The purpose of the major in Public Health is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in science and health, experience in critical appraisal and scientific investigation, an understanding of values and ethics in health, and the ability to apply these to improving health and well-being through disease prevention, health promotion, and health service planning, delivery and evaluation.

Students with the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health will be able to function effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams in the health sector. Examples of career pathways include community roles in public health units, district health boards, non-governmental organisations, local government, health promoters, public health analysts, and a research career in public health. Graduates might also go on to postgraduate study to further their specialisation in the field.