The Master of Public Health is a 54-unit coursework program which is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Students undertake one of seven specialised streams of study.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificates offered within the Discipline of Public Health and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the awards.

Students who hold the graduate certificate or graduate diploma receive credit for topics already taken.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally:

  • hold a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma offered by the Discipline of Public Health, or
  • hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and have not less than two years' approved work experience in public health or a related area, or
  • hold qualifications deemed equivalent by the Faculty Board and have not less than two years' approved work experience in public health or a related area.

The two year work experience requirement does not apply where an applicant has an approved equivalent higher degree (4th year Honours, Masters or PhD).

The Faculty Board may reserve up to 20% olaces for candidates without any of the above qualifications but who are deemed suitable for admission on the basis of experience and/or contribution to the field.

Candidates are required to provide a short statement outlining their work experience and reasons for undertaking the course.

Course aims

The Master of Public Health aims to provide students with the understanding and skills to take action on the public health principles, values and practices that reduce inequity in health care access and health outcomes, and improves population health status.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

  • understand concepts relevant to public health, social determinants of health, equity, indigenous health and primary health care
  • demonstrate skills in:
  • critical analysis of evidence, models and theories from social, economic, environmental and political dimensions
  • development, planning, implementation and evaluation of public health approaches to health problems
  • generating and contributing to the knowledge base in public health
  • effective communication of public health knowledge
  • take action on:
  • integrating an intersectoral approach in health and human services to promote and improve health
  • applying public health knowledge in work-related environments
  • integrating knowledge to the international context
  • have an advanced understanding, demonstrate skills, and take action on one of the following specialised areas: 
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Primary Health Care
  • Public Health
  • Public Health Research
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Health Service Management
  • Chronic Condition Management.

Program of study 

Students undertake 54 units, comprising core topics and electives, in one of the following streams. 

Streams