Bachelor of Public Health (Honours) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Public Health (Honours)

Advance your passion for improving community health through research that creates meaningful change.

The Bachelor of Public Health (Honours) is a one-year program designed for graduates who want to deepen their understanding of public health issues, develop advanced research skills and contribute to evidence that informs policy, practice and population health outcomes. Through advanced coursework and an independent research project, you'll gain practical experience in research design, data analysis, ethics and research translation. This Honours year is more than a qualification – it’s a launchpad for postgraduate study, research careers, and lifelong impact in the health sector.

In this program you will:

  • Develop a coherent and feasible research project proposal in your chosen health discipline.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise evidence to generate new insights and understanding of a health topic.
  • Apply advanced analytical, data management and research skills with rigour and integrity.
  • Build the independence, adaptability and and reflective practice as an emerging health researcher.

This program is new in 2027

Location

Duration

1 year 1 year Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2026 fees (A$)

TBA / TBA CSP / Fee-paying
CSP / Fee-paying

Start

  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 3
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 3

Career opportunities

  • Community health research officer
  • Epidemiology research assistant
  • Health policy research officer
  • Public health research officer
  • Research assistant
  • Research technician

Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 3
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 3
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total units
96
Duration
1 year 1 year
UniSC program code
BH005
Program structure
Graduate courses

84 units

RES400 Research Project Preparation(24 units)
RES402 Data Analysis in Health
RES403 Ethics to Impact
RES405A Research Thesis A
RES405B Research Thesis B(48 units)

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 96 units as outlined in the Program Structure.
Program notes

Calculation of the Honours Classification 

The final percentage mark achieved for each course is multiplied by the weighting indicated below. The weighted marks are totalled for all courses to determine the Honours Classification. 

Course 

Mark 

Weighting 

RES400 Research Project Preparation in Health 

Final mark (%) 

25 % 

RES402 Data Analysis in Health 

Limited grade (Pass / Fail) 

0 % 

RES403 Ethics to Impact 

Limited grade (Pass / Fail) 

0 % 

RES405 Research Thesis in Health 

Final mark (%) 

75 % 

  

Honours Classifications  

Final grades are converted to Honours Classifications as follows: 

- Honours Class I overall percentage in the range 80% - 100% 

- Honours Class IIA overall percentage in the range 70% - 79% 

- Honours Class IIB overall percentage in the range 60% - 69% 

- Honours Class III overall percentage in the range 50% - 59% 

 

  • The program includes 4 courses. Full time enrolment is equivalent of 48 units per study period, over two study periods (one year). Part-time enrolment is equivalent of 24 units per study period over four study periods (2 years). Note, RES405 is completed as a progressive course for students enrolled in part-time study. 

  • It is each student’s responsibility to enrol correctly according to their course requisites, program rules, and requirements. Assessment due dates may vary slightly depending on the academic calendar each year. Due dates for each intake are available in Canvas and in the School of Health Honours Handbook (updated annually).

  • As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. 

  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses. 

  • Students will develop advanced disciplinary knowledge through independent study under the guidance of their supervisor. This may include acquiring and demonstrating specific skills or knowledge required for the research to the satisfaction of their supervisor. 

  • Students will undertake research training. This may include research methodology, theory development and material about research practice, as well as practice in the formulation of research proposals, in research techniques, and in research ethics. 

  • Students will produce a substantial independent research thesis/project of at least 48 units: A project for which students take significant autonomy for planning and conducting research, leading to an extended piece of work, usually presented in the form of a thesis, research paper and literature review, manuscript and associated documentation, project, or creative work and exegesis. 

  • The specifications of these components and their assessment will be in keeping with the conventions and standards of scholarship in the relevant discipline. 

A three-year Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) from a recognised higher education institution in a relevant health discipline, or equivalent.

Special selection criteria

A high level of achievement in the intended area of study must be demonstrated, and a grade point average of 5 or higher achieved across second and third year level courses that have been undertaken.

Post admission requirements

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee entry. Importantly, enrolment is contingent upon the School's capacity to provide appropriate supervision in the intended field of research.

Additional entry information

Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the English language requirements for further information.

Further study pathways

This program provides a pathway to higher degree research, including Master's and PhD programs and prepares graduates for research-focused careers across health, biomedical science and related sectors.

CSP estimate
TBA
Fee-paying estimate
TBA

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Fee-paying places

A fee-paying place is not covered by any government subsidy, and you are required to pay the full cost of the courses you are studying.

If you accept a fee-paying place, you can defer the cost of your studies via a FEE-HELP loan. Eligibility for a FEE-HELP loan is the same as for a Commonwealth-supported place. You must:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

Note: All programs are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to review the program information before enrolling at UniSC.

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Student story

“The lecturers were super-supportive, always patient and had so much knowledge to share. I especially loved the real-world examples from their experiences in many different areas of practice.”

Samantha Harvey Graduate
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@unisc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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