Bachelor degrees in Health Sciences, Public Health or Science specialising in environmental health can be studied at university.

During study in environmental health through a Bachelor of Health Sciences, Public Health or Science, you’ll get an introduction to public and population health, preventive health, microbiology, biostatistics and epidemiology. You may also have the option to further focus on medical entomology (the study of insects and their impact on health).

You’ll learn about factors in our natural and built environments that impact health and gain an understanding of how microorganisms and toxic substances interact with our bodies and the negative health effects. You’ll develop practical and professional knowledge and skills to assess and manage risks to a range of healthy environments. You’ll also learn about the role of policy and legislation in environmental health risk management.

To be employed as an environmental health officer, you’ll generally need to study a course that has been accredited by Environmental Health Australia. You can see the current list of accredited courses here: https://www.eh.org.au/workforce/accredited-courses.

You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place, which means the Australian government pays for part of your course costs. Visit https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/commonwealth-supported-places-csps for more information on Commonwealth Supported Places.

People with degrees in environmental health may work in a range of areas, such as the local council, state and federal governments, and public or private health services and organisations.

Talk to a career advisor or your teachers or guidance officer for more information on whether this course might be suitable based on your education and/or workplace experience.