Bachelor of Health Science

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science is designed to produce graduates who will have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute effectively to the ever-changing health industry. The program aims to produce graduates who have a foundation in basic health science with a major and minor area of study to be selected from a range of disciplines, and who can employ inter-disciplinary knowledge and skills to operate effectively within the broader health care sector. The program prepares graduates to contribute to the innovative healthcare service required to meet the changing health needs of society.

What will I study?

Students obtain extensive knowledge in the biological, social and behavioural sciences, from an allied health perspective, and gain an understanding of the health needs of society and the healthcare system. Students develop an understanding of the broad scope of the health industry and the roles of various stakeholders.

Students then choose a major and a minor from a range of specialisations including administrative management, adult and community education, commerce, human resource management, management accounting, management of information technology, marketing, counselling studies and psychology. More information on Bachelor of Health Sciences majors and minors

Throughout the program, students undertake workplace experiences in areas of health policy, health promotion and health analysis and then continue developing practical experience by choosing a workplace experience relating to their area of specialisation. Students learn together with students from the allied health areas of medical radiation, occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy and exercise science, thus developing a strong understanding of the role of these professions within the health industry.

What does it take?

Students should have a positive approach to health, be advocates of a healthy lifestyle and also have an interest in science. They need to communicate effectively across a range of allied health disciplines and be aware of international perspectives with respect to health and the health industry. Problem-solving skills are required to develop and implement programs that promote health and wellbeing and to determine solutions for healthcare problems. Students must demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse range of individuals within the community and respond well to change.

Who will employ me?

There is growing demand for non-clinical health professionals who have an understanding of core allied health disciplines in both the private and public sectors. Graduates are skilled to work in the health industry, particularly in allied health areas. They are able to apply their integrated and multidisciplinary knowledge to a broad range of roles in areas such as the promotion of health services (including mental health services), health policy, health research, healthcare management (fitness and preventative healthcare management), human resource management, health information management, health education and counselling.

Graduates may find work as clinical managers, community development officers, health information officers, marketing associates, youth project officers, policy analysts and research officers.

Graduates will typically find employment in government, academia, industry, business and the community including hospitals, healthcare foundations, mental health and public health units, specific health clinics, aged and disability care services.