Public health investigates issues that affect the health and wellbeing of a group such as a society. The aim of public health is to improve quality of life through addressing the common issues and problems within a society.
Many other factors also affect our society including mental health, poverty, abuse and addiction, along with the determinants of health such as housing and environment. These have an effect on society as a whole, and the communities or groups of people within society. Working with government, communities and other organisations to help deal with these issues is where public health comes in.
Public health also includes monitoring and responding to communicable diseases; diagnosing and investigating health problems in a community; advocating through creation of health policy; and creating public initiatives to promote awareness of an issue and encourage healthy behaviours. It also addresses health disparities to help ensure health for all.

Public health is an interesting and varied subject that also offers great personal reward through the results you achieve.
This specialisation would be of interest to clinicians and primary healthcare professionals, as well as those working in local government and community-based organisations.

You can study Public Health in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or the Master of Public Health.
Our graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and capacity to forge new pathways towards real solutions for disadvantaged populations in the face of change. Our public health programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to help reduce the burden of disease and injury and improve the quality of healthcare delivery. It provides an advanced understanding of the theoretical and practical issues and the skills to apply these principles in the workplace, in research and in day-to-day life.
Areas of study within Public Health include epidemiology and biostatistics, Māori health, and health services and policy.