Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Public Health

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Human Services / Bachelor of Public Health at QUT is a four-year double degree that combines community support with population health, preparing students to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of individuals and society. It is well suited to those who are passionate about social justice, health promotion and creating practical solutions to improve the lives of diverse communities.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both human services and public health. They explore topics related to community wellbeing, health promotion and social policy while developing essential communication, critical thinking and professional skills for future practice.

Year 2:
During the second year, students expand their understanding of public health systems and human services practice. They study areas such as epidemiology, health promotion and policy development while learning how to engage with communities and support people from diverse backgrounds.

Year 3:
The third year focuses on applying theory to real-world situations through evidence-based practice. Students develop skills in program planning, research methods and community development while preparing for professional placements that strengthen their ability to assess needs, advocate for clients and deliver effective services.

Year 4:
In the final year, students bring together their knowledge from both disciplines through advanced projects and supervised professional experience. They refine leadership, policy and program management skills while working on practical solutions to address complex health and social challenges.

Focus areas (in a string):
Human services, public health, health promotion, community development, social policy, epidemiology, population health, program planning, advocacy, health education, policy development, community wellbeing

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Develop community-based interventions, design and evaluate health promotion programs, analyse population health issues, apply social policy principles, support vulnerable individuals and communities, use evidence-based practice, communicate effectively with stakeholders, promote social justice and health equity

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Graduates can pursue membership with professional organisations such as the Public Health Association of Australia, the Australian Health Promotion Association and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education. The program also includes supervised professional experience and industry-focused learning to prepare students for practice.

Reputation (employability rankings):
QUT is known for its strong industry connections and practical approach to education. This double degree incorporates work-integrated learning and professional placements, helping graduates build the experience and skills needed for careers in government, non-government and community sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Human Services / Bachelor of Public Health at QUT gives students plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice through professional placements, community engagement and industry-focused projects. Throughout the four-year degree, students work on real health and social challenges, building practical skills in advocacy, health promotion, program planning and community support while learning from experienced professionals. The hands-on nature of the course is reflected in the following experiences:

Complete 500 hours of supervised professional placement in the human services component across settings such as community organisations, youth services, disability support, homelessness services, child protection and aged care.
Undertake 185 hours of professional placement in the public health component with government agencies, non-government organisations and community health partners.
Access opportunities for regional, rural and international placements, allowing students to gain experience in diverse communities and health settings.
Take part in work-integrated learning projects that develop practical skills in assessment, intervention, advocacy and health promotion.
Collaborate on group projects and community initiatives focused on addressing real public health and social issues.
Learn from industry-experienced academics and practitioners with expertise in healthcare, policy, research and community services.
Use QUT’s libraries, digital learning resources and collaborative study spaces to support research, evidence-based practice and project work.
Build valuable professional connections through partnerships with government departments, community organisations and non-profit agencies.
Gain experience designing, delivering and evaluating health promotion and human services programs in real-world contexts.
Develop career-ready skills through practical learning that reflects current priorities across the public health and community services sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Services / Bachelor of Public Health at QUT are well prepared to build rewarding careers focused on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. The combination of expertise in human services and public health creates opportunities in roles such as human services practitioner, public health officer, community development officer and health promotion coordinator across government, non-government and community organisations. With extensive practical experience and industry engagement, graduates enter the workforce with skills that are highly valued across the sector:

QUT Careers and Employability offers career planning, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities and job search support to help students transition into employment.
Students complete substantial professional placements, including 500 hours in human services and 185 hours in public health, providing valuable real-world experience before graduation.
Partnerships with government agencies, health organisations and community service providers enable students to build professional networks and gain hands-on industry exposure.
Graduates can pursue membership with professional bodies such as the Public Health Association of Australia and the Australian Health Promotion Association, supporting ongoing career development.
The degree prepares students for careers in community services, health promotion, policy development, advocacy, program management and population health.
Practical learning and evidence-based training help graduates develop the confidence and skills needed to work across diverse health and social service settings.
Students graduate with experience in designing, delivering and evaluating programs that address complex community and public health challenges.
The broad skill set gained through this double degree provides flexibility to work across a wide range of organisations dedicated to improving health outcomes and social wellbeing.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, graduates can continue their studies with postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Public Health, Master of Health Management or other specialised degrees in health, community services, policy or research. Those interested in advanced academic or leadership pathways may also pursue higher research programs to deepen their expertise in public health, human services or social policy.