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Deakin University

  • 21% international / 79% domestic

Master of Public Health

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Public Health is about protecting and improving health. It prepares you to solve global health issues through evidence-based initiatives. Focus on one of eight career pathways or create your own bespoke pathway to suit your aspirations.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Course Code
H757, 020018B

About this course

The Master of Public Health is about protecting and improving health. It prepares you to solve global health issues through evidence-based initiatives. Focus on one of eight career pathways or create your own bespoke pathway to suit your aspirations. Build skills and professional networks that open the door to exciting opportunities and leadership roles in the field.

How far can a postgraduate degree in public health take your career?

If you want to become a leading voice in public health, this course will give you the tools to make it happen. You'll have the opportunity to become an expert in a specific area of public health, and the practical skills you learn will empower you to make an impact on an even larger scale. The course is ideal for both clinical and non-clinical health professionals. It's also a great fit for graduates from other fields who are passionate about improving the health of individuals, communities and populations.

The Master of Public Health focuses on evidence-based action that drives positive change across health systems. You will use the latest research to form strategies that tackle global health issues and then bring your ideas to life by creating initiatives for policy change and interventions. Your initiatives could be related to various public health fields, including epidemiology, focussing on disease control and prevention. You will look at issues from a big-picture angle and promote the conditions that optimise population health.

Tailor your degree by choosing electives from eight fields of study:

  • public health practice
  • health promotion
  • epidemiology
  • health economics and management
  • applied research
  • public health nutrition
  • humanitarian assistance
  • disability and inclusion.

By narrowing in on a field of interest, not only do you get to learn more about what you're passionate about, the expertise you develop creates a pathway between where you are now and your dream role.

Much of what you learn is shaped by Deakin's world-class health research. You'll have direct access to the research produced by the Institute for Health Transformation which is led by internationally recognised researchers. This research doesn't just help you when you're studying and solving case studies - it's incredibly valuable knowledge that you'll carry with you throughout your entire career.

The Master of Public Health can be completed on campus or online, a popular choice for students who are working in the health or other industries while studying. Use our premium online learning platform to fit your degree around your life and achieve your career goals on your schedule.

Career pathways

The health industry is the largest and fastest-growing employment industry in Australia*. A postgraduate degree in public health puts you in a position to take advantage of this demand. Graduates can broaden their career options and use their leadership skills to progress to senior positions.

Public health practitioners can work in international organisations such as:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

As well as:

  • the non-government sector (for example, organisations focused on cancer, tobacco, drugs, reproductive health, obesity, food security, violence and HIV)
  • the government sector and federal or state level
  • local councils.

Some common public health jobs include:

  • Epidemiologist
  • Community health worker
  • Disease and infection investigator
  • Environmental health specialist
  • Global health professional
  • Occupational health and safety specialist
  • Urban planner
  • Health educator
  • Emergency preparedness and response coordinator
  • Public health policy coordinator
  • Research analyst
  • Public health physician

Visit the Public Health Association of Australia website for more

The Master of Public Health also provides pathways to pursue a PhD and a career in academia.

* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021

Course structure

To complete the Master of Public Health students must attain 16 credit points.

The course comprises 8 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 course elective units. Recognition of prior learning can be granted depending on previous studies and professional experience.

All core units will be offered in both campus and online mode

The majority of course electives will be offered in both campus and online mode.

Other electives outside the list of course electives below may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.

Some units may be offered in block mode.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Credit for prior study or work

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.

You can refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Health Services & Support courses at Deakin University.
85.4%
Overall satisfaction
80.1%
Skill scale
71.9%
Teaching scale
69.3%
Employed full-time
$75k
Average salary