Wellbeing for all
Improve health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities. Careers include case managers, epidemiologists, health officers and analysts.
Walk into a job
Massey public health graduates have great career prospects both in New Zealand and globally.
In great company
Massey's award-winning lecturers and their world-class research will make sure you have the very best training during your study.
Striving to be Tiriti-led
We work to uphold the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi – and to empower all New Zealanders, especially Māori.
Overview
No one thing can improve the health and wellbeing of a community or demographic group. Many factors come into play. And it's vital to work collaboratively with people, whānau and wider groups.
Learn from lecturers from across the health sciences. Explore new ideas with researchers with expertise in areas such as epidemiology, health literacy or health promotion. Examine contemporary public health challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Hone your advocacy, analytical and communication skills. Graduate work-ready, with skills employers need.
Studying public health is a good fit if you:
- enjoy school subjects such as health and social sciences
- want to make long-term improvements to health, and to health, wellbeing or disability services
- like creative problem-solving and collaborating with a wide range of people.
Courses in public health may cover:
- analysing health data and research
- developing meaningful relationships with people you'll support – individuals, whānau and communities
- Māori health
- mental health and addiction
- public health systems and functions – examples include health assessments, health promotion and developing capacity
- rehabilitation
- social factors that impact health and wellbeing, such as education, environment and housing.
What is public health?
Public health – also called population health – focuses on the health of groups of people. Public health examines patterns of health across different populations and take a systems view of all factors affecting health.
It includes:
- healthy environments and living conditions
- partnering with communities
- promoting good health and preventing illnesses
- social justice and equity, including causes of health inequalities
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led practice.
How to study public health
Discover what we offer if you’re interested in public health – whether you’re coming to university for the first time, changing direction or returning to advance your study or career.
Undergraduate study
Bachelor's degrees
Bachelor of Health Science – BHlthSc
Discover your path in health science at Massey University.
Health Promotion – Bachelor of Health Science
Tackle key health challenges and improve individual, community and population well-being with Massey's Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion).
Integrated Human Health – Bachelor of Health Science
Learn about the impact of biological and environmental factors on human health, and how you can make a difference.
Mental Health and Addiction – Bachelor of Health Science
Massey’s Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health and Addiction) will help you start or advance a career in the mental health and addictions workforce.
Relevant undergraduate subjects to major or specialise in
When you apply to study at Massey, for some undergraduate qualifications you can choose what subject you’d like to specialise in. You can usually change your mind after you get to university, depending on the courses you enrol in.
Postgraduate study
Master's degrees
Māori Health – Master of Health Science
Elevate the health and wellbeing of iwi, hapū, whānau, and Māori communities with Massey's Master of Health Science (Māori Health).
Master of Health Service Management – MHSM
Through Massey’s internationally recognised, Master of Health Service Management qualification you’ll gain the expertise to advance your career.
Master of Public Health – MPH
The Master of Public Health has practice and research pathways. The Professional Practice Pathway involves coursework and work-integrated learning opportunities. The Research Pathway involves conducting research under the supervision of experienced public health researchers.
Postgraduate diplomas
Māori Health – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
This qualification enables you to specialise in Māori knowledge within advanced health studies. Explore the progress made and the potential to further develop the health and wellbeing of Māori communities.
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health – PGDipPH
Get a high-quality, comprehensive education in public health to boost your career while improving the health of New Zealanders.
PhD and other doctoral degrees
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD
A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.
Relevant research areas at Massey
Discover research expertise, projects and initiatives relating to public health at Massey.
What our students say
“My degree was a pathway into hauora Māori after a career in animal health and farming. My thesis is about Tāne ora, the wellbeing of Māori men. If strategy, policy and high-level problem solving in health and the social sector is up your ally, the MPH would be a great qualification to consider.”
Ngāti Tūwharetoa
“I recommend studying at Massey University because it allowed me to learn about everything that contributes to health and wellbeing, but also the real world application of this knowledge that allows you to work in the health field.”
“The course-work covers many concepts of public health, from sociology to health systems, political landscapes and their influence on health, right down to designing and running an intervention. Almost everything I learn has applicability in my working role – I am able to learn and practice as I go.”
Jobs in public health
Careers in public health typically focus on improving health and wellbeing, and reducing inequalities. Our graduates develop skills to promote and protect all aspects of health and wellbeing, including mental, physical, spiritual and family health, and the health of the environment.
Careers can include work in local or national government, in iwi and non-government health organisations. Job prospects are good in New Zealand and overseas.
Public health careers include:
- case managers, who organise rehabilitation or disability care plans
- health or whānau ora navigators, who help people find suitable support or treatment
- community health workers
- epidemiologists, who specialise in the causes or spread of diseases
- health protection officers
- mental health and addiction practitioners
- policy analysts or advisers
- service designers.
Annual salary ranges for jobs
- Epidemiologist – $50,000 to $175,000
- Policy analyst – $71,000 to $170,000
- Public health officer – $48,000 to $85,000
Salary ranges disclaimer
Indicative pay rates are:
- in New Zealand dollars
- based on careers.govt.nz data.
Which public health qualification?
Examples of where our qualifications may take you.
| Jobs | Examples of what you could study |
|---|---|
| Community health worker or programme co-ordinator | Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion) |
| Mental health and addiction practitioners | Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health and Addiction) |
| Policy analyst or advisor |
Bachelor of Health Science Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health and Addiction) |
| Public health officer | Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health |
| Researcher, epidemiologist or programme designer specialising in public health | Master of Public Health |
Accreditations and rankings
APHEA Validated Curriculum
The Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) has validated Massey's Master of Public Health as adhering to international standards for a modern comprehensive degree in public health.
IUHPE Accreditation
The Mental Health Promotion Pathway in the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health and Addiction) and the Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion) are accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). Graduates are eligible to apply to IUHPE to become registered Health Promotion Practitioners.
DAPAANZ - Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand
The Addiction Practitioner Pathway in the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health and Addiction) is accredited by the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ). Graduates are eligible to apply for provisional registration to work in the sector as addiction practitioner.
Get an information guide
Download our guide to find out more about studying public health (also called population health) at Massey.
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