Having the ability to change a person’s life or impact them in a positive way is a powerful skill to hold. For Taylor, a self-proclaimed ‘motivated and goal-driven person’, she was determined to find the right career path that would allow her to do just this.

After realising that the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science she was currently study wasn’t the right fit, Taylor took some time researching and gathering as much information about health-related degrees in NSW, which ultimately led her to the new Bachelor of Public and Community Health at the University of Newcastle. She enrolled straight away and was pretty quick to align her passion with a major in health promotion.

“I gravitated towards this degree as it’s flexible, meaning you can tailor and personalise your degree and forge a career path based on your aspirations through your chosen major.

“I’m really driven to work in an area I enjoy and get satisfaction out of, so this degree really gave me the opportunity to further my knowledge about topics I am thoroughly interested in – health promotion initiatives, risk factor reduction specifically in non-communicable diseases, and nutrition – which has helped me identify potential career opportunities for the future,” said Taylor.

Even though she’s only in her first year, Taylor is looking forward to experiencing the unique ways this program will help prepare her to be a life-ready graduate.

“The implementation of Big Picture Learning Design means I get to explore real-world problems and challenges, acquiring a deeper understanding of the industry in year 2 and 3 when completing internships, work placements and other volunteer work.

“Having started my degree in 2020, it was a pretty interesting and sometimes challenging time to be studying. It made me realise how grateful I am to be learning about public health, as it’s all about prevention, promotion and protection (risk minimisation) especially if things like pandemics occur.

“This degree has already taught me so much, about health, myself and what I could be capable of. I am thankful for the teachers and students I’ve met and am excited to continue my studies next year,” said Taylor.

Study Public and Community Health at the University of Newcastle

Taylor McGovern `

Taylor McGovern

Having the ability to change a person’s life or impact them in a positive way is a powerful skill to hold. For Taylor, a self-proclaimed ‘motivated and goal-driven person’, she was determined to find the right career path that would allow her to do just this.

I gravitated towards this degree as it’s flexible, meaning you can tailor and personalise your degree and forge a career path based on your aspirations through your chosen major.