COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Public Health at the University of Victoria is a structured, practice-oriented program designed to help students understand and address health inequities through a social, community-based, and policy-driven approach. In Term 1, students begin with foundational courses in Indigenous health, social determinants of health, health program planning, and health research literacy, along with electives in an applied area of focus. Term 2 builds on this foundation with studies in public and population health, Canadian health systems, introductory statistics, and continued focus-area learning. In Term 3, students develop practical skills in evaluation research and health promotion, while also completing electives and applied focus courses. Term 4 focuses on advanced topics such as health policy, governance, community-centred public health, and inter-professional practice, preparing students for real-world health system work. In Term 5, students complete a supervised practicum and a culminating major paper, integrating academic learning with professional experience. The program also allows students to specialize in an applied area of focus such as Ageing, Disability Studies, Indigenous Peoples’ Health, or International and Global Health, each combining targeted courses in policy, community health, and equity. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in public health practice, health promotion, policy, advocacy, and community health organizations by combining theory, applied learning, and hands-on field experience.