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The combined Doctor of Medicine / Master of Public Health (MD-MPH) program is designed for students who wish to combine future medical practice with work that prevents disease and improves the health of communities through implementation of education programs, development of public health policies and conducting research. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important role of public health in clinical practice.

Fast Facts

Duration:
5 years full-time

Delivery mode:
MD = In person
MPH = 100% Online

Availability:
Full-time

Start dates:
Applications due 2023 for 2024
February (MD component) and MPH 2024

Indicative fees (2023):
MD:
$11,800 (Commonwealth supported)
$55,353 (Full fee paying)

MPH:
$8,567 (Commonwealth supported place)
$27,144 (Full fee paying)

View study program

What you will study

The MD-MPH combined degree allows you to take your medical career to the next level.

The intercalation of the one-year (full-time) Master of Public Health curriculum, afforded by this combined degree, would additionally provide students with the ability to apply knowledge and skills in relation to public health values and practices that reduce inequity in health care access and health outcomes while promoting and maximising population health.

You will commence the MD and complete the first two years before pursuing the Public Health component in year three. The final two years of your study will conclude the MD component and allow you to become a hospital intern and qualify for medical registration.

The MD-MPH is a much sought-after degree, both domestic and internationally, by students wanting to undertake clinical research, work in health policy, improve health care internationally, and work with disadvantaged population groups.

This program offers medical students the opportunity to develop skills in population health as part of their studies, providing the foundation for future leadership in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health and wellbeing.

You will graduate with greater career prospects and a competitive edge in the job market.

Our integrated MD-MPH program

Doctor of Medicine (MD)-Master Public Health (MPH)
Applicants must normally have completed: a Bachelor degree in a health-related field or a Bachelor degree and no less than two-years work expereince in a public health-related field

YEAR 1 (MD1)
Enrol for the Coursework pathway of
MD Advanced Studies in semester 2

YEAR 2 (MD2)
Enrol in 1 MPH core topic (4.5 units) in semester 2

YEARS 3 (MPH)
Intermit the MD program and undertake
full-time MPH (36 units) studies over 12 months

YEAR 4 (MD3)
Enrol in 1 MPH core topic (4.5 units) in semester 1

YEAR 5 (MD4)
Complete Clinical audit (+CEA) & EBM project to fulfil MD Advanced Studies requirements

CEA = community engagement activity

EBM = evidence-based medicine

Graduate with an MD-MPH

*The requirements indicated in the flow chart boxes reflect those that need to be carried out within MD Advanced studies towards the combined MD-MPH degree. These are in addition to the core themes and clinical placements that constitute the remaining requirements of the MD.

Above world standard
Flinders Medical and Health Sciences research is rated above world standard.

(Excellence in Research for Australia, 2018)

No. 1 in Australia
in Medicine for full-time employment.

(The Good Universities Guide 2022 (postgraduate)).

Global profile.
Flinders has a strong profile in medicine both nationally and internationally and continues to be at the forefront of innovation in teaching and research.

Graduate with greater career prospects and a competitive edge in the job market.

Potential occupations (after internship)

Public health officer
Health administrator
Public health senior consultant
Health promotion planning and evaluation officer
Health information officer
Health and safety manager
Epidemiologist/research analyst
Public health project manager

Potential employers

Hospital and clinical laboratories
Government health departments and agencies
Pathology services
Research institutes
Health support services
Government
Universities

Professional accreditation/recognition

The Flinders University medical program has been re-accredited by the Australian Medical Council until 31 March 2025. Graduates of the Medicine degree will be registered with the Medical Board of Australia and permitted to practise medicine in Australia.

Entry requirements

Admission into the combined degree is via the Internal Transfer application process.

Northern Territory Bonded students are ineligible for application at the present time.

1. Applicants must be currently enrolled in the MD Doctor of Medicine

2. Applicants must meet the Admission Requirements for the MPH Master of Public Health - 1.5 years Advanced Entry.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MD-MPH available to International students?

Yes, the pathway is available to International students. However, students funded by their Governments / external agencies must clarify with the funding agency if their fees will be covered to include the MPH, and that there are not time constraints on the duration within which they need to complete the MD degree.

Will I study for my MD whilst pursuing my MPH?

Students undertaking the MD-MPH combined degree undertake two years of the MD component before embarking on the 1-year of full time MPH studies in year three. The final two years of the MD component are then completed.

Will I study for my MPH whilst pursuing my MD?

Students will need to opt for the Course-work pathway of MD Advanced Studies in MD1. They will also be required to select one course-work topic in second semester of MD2 and another course-work topic in the first semester of MD3 from amongst the topics highlighted as core MPH topics. Selection of course-work topics outside of this list will not count towards the combined degree and will necessitate the student to carry out the additional core topics to make them eligible for the award of the combined degree.

What will my student cohort be?

You will be immersed in two cohorts, your MPH student peers and the MD students. You will have a wide local and international network at the end of the program.

Will I be awarded an MD and an MPH?

Yes, you will be awarded both degrees on completion of the prescribed requirements.

What will my student cohort be?

You will be immersed in two cohorts, your MPH student peers and the MD students. You will have a wide local and international network at the end of the program.

Will my MD and MPH both be awarded?

Yes, you will be awarded both degrees on completion of the prescribed requirements.

What if I decide to discontinue my MD? Will this impact my MPH?

No, not at all. Change to one degree, for example your MD, would not impact the other degree, for instance your MPH, or vice versa. These degrees are also assessed separately. Exit degrees and awards exist within the MD and Masters of Public Health at Flinders University. Further details are available here.