Public Health University of Otago

Overview

The Public Health programme at the University of Otago provides a comprehensive exploration of the social, environmental, and political factors that influence the wellbeing of populations. Students learn to address complex global challenges by designing innovative health solutions and advocating for social justice.

This degree focuses on the bigger picture of health, moving beyond individual treatment to understand how housing, climate change, and government policy impact communities. The curriculum is grounded in the unique health context of Aotearoa New Zealand while maintaining a broad global perspective.

Why Public Health at the University of Otago?

The University of Otago is home to one of the leading centres for health education in New Zealand, where students learn from experts who actively shape national policy. The department gained significant recognition for its role in advising the government on pandemic responses and infectious disease control.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment on the Dunedin campus, featuring interactive seminars and community-based partnerships. The teaching staff bring real-world expertise into the classroom, ensuring that academic theories are always connected to practical, impactful health outcomes.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 43470 per year
• National fee: NZD 9584 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in population health before moving into specialised research and policy analysis. Modules may include:

100-level

• Human Body Systems 1
• Human Body Systems 2
• Epidemiology
• Population Health

200-level

• 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

300-level

• 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 prepared for diverse roles within government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and international health bodies. The skills gained during the programme allow for immediate entry into change-making positions focused on equity and community development.

Potential career pathways include roles as health promotion officers, public policy advisors, and health data analysts. Many graduates also find success as environmental health researchers, epidemiology assistants, or community health programme coordinators across various sectors.