Course outline
With a strong emphasis on research, the Master of Public Health course provides professionals from multidisciplinary backgrounds with enhanced skills to pursue a career in public health.
A conceptual understanding of public health and research is developed throughout first year, and in the second year, individual interest areas are pursued through one of the five specialisations:
- Research - focus on a research topic of your interest and of public health importance, develop in-depth knowledge on research methods and relevant practical skills for conducting a small-scale research under the mentorship of an experienced supervisor.
- Project - develop in-depth knowledge on the design and implementation of public health projects. Focus on theoretical concepts and practical skills for designing and implementing a public health project of your choice under the mentorship of an experienced supervisor.
- Public Health Informatics - learn more about the application of data and technology for public health practice and research. Develop in-depth knowledge of theoretical concepts and relevant practical skills for conducting a small-scale research focusing on public health Informatics under the mentorship of an experienced supervisor.
- Public Health Economics - advance your skills in the analyses of healthcare costs, cost effectiveness/resource utilisation and health economics for public health practice and research. Develop in-depth knowledge of theoretical concepts and relevant practical skills for conducting a small-scale research focusing on public health economics under the mentorship of an experienced supervisor.
- Health System Management - explore human experiences in healthcare settings including contemporary professional, ethical, social justice, political, consumer considerations and leadership roles, and utilise these for public health practice and research. Develop in-depth knowledge of theoretical concepts and relevant practical skills for conducting a small-scale research focusing on health system management under the mentorship of an experienced supervisor.
This course is also available as a graduate certificate and graduate diploma option.
Hear from our students
"The professors and teachers are really accessible, supportive and friendly. Looking back on the first semester of this course, it was really comprehensive. I learned about a lot of public health concepts and found it challenging but interesting to learn about Australia's healthcare system, particularly indigenous health. I think it's really important to understand this concepts well if you want to pursue a career in Australia's public health sector."
Career opportunities
The Master of Public Health course prepares you to be a public health professional. There are multiple career options available in Australia and globally including working within the public and private sectors, development agencies and universities as a researcher, policy officer, health promotion officer, or as an academic. Graduates can be involved in managing and evaluating public health courses, formulating and implementing policies. You may also pursue further study and complete a PhD.
Sample structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Year 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
To be eligible for this course you must hold:
• Successful completion of a recognised 3-year Australian bachelor degree or overseas equivalent; or
• Other university qualification and appropriate industry experience
You may exit the course at 12 months and receive a Graduate Diploma of Public Health, following the completion of 120 credit points, or exit the course at 6 months and receive a Graduate Certificate in Public Health, following the completion of 60 credit points.
English language requirement
Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no individual band less than 6.0 or equivalent.
How to apply
Direct application: Yes
Federation University code: HP9
Fees and scholarships
Fees are subject to change annually.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for FEE-HELP, you can defer payment of your tuition fees (up to HELP loan limit). If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Recognition of prior learning
Your previous studies might count towards this course (which means you could finish it sooner). Use our credit search to find out if that’s the case.
Pathways/alternate entry
Students who have successfully completed a fourth year of university study may be eligible to apply for entry into the course with up to 120 credit points (equivalent to 1 year of full-time study)
Additional information
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.