Health Policy and Innovation

Develop critical thinking skills and learn research methods to understand the factors that influence the health of diverse populations.

The study of Health Policy and Innovation looks at the various factors that influence the health of different populations over their life span, explores measures of health outcomes, and looks at ways to develop actions or policies that will lead to the improved health and wellbeing of communities as well as health services.

Roles and career pathways

Health Policy and Innovation graduates may work in the role such as:

  • policy analyst
  • researcher analyst
  • community wellbeing coordinator
  • project coordinator
  • training and development adviser
  • business or service designer
  • consultants
  • administrator

As an undergraduate seeking a first role, you may work initially in administration, coordination, or assistant adviser roles.

For careers in policy and research, study at postgraduate level in areas such as Health, Communication, or Public Policy can be valuable.

Ali Leota

Graduate career stories

Ali started his Bachelor of Health when it first launched in 2018 and now works as a population health advisor for Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

Read about Ali's story

Where Health Policy and Innovation graduates work

Graduates will apply their critical thinking, quantitative, and analytical skills in a range of health and related non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Here are just a few examples:

Build relevant skills and experience

Paid and unpaid work experience build workplace skills

Part-time work and volunteering during your studies all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Volunteering in the health sector will provide valuable experience.

Internships and work-integrated learning opportunities

The Bachelor of Health offers Research and Enquiry in Health and Health Internship courses, which provide students the opportunity to develop applied research or workplace skills and experience.

The FHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for students of all disciplines also helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience.

Make career connections

Networking and making connections with individuals and groups while you study can help you learn more about career opportunities. Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora—Health Services Research Centre, based at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, focuses on the study of the health and disability needs of communities in New Zealand. The Centre offers a range of seminar series for graduates and students to learn and network throughout the year. Getting involved with Hauora - Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand, Public Health Association of New Zealand, and Wellington Young Professionals can help you develop links with potential future employers.