Health. Take on additional research methodology courses and/or an advanced research project. An extension degree is a great stepping stone for enrolling in a PhD.
Our partners
Our ability to deliver world-class medical education and significant healthcare breakthroughs couldn't be achieved without the strength of our affiliated medical research institutes. Explore our UNSW Medicine & Health partnerships and how they contribute to improving health outcomes in Australia and beyond.
Public health jobs in Australia and beyond
Studying a public health degree can lead you down all kinds of career paths. You might join a government agency and travel across Australia promoting health initiatives through national campaigns. Or, you could work as a consultant for large hospitals and health organisations to uplift their public health programs. Your expertise may even be called on during global health emergencies, where you’ll help shape responses to health crises.
You’ll also have the option to continue your research after graduation. Adding a postgraduate research component to your masters is a great stepping stone to a future PhD. Many of our postgraduate students receive funding and scholarships to support their research.
Here are some areas and industries your population health career might take you:
Local area health services
Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health
Integrated healthcare services
C-suite health service roles
Government health policy
Medical communications and program management
UN-based health organisations and NGOs
International aid and first responder organisations
Health education and advocacy
Universities and research institutions
"My MPH has already assisted me in my career, allowing me to quickly make the transition from research and disability sector work into a Health Promotion position with NSW Health. Day to day, my MPH has given me the solid theoretical foundation upon which to build my career in population health, as well as an eagerness to use all available resources to full advantage."
Arlita Willman
UNSW Master of Public Health alum | Operations Manager, Health Promotion at Northern Sydney Local Health District.
Interested in a career in Public Health?
If you're considering studying Public Health and UNSW our enquiries team is here to provide more information and assist you with any questions you have.
