Introducing the School of Health at University of New England

The School of Health at the University of New England (UNE) stands as a cornerstone of health education in regional Australia, nestled within the Faculty of Medicine and Health in Armidale, New South Wales. This vibrant academic unit delivers cutting-edge programs across nursing, social work, counselling, public health, and pharmacy, preparing graduates to tackle real-world challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and remote settings. With a strong emphasis on interprofessional practice and work-integrated learning, the school produces industry-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to Australia's health workforce.

UNE's commitment to flexible, online delivery means that students from across the country—and beyond—can access world-class education without relocating. For those working at the school, this translates to dynamic teaching environments where innovation meets practical application. The faculty also includes the School of Psychology and School of Rural Medicine, fostering collaborative opportunities that enrich daily professional life.

Diverse Programs Shaping Future Health Leaders

The School of Health offers an extensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, catering to aspiring clinicians, managers, and researchers. Undergraduate standouts include the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, and Bachelor of Nutrition and Health Science. These programs blend theoretical foundations with hands-on clinical placements, ensuring graduates are eligible for professional registration where applicable.

Postgraduate options expand into specialised areas like the Master of Public Health (One Health), Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration), Master of Counselling, and Graduate Certificates in Aged Care Management or Public Health. Many courses are fully online, supported by UNE's trimester system that accelerates completion times. Demand for health professionals is projected to surge by 25.2% through 2033, positioning School of Health alumni—and staff—at the forefront of this growth.

A Hub for Impactful Research Initiatives

Research at the School of Health spans mental health, rural healthcare, Indigenous wellbeing, and public health emergencies, often with a rural lens. Key projects include investigations into first responders' mental health in rural Australia, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, and evaluations of suicide prevention programs like Lifeline's Eclipse Support Group. Distinguished Professor Kim Usher leads efforts on COVID-19 impacts on Indigenous preventive health behaviours, while Professor Rikki Jones explores sexual assault and trauma in regional contexts.

Staff engage in mixed-methods research, collaborating with institutions like the Black Dog Institute and University of Sydney. This environment offers academics ample opportunities for grant success, publications in journals like the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, and supervision of over 90 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students faculty-wide. For researchers, it's a place where ideas translate into policy and practice improvements. Explore ongoing projects here.

Academic Career Paths: Teaching, Research, and Beyond

Joining as an academic at the School of Health means contributing to teaching in high-demand disciplines like nursing and public health. Roles range from lecturers—such as those in nursing or health management—to professors leading disciplines. Casual academics deliver units online or on-campus, ideal for building portfolios toward continuing positions.

HDR supervision is a key avenue, with PhDs and Masters by Research in areas like clinical psychology and interprofessional education. Recent vacancies have included Lecturer in Nursing positions in Armidale and Sydney, emphasising rural workforce development. Salaries align with enterprise agreements, offering competitive remuneration plus 17% superannuation.

• Lecturer roles: Develop curricula, supervise placements, conduct research.
• Senior academics: Lead projects, secure funding, publish internationally.
• Casual opportunities: Flexible teaching loads for practitioners.

Professional Staff Roles: The Backbone of Operations

Behind the scenes, professional staff ensure seamless delivery. Positions include Work Integrated Learning Coordinators, Clinical Laboratory Officers, Administration Officers, and Accreditation Support roles. For instance, nursing placement assistants manage student rotations across regional sites, while lab coordinators at Parramatta support pharmacy training.

These roles suit detail-oriented professionals passionate about health education logistics. Headed by figures like Professor Karl Roberts, the school values administrative expertise that supports accreditation and student success. Meet the team.

Exceptional Benefits Supporting Your Wellbeing

UNE prioritises staff welfare with a comprehensive package. Key perks include up to 17% employer superannuation contributions via UniSuper, salary packaging for childcare, and 12 months paid parental leave. Flexible arrangements accommodate family needs, complemented by on-campus Yarm Gwanga Preschool.

Professional staff start at Higher Education Officer (HEO) Level 1 around AU$54,000 annually, scaling with experience.

Embracing Work-Life Balance in Armidale

Armidale offers a relaxed regional lifestyle: affordable housing, no traffic congestion, and abundant parks. UNE's 74-hectare campus features heritage parklands, complimentary parking, and amenities like cafes and gyms. Staff enjoy a cosmopolitan city vibe with fine dining, arts scenes, and outdoor pursuits—hiking nearby gorges or skiing in winter.

Pros include family-friendly communities and proximity to everything; cons like cooler winters are offset by supportive networks. Reviews highlight the 'beautiful grounds and wildlife' fostering a serene work environment.

Commitment to Professional Growth and Inclusion

UNE invests in staff through excellent training, study leave, and advancement pathways. The school supports diverse teams, with facilities like the Oorala Aboriginal Centre and International Office. As a five-star rated university for Overall Experience (Good Universities Guide 2007-2026), it champions equity—#1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Real Insights from Staff Experiences

Employees praise competitive salaries, supportive colleagues, and student impact: 'Great salary, relaxed atmosphere, enjoyed guiding students.' Challenges like workload exist, but 57% on Glassdoor recommend UNE Australia, citing family-friendly policies. Mental health support has improved post-2022 surveys. Current vacancies.

Steps to Launch Your Career Here

Applications involve tailored cover letters addressing criteria, emailed to HR or via online portals. Monitor vacancies for School of Health roles. Relocation support enhances appeal for regional moves.

Photo by Francisco Venâncio on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Growth in Rural Health Expertise

With national pushes for more GPs and rural focus—like UNE's new medical pathways—the School of Health is poised for expansion. Staff will drive innovations in telehealth, One Health, and workforce capacity, securing Australia's health future.