Health science is the study of how people and communities stay well. It brings together biology, public health, psychology, data, policy and the organisation of care. If you are wondering what health science is, think of it as the evidence, systems and practice that prevent illness, improve services and support healthier lives.
Key disciplines and scope
- Human biology and physiology
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Health promotion and behaviour change
- Health informatics and digital health
- Exercise and nutrition science
- Health services management and policy
- Culturally safe practice and community health
Health science tests what works, translates research into practice and designs services that are safe, efficient and equitable. It matters for vaccination programs, chronic disease prevention, mental health supports, aged care models, rural access and the everyday decisions that make health systems work.
Careers and outlook
What can you do with a health science degree, or what can you do with a health science degree if you are mid-career? Graduates work across:
- Public health and health promotion
- Primary and community health
- Research coordination and clinical trials
- Health policy, planning and evaluation
- Health data, informatics and quality improvement
- Corporate wellbeing, safety and return to work
Demand is growing in prevention, telehealth, data enabled care and regional health services. Employers look for graduates who can read evidence, analyse data, engage communities and collaborate across disciplines.
Health science at UNE
Health science at UNE is built for experienced adults. You can study online first, with optional on‑campus intensives, across three trimesters in full‑time or part‑time modes. Courses focus on the skills that matter in modern health: critical thinking, research and analysis, clear communication, and collaboration. You’ll join a mature, supportive learning community, with recognition of prior learning, academic advice, and study support that fits work and family. UNE’s long track record in adult education and online delivery is reflected in consistent 5‑star student ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Graduates move into roles across public health, research support, health data and informatics, service design, policy and planning, health promotion, and community health. The curriculum keeps pace with sector change—prevention, digital health, rural and regional access, and data‑enabled care.
Health Science‑related UNE degrees (indicative list)
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Health Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
Postgraduate
- Master of Public Health
- Graduate Certificate in Public Health
- Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Management
Study options and learning
- Flexible online first study with short on campus intensives where required
- Core scientific literacy plus applied statistics, research skills and communication
- Learning framed by regional and rural health needs and First Nations perspectives
- Academic advisors, study support and recognition of prior learning for experienced adults
Courses and experiences
- Undergraduate and pathway options in health science
- Electives across public health, data, promotion and service design
- Opportunities for industry projects, placements where available and research exposure through UNE health networks
Research and community impact
UNE researchers work on rural workforce models, digital health, prevention and equity. Students learn to translate findings into practical solutions for local services and communities.
Plan your next step
If you are weighing health science, what is it against your goals, we can help map units to your background, plan study loads around work and family and discuss trimester timing. If you are asking, what can I do with a health science degree? We can outline role pathways aligned to your skills and interests.
Common questions:
- Is health science the same as medical science? No. Medical science focuses on laboratory and clinical discovery. Health science focuses on populations, services and applied practice.
- Do I need a clinical background? No. Many roles are non-clinical and value analysis, communication and service design.
