Public Health University of Otago

Overview

The Public Health programme at the University of Otago offers a transformative educational experience focused on the social, political, and environmental forces that shape population wellbeing. Students engage with critical global challenges, from climate change to health inequalities, while developing practical solutions for diverse communities.

This course encourages students to look beyond individual clinical treatments to understand the broader systemic factors that influence health outcomes. By studying at this institution, you will learn to design healthier environments and advocate for social justice through evidence-based policy and community partnerships.

The curriculum is grounded in the unique health context of Aotearoa New Zealand, incorporating indigenous perspectives and global health trends.

Why Public Health at the University of Otago?

The university is home to one of the leading centres for health education in the country, where teaching is delivered by experts who actively shape national health policy. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment on the Dunedin campus, featuring interactive seminars and collaborative group work.

Distinctive teaching features include real-world projects and partnerships with community organisations, ensuring that academic theory is applied to practical settings. The department is renowned for its advocacy in equity and human rights, with staff who contributed significantly to national pandemic response strategies.

Facilities and academic structures are designed to support student success, offering a mix of independent exploration and systemic thinking. You will join a diverse peer group and gain access to a network of specialists across Wellington and Christchurch, enhancing your professional development and research opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 51975 per year
• National fee: NZD 13158 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Human Body Systems 1
• Human Body Systems 2
• Epidemiology
• Population Health
• Health Promotion
• Hauora Māori: Challenges and Opportunities
• Epidemiology of Global Health Conditions
• Translating Culture
• Contemporary Ethnographic Research
• Human Health Across the Lifespan
• Social Geography
• Pacific Health: New Zealand and the Pacific Region
• Health Policy and Politics
• Social Inequality
• The Treaty and Social Services
• Public and Global Health: Current Issues
• Rangahau Hauora Māori - Māori Health Research
• Public Health Research
• Conceiving Reproduction
• Anthropology of Health
• Applied Aspects of Human Health
• Public Sociology
• Kaupapa Māori, and Indigenous Approaches to Social Work

Careers with Public Health

Graduates are well-prepared for change-making roles in government and non-government organisations. Common career paths include working as health promotion officers, public policy advisors, or health data analysts. The skills gained allow for immediate impact in sectors focused on health equity and community development.

Opportunities also exist in specialised fields such as epidemiology, environmental health research, and global health consultancy. Many alumni find success as community health programme coordinators, using their expertise to address issues like housing, poverty, and sustainable health systems in various industries.