Master of Public Health

Tackle health inequality and drive change in real-world public health practice.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor's degree or have relevant professional experience

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

1.5 or 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2026 : $9,537 (CSP)

2026 : $30,200 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

*Course duration (1.5 or 2 years) is determined based on prior qualifications and relevant experience. Eligibility and placement into either stream are subject to approval by the Dean (Education), who may, under specific conditions, admit applicants demonstrating evidence of fitness for candidature.

Why study a Master of Public Health?

Study a Master of Public Health at Flinders to explore and improve public health practice through a focus on equity, inclusion and real-world impact. The course equips professionals to address workplace challenges and reduce health inequalities using contemporary knowledge.

Unique, interesting topics that are relevant to the here and now

Explore fascinating and timely topics that reflect the real-world challenges and innovations shaping today’s health landscape.

Explore fascinating and timely topics that reflect the real-world challenges and innovations shaping today’s health landscape, including social determinants of health, machine learning, epidemiology, digital health, health economics, and critical practice in First Nations health.

Influence health policy and strategy globally

You’ll gain the skills to shape health policies and strategies that make a real impact locally, nationally and internationally.

You’ll gain the skills to shape health policies and strategies that make a real impact locally, nationally and internationally. Your work can contribute to improving population health outcomes and addressing pressing health challenges.

Public health leaders are in high demand

The need for skilled public health professionals is growing both locally and globally.

Learn from leading researchers

Learn from leading researchers at the forefront of public health, working within the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI).

Learn from leading researchers at the forefront of public health, working within the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI). Benefit from expert supervision and the opportunity to collaborate with specialists from the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), while developing strong research skills and contributing to impactful projects.

Up to 80% off fees

Government subsidies offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

What you will study

You will study core topics in primary health care and public health, building skills to address health inequities and improve community wellbeing. Areas of focus include social determinants of health, Indigenous health, and strategies for creating lasting change in health systems.

Course handbook

Year 1

Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
Biostatistics
Global Health and Development
Qualitative Research Methods
Health Economics
First Nations Health

Optional topics may include

Environmental Health
Environmental Health Policy and Management
Public Health Toxicology
Leadership in Health and Aged Care
Health and Aged Care Systems and Policy
Health Law and Ethics
Advanced Epidemiology
Primary Health Care
Communication and Problem Solving for Health Professionals

Year 2

Health Promotion
Epidemiological Research Methods

Optional topics may include

Public and Community Nutrition
Digital Health
Public Health and Climate Change
Public Health Leadership
Professional Practice in Public Health
Advanced Biostatistics
AI in Medicine and Public Health

Your career

Public health is a growing global priority, driving change across healthcare systems. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in public health policy, management, and practice.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$110,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$110,000^*

Potential employers

World Health Organization (WHO)
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
State and territory health departments
Research and higher education institutions
International health and development agencies (UNICEF, Red Cross)
Public health policy and strategy units in government
Large non-government organisations (Heart Foundation, Cancer Council and Beyond Blue)

Industry connections

Gain high-impact, practice-oriented skills through Flinders’ connections with public health agencies, non-governmental organisations, and research institutions.

Your learning emphasises applying core public health principles and methods directly to real population health challenges, preparing you to make measurable contributions in your career.

Flinders University is a future
you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment**

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows

Career growth - build confidence with practical, in-demand skills

^{*THE World University Rankings 2023

**QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal}

Get inspired

If you're passionate about making positive change, explore public health at Flinders. Hear from Professor Nicola Spurrier, Chief Public Health Officer for SA Health, talk about why you should study Public Health at Flinders.

Isabelle Haklar

Senior Project Officer, SAHMRI

Tamika Regnier

Research Support Assistant, Flinders University

So much of what I learnt in the Master of Public Health has been useful in my professional life

...I hope having the Public Health qualification will open many doors and enable career progression or change of direction.

So much of what I learnt in the Master of Public Health has been useful in my professional life

...I hope having the Public Health qualification will open many doors and enable career progression or change of direction.

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.

Dr Amy Hickman
Course Coordinator

See full profile

Dr Amy Hickman (she/her) is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health, teaching Health Promotion within the Master of Public Health. Her work focuses on equity, health communication, and inclusive teaching, with a strong interest in reflexivity, health literacy, and qualitative research.

Dr Joshua Trigg
Lecturer

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Dr Josh Trigg is a Lecturer in Public Health with expertise in health risk behaviours, tobacco control, and alcohol consumption. His research explores attitudes and motivators that shape risk behaviours, as well as the effectiveness of health promotion messaging. He is particularly interested in tobacco and vaping cessation, wellbeing, and community-based approaches to public health.

Dr Liz Buckley
Senior Lecturer

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Dr Liz Buckley is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health with expertise in cancer epidemiology, population health, and health services research. She specialises in using linked health data to examine cancer treatment, survival, and health economic disparities. Liz’s research has informed national cancer policy and screening practices. She is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Public Health.

Associate Professor Shahid Ullah
Teaching Program Director

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Dr. Shahid Ullah is an Associate Professor in Biostatistics with extensive experience in both theoretical and applied health research. He has authored over 200 publications, with more than 12,000 citations, and contributed to over $25 million in collaborative research funding. Shahid mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, and his work focuses on statistical and epidemiological methods, geospatial analytics, machine learning, and advanced data modelling.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

Applicants must normally hold a Bachelor Degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature. Applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree but have relevant professional experience in the public sector should provide employment experience information in their application.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is Public Health?

Public health is the science and practice of preventing disease, promoting health, and improving wellbeing across entire populations.

Unlike clinical care, which focuses on treating individuals, public health takes a broader view, working to address the root causes of health issues through prevention, education, policy, and research.

Public health professionals strive to create healthier, more equitable communities by ensuring safe environments to live, learn, work, and play.

Can I study this course on campus?

Yes, students can choose to study undergraduate or postgraduate Public Health courses online or face to face.

Why should I consider a public health degree?

Public Health professionals:

• can experience job security and professional variety in their public health careers,
• have an ability to impact health directly at a community level,
• participate in advocacy to improve health, and
• have a worldwide impact by contributing to involvement in international health initiatives.

Discover our Top Reasons to Study Public Health

Can I specialise in a particular area of public health?

Yes. Public Health at Flinders is highly interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore areas such as epidemiology, health promotion, biostatistics, Indigenous health, environmental change, and leadership. The flexibility of the program supports a wide range of interests and professional goals.

Why study Public Health at Flinders University?

Flinders offers job-ready public health degrees taught by leading experts. Students gain practical experience through placements, fieldwork, and simulated activities, and build networks that support career success.

Flinders also offers a pathway into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program through a dedicated admissions sub-quota.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.