Foundations in Public Health Research & Advocacy for Young People
A free online course co-designed with young people to build real-world skills in research, leadership, and advocacy
Built in Australia, open to the world. Hosted on Open edX.
For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome on a computer.
About the Course
Foundations in Public Health Research & Advocacy for Young People is a free online course created with young people to help you learn how to contribute to public health research and advocacy that affects your communities.
Developed by the Youth Well Lab at the University of Sydney and our partners and supported by the Medical Research Future Fund (Grant number #2023165), the course is hosted on Open edX, a secure, global learning platform used by leading universities and organisations.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Health Hive online course was filmed and where we conduct on reearch. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and we extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We also celebrate and welcome people of all genders, sexualities, and identities, recognising the strength that diversity brings to our communities.
Youth co-researcher
"I'm most excited about the launch of the online course, and to see more young people engage in research. I really want to see how this platform will generate new ideas and improve research dedicated to the youth."
What You’ll Learn
You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to take part in research,
policy, and community projects that improve health and wellbeing.
Our course is launching with 6 core modules:
Behind the scenes of building our course
These drawings capture our co-design workshop, where young people and researchers came together to dream, design and deliver the ideas that shaped the course.
OUR co-creation process
And we had a lot of fun along the way...
Not every take made the final cut, but every laugh, slip-up and “let’s try that again!” got us here.
Co-creating the Health Hive has been about collaboration, creativity and connection and a lot of fun along the way.
OUR blooper reel
FAQS
How long is the course?
The course will take approximately 3 hours to complete. You can choose to complete it in a day or break it up to suit your schedule. There are 6 modules, and each module will take approximately 30 minutes.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
We estimate each module will take approximately 30 minutes. However, you can go at your own pace and take as many breaks as you like.
How will I receive the digital badge?
You will be able to download the digital badge once you complete the course.
Who developed this course?
This course was co-created by the Health Hive Steering Committee, comprising young people, public health researchers from the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, health professionals, and community partners. You can read more about the team here.
I’m not interested in research. Is this course for me?
It might be! This course is about more than just research. It helps you build your voice and speak up on issues that matter. You’ll also gain skills you can use day to day. You’ll also explore how to get involved in advocacy and community projects that make real change.
Can I contact someone if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable during the course?
Yes. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or need support, you can reach out to the Health Hive team at health.hive@sydney.edu.au. Our email address is monitored Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm in Sydney, Australia. If you are living in Australia, we can share the contact details of appropriate support services if needed.
How is my data used and protected?
All data is stored securely in accordance with Australian privacy laws and the University of Sydney’s data management policies.
Is the course free?
Yes, the course is free to access and complete.
Is there research connected to the Health Hive course?
Yes. The Health Hive online course is part of a research project designed to help us understand how well the course supports young people’s learning and engagement in public health research.
Our research aims to: Evaluate whether the Health Hive online course improves young people’s (aged 14–24) skills and knowledge in public health research and advocacy in a real-world setting and Assess the course’s reach, acceptability, usefulness, and engagement among young people.
The insights we collect will help us understand what works, what could be improved, and how to make the Health Hive even more effective and accessible in the future.
All information collected for research is de-identified — this means we cannot connect your responses or data to any personally identifying information about you. Your privacy is protected, and results are only shared in summary form (for example, as group statistics).
Will I be able to save my progress if I need a break?
Yes! You can pause anytime and come back when you’re ready. Your progress is saved automatically, so when you log back in, you’ll pick up right where you left off.
What happens if I don’t finish all the modules?
That’s totally okay! You can stop at any time, and your progress will be saved automatically. If you decide to come back later, you can pick up right where you left off.
Do I need research experience?
No, you don’t need any research skills or background to join. The course is designed for beginners, so everything will be explained clearly as you go.
Do I need to be in Australia to join?
No. The course is open to young people anywhere in the world. It has been designed in an Australian context (can you tell by our accents!). All you need is an internet connection and basic English skills.
Who should I contact if I experience any technical issues?
You can contact the Health Hive team at health.hive@sydney.edu.au for help with logging in, course access, or technical problems.
Who is the course for?
The Health Hive is a free online course for young people aged 14 to 24.
It’s for anyone who wants to learn more about health, wellbeing and research. No prior experience is needed. Just your curiosity and an interest in making an impact.
Whether you’re new to public health or have been involved in youth programs, advocacy, or research before. You’ll learn how to share ideas, give feedback and work with a research team. You'll also learn how to lead your own project to shape healthy futures.
What are the benefits of completing the course?
The course aims to:
1. Boost your confidence: This course aims to help you feel more confident and ready to share your ideas. Not just in health research but in any topic you care about.
2. Stay informed and involved: You’ll learn how to keep up with the latest health research that affects you and other young people. Also how to contribute meaningfully.
3. Be part of something bigger: The Health Hive is a long-term project where your voice matters. You can join a community of young people to help shape a better future.
When will I receive the certificate?
Once you have completed all modules.
How was this course funded?
The Health Hive is funded by an Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund Consumer-Led Grant (#2023165) ending December 2026. Please contact health.hive@sydney.edu.au if you would like to support the sustainablity of the Health Hive.
Can I put this on my CV or LinkedIn?
Yes, when you complete the course, you will receive a certificate and digital badge to share with future employers or volunteer organisations. You can display the digital badge on your LinkedIn profile if you have one.
Is the course accessible?
Yes. All videos include captions and transcripts, materials are screen-reader compatible, and we use plain, easy-to-read language throughout. If you need additional support, contact us at health.hive@sydney.edu.au.
What device can I use to complete the course?
You can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone, whichever you prefer. The course is fully mobile-friendly.
I'm getting an error message when I try to register. What should I do?
We recommend using Google Chrome to register, as some users have experienced issues with other web browsers.
If you're still having trouble, please contact the Health Hive team at health.hive@sydney.edu.au
Accessibility
Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge Friederike Luise Berg from Euvouria for her expert instructional design support. Her creativity, insight, and learner-centred approach helped bring the Health Hive course to life.
We worked with the brilliant Emlyn Crockett @emlyncrockett who filmed our course videos. Emlyn captured the energy and authenticity of our team and youth collaborators beautifully, thank you for bringing the Health Hive to life on screen.
We worked with the talented illustrator, Emma Rowland @rowland_studio at our co-creation workshop, where she brought our ideas to life through vibrant, youth-inspired artwork.
The Health Hive course is hosted on Aulasneo, our Open edX learning platform partner, whose technical expertise and support helped make our online course possible.