A major in Population Health will allow you to study the patterns of health and disease in society and to consider what we can do to improve the health of the community.
Introduction
Issues in population health are often controversial and we will discuss how we can balance individual and societal needs in order to maximise health and equity. What can we do to improve the health and well-being in communities?
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Course description, features and facilities
At Level 1, you will study Health and Illness in Human Populations and Health and Globalisation. These will introduce you to health issues locally and globally; and the social, environmental, biological and historical factors that influence health in a population.
At Level 2, you will develop skills in critical appraisal and research inquiry through Foundations of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The understanding of population health will be built upon in Disease Prevention and Control (which will focus on promoting health and preventing disease).
Level 3 will provide insights into specific applications of population health expertise, through Health Systems and Policy, Health Promotion, Health Industry Leadership and further develop research inquiry skills (Health Research Design and Methods). These units will provide a broad skill base for application within a dynamic health environment.
Complementary units in Aboriginal health and communication and project planning in health are also included.
The focus of teaching and learning will be on problem solving/inquiry directed learning individually and in teams. In particular we will develop your skills to analyse issues from several perspectives and adapt acquired knowledge to new situations.
Central to the major is community engagement, for example through structured visits to health organisations, voluntary work experience programs, field trips and assignments linked with the health sector.
The major will enable students to achieve knowledge and skills recognised as meeting nationally- and internationally-recognised standards.
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Student profile
Student profile – Estee Lambin
I knew that I wanted a course that could satisfy my curiosity and broad range of interests, but that would also give me some direction towards a career. Population Health has provided me with a fantastic experience, equipping me with both theoretical knowledge and the skills I will require for the workforce.
The biggest surprise of my course has been the many opportunities to apply my knowledge and gain practical experience. I have been able to participate in projects relating to health issues such as children’s play areas, smoking at the Royal Show, skate parks and loneliness. The most memorable to date would have to be a kidney health project which involved travelling out to a remote Indigenous community, and working with the town to create movies using traditional sand drawings, and to put on a kidney health parade.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
As a Population Health graduate, you will find careers in health promotion, medical administration, policy and planning and health project and program management in health departments, universities and non-government organisations around the world. The major also provides you with a strong foundation for future clinical studies in the postgraduate courses of medicine, dentistry and podiatry. In addition, you can obtain higher degree qualifications by research or coursework, and professional degree qualifications in nursing or social work.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a Population Health major can pursue further studies at Honours level, can undertake Masters in Public Health by coursework or research, or complete a PhD.
Further study options also include the Master of Nursing Science, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. This major gives a strong foundation for clinical studies in medicine, dentistry and podiatry.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- Recommended subjects
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in at least WACE Mathematics 2C/2D
| 80 |
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)
| 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
Recommended subjects
| Qualification and recommended subjects |
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3A/3B
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Methods)
|
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
French Baccalaureat Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
International Baccalaureate A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies) | 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP) Mathematics units as specified in UWAFP prospectus | 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in GCE AS-level Mathematics. | 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP) A scaled mark of 50 or more in at least Mathematics 2C/2D | 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC) A grade of B6 or above in Mathematics; if you do not have Advanced Mathematics (I) or (II), you will be required to complete a mathematics unit in your first year. | 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao A score of 80 (out of 150) or above in Mathematics | 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE) Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 15.70 |
German Abitur Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in H1-level Mathematics. | 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate A grade of 3 (40%) or above in Mathematics | 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
This contains text about How to Apply - International
Fees
$30980, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA

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