Health professionals work in a complex health and healthcare sector governed by policy on population health and healthcare. This subject considers the role of policy in health and healthcare. It examines policy making as both a rational and linear process responding to population health needs in just and fair ways, and the reality of policy making which occurs within a complex socio-political and economic environment, shaped by powerful groups. The aim of this subject is therefore to consider how health professionals can develop effective policy and the role advocacy can play in the health policy arena to engender greater health equity.