How can I help solve global public health problems?

Education options in global health

At the University of Sydney, we offer a wide range of postgraduate degrees that will help you to expand your knowledge and to improve health globally. Through these degrees, you’ll acquire versatile skills that are valuable in both clinical and non-clinical roles, as well as in research and policymaking.

Study options include:

• Master of Global Health
• Master of Public Health
• Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion
• Master of Health Policy and Planning
• Master of Bioethics
• Master of Biostatistics
• Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology)

Students in these programs are taught to think deeply about the world around them. “Our students are taught critical reflection and analysis of contemporary ethical concerns and dilemmas that underlie the current global health issues,” says Dr Supriya Subramani from the School of Public Health.

This is an assertion also supported by planetary health researcher Dr Aaron Jenkins.

"We enable students to recognise the risks present and the opportunities to act within the interconnected systems of our biosphere," says Dr Jenkins.

“These range from the global climate system to the environmental and social contexts, residential settings, and individual behaviours, to organs, unicellular organisms, and even the genetic elements that work together to regulate health."

Real world experience

Practical fieldwork, internships and volunteer opportunities provide relevant and practical experience, preparing graduates to tackle specific health issues with a hands-on approach. This in-turn allows for the creation of sustainable, positive health outcomes across communities and countries.

Real world experiences are essential in providing the best possible education.

“Our students know the breadth of possibilities available to make a difference. Seeing former students move in to roles – both in and outside government – that directly shape the public health policy landscape, is inspiring,” mentions Associate Professor Becky Freeman from the School of Public Health.

Gain research skills

You’ll learn how to utilise evidence-based practice to design and evaluate interventions that are rooted in scientific evidence. Research skills will allow you to deep-dive into global health issues and formulate strategies to help solve them.

Academics across the School of Public Health are interested in a range of topics including: health communication, ecosystems, vaccination rates, ethical concepts, health economics and back pain.

“As part of our research, we talk to individuals, communities, healthcare services, and examine policies to promote vaccination as a vital part of public health,” says Professor Julie Leask from the School of Public Health.

Professor Leask also stresses the importance of checking data sources to prevent misinformation, as well as communicating effectively to promote trust, especially when dealing with contentious issues.

“Vaccines are essential in saving lives and preventing severe illnesses worldwide. Despite their effectiveness, some people remain unvaccinated. To address this challenge, the Social and Behavioural Insights in Immunisation research group focuses on understanding why people don't vaccinate and finding solutions,” says Professor Leask.

Melody Taba is a Senior Research Officer and PhD Candidate in the School of Public Health. She undertakes research to co-create solutions with affected communities that are contextually relevant, culturally sensitive and address the real needs of young people.

You’ll not only learn from affected communities, but also collaborate with organisations that provide healthcare. Dr Julie Ayre from the School of Public Health has undertaken research alongside the local health districts of Greater Western Sydney during COVID-19.

“Amidst ever-changing official advice and a surge in online misinformation, it was crucial that every Australian could quickly grasp and carry out public health advice. By teaming up with local health districts in Greater Western Sydney, our research was able to amplify the voices of communities that faced significant challenges at this time,” reflects Dr Ayre.

Careers in global health

A career in global health offers a wide variety of potential options. You may choose to pursue opportunities to work with governments, agencies like the United Nations, or the World Health Organization.

You might also move into Australian health services, academic institutions or advocacy organisations where you could influence policy.

“Global health problems are problems about inequities in health and wellbeing which adversely affect people around the world,” says Associate Professor Seye Abimbola, from the School's Sydney Global Health research group.

Graduates from our range of education options in global health take on many different roles. “Our graduates work in service delivery, policymaking, advocacy and research; all of which are career possibilities for people who are passionate about solving inequities in health and wellbeing around the world,” considers Associate Professor Sarah Bernays, also from Sydney Global Health.

Health economics researcher Dr Alison Pearce notes how public health graduates can utilise what they have learnt to influence government policy.

“Health economists can assess the allocation of resources within health systems to help policy makers prioritise health spending and identify inefficiencies and propose improvements,” says Dr Pearce.

Dr Pearce conducted research to measure the growing burden of cancer in rapidly developing economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) which provided evidence for policy makers to implement cancer prevention and screening activities in their health systems which are typically focussed on communicable diseases.

Dr Gustavo Machado from the School of Public Health talks about how graduates can affect better health outcomes.

“Back pain is one of the world’s greatest public health challenges – it is the biggest cause of disability globally affecting 540 million people," says Dr Machado.

"Research from our School has promoted awareness of non-opioid pain management alternatives for back pain and supporting policies that prioritise access to non-pharmacological interventions and rehabilitation services, which have contributed to mitigating the opioid crisis."

Become an advocate

As a graduate from one of our postgraduate public health degrees, you’ll work with national and international leaders and people who are passionate about overcoming global health problems, as well as those directly affected by issues.

Graduates can champion important health system reforms, contribute to the creation of equitable health policies, and advocate for greater inclusion of the most vulnerable populations. You’ll be encouraged to find advocacy and community groups exploring issues you're interested in so that you can lend your voice and amplify issues to advocate for change.

Advocacy is modelled across the discipline. “Healthcare research, policy, program and intervention depends on collective action to support, protect and promote health. To achieve this objective, the public health education foundation must be committed to promoting justice and equity,” says Dr Supriya Subramani.

“In my research, I attempt to understand how lived experiences, particularly disrespectful experiences in healthcare encounters, target one's self-respect and dignity. I argue in my work that respecting persons, especially marginalised and vulnerable community members, requires acknowledging their embodied experiences.”

Learn more about the University of Sydney School of Public Health, ranked 10th in the world for public health.*

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