The Master of Public Health is a 54-unit coursework program which is offered by the College of Medicine and Public Health.

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 receive credit for topics already taken.

Admission requirements

For the Master of Public Health applicants must normally:

  • hold a Graduate Certificate offered by the discipline of Public Health, or
  • hold an approved degree in a related field or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

The Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The Master of Public Health aims to provide students with the ability to apply knowledge and skills in relation to public health principles, values and practices that reduce inequity in health care access and health outcomes, and improve population health status.

Learning outcomes

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

demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills:

  • in critical analysis of evidence, complex theories, problems, and concepts regarding social, economic, environmental, and political determinants of health
  • in developing, planning, and evaluating public health approaches to health problems
  • in critiquing and applying contemporary public health approaches in work-related environments and practice
  • of research principles, methodologies, and methods applicable to public health theory, policy and practice
  • in creativity and innovation in transferring knowledge to practice
  • in effective communication in the workplace and university context

apply an advanced level of knowledge and skills:

  • to recognise their own strengths, limitations, and learning style
  • in showing initiative and creativity in practice
  • to take responsibility, and to advocate for and empower others
  • in critical analysis of evidence and theories regarding determinants of health, planning and evaluating public health approaches, work-related environments; and undertaking public health research activities

Program of study 

Students undertake 54 units, comprising core and option topics, according to one of the following pathways.

Pathway 1 (Coursework)

Core - Year 1 & 2 topics

31.5 units comprising:

PHCA9501  Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing  (4.5 units)
PHCA9514  Action on Social Determinants of Health  (4.5 units)
PHCA9503  Research Methods for Social Epidemiology  (9 units)
PHCA9504  Critical Practice in Indigenous Health  (4.5 units)
PHCA9509  Public Health Practice Development  (9 units)

Option - Year 1 & 2 topics

plus 22.5 units selected from*:

MMED9103  Introduction to Biostatistics for Public Health (4.5 Units)
MMED9104  Introduction to Epidemiology for Public Health (4.5 units)
PHCA9502  Qualitative Research Methods  (9 units)
PHCA9505  Primary Health Care Practice in Developing Countries  (9 units)
PHCA9507  Health Promotion in Public Health (4.5 units)
PHCA9510  Leadership and the New Public Health (4.5 units)
PHCA9511  Social Statistics in Public Health  (9 units)
PHCA9518  Food Democracy for Public Health Practice (4.5 units)

*Students may, in consultation with the Course Coodinator, select alternative option topics for up to 9 units of study.

Pathway 2 (Coursework and Research)

Core - Year 1 & 2 topics

22.5 units comprising:

PHCA9501  Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing  (4.5 units)
PHCA9514  Action on Social Determinants of Health  (4.5 units)
PHCA9503  Research Methods for Social Epidemiology  (9 units)
PHCA9504  Critical Practice in Indigenous Health  (4.5 units)

plus one of:

PHCA9502  Qualitative Research Methods  (9 units)
PHCA9511  Social Statistics in Public Health  (9 units)

plus 18 units selected from the following topics:

PHCA9512  Public Health Research Dissertation (18 units)
PHCA9512A  Public Health Research Dissertation (9/18 units)
PHCA9512B  Public Health Research Dissertation (9/18 units)

Option - Year 1 & 2 topics

plus 4.5 units selected from*:

MMED9103  Introduction to Biostatistics for Public Health (4.5 Units)
MMED9104  Introduction to Epidemiology for Public Health (4.5 units)
PHCA9507  Health Promotion in Public Health (4.5 units)
PHCA9510  Leadership and the New Public Health (4.5 units)
PHCA9518  Food Democracy for Public Health Practice (4.5 units)

*Students may, in consultation with the Course Coodinator, select alternative option topics for up to 4.5 units of study.