Master of Public Health
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$22298 Fee-paying
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview
ACU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program equips graduates with specialised knowledge, understanding and skills in public health to improve and advance population health and well-being. ACU’s MPH prepares graduates to practice with a community, national or global focus, and with an ethical, social justice perspective.
ACU’s MPH allows students to develop advanced and specialised knowledge across the discipline of public health, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, rigorous intellectual inquiry, innovation and thought leadership, and effective communication and advocacy skills.
Students may choose to complete their MPH through a Research Pathway (undertaking additional research training and completion of a minor thesis) or a Capstone Pathway (involving a capstone experience, such as a practice-based project). Elective units and a specialisation option are also available.
Professional recognition
Our Master of Public Health program has been designed around the Foundation Competencies for Master of Public Health Graduates in Australia and the requirements of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (for medical practitioners specialising in public health). Other international competency and practice standards and conceptual frameworks have also informed the Master of Public Health curriculum design.
Careers
Approximately half of all Master of Public Health graduates are employed within the health sector, with others finding opportunities within education, government and services sectors in managerial, analytical and program-/project-based roles.
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- the health sector
- education
- government
- service sectors
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 - Semester 1 | PUBH610 History and Principles of Public Health | *PUBH620 Biostatistics | PUBH630 Determinants of Health | HLSC641 Introduction to Health Sciences Research | |
Year 1 - Semester 2 | PUBH611 Health Promotion | PUBH621 Epidemiology | PUBH631 Disease Prevention and Management | PUBH632 Public Health Law and Policy | |
Year 2 - Semester 1 | PUBH649 Preparation for Practice | Elective Unit 10Cp | Elective Unit 10Cp | Elective Unit 10Cp | |
Year 2 - Semester 2 | PUBH655 Practice Placement | Elective Unit 10Cp | Elective Unit 10Cp | Elective Unit 10Cp |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
*PUBH620 Biostatistics delivered on Campus in Melbourne. Transitioning OUA Online students will have the option of enrolling in HLSC642 Biostatistics for Health Sciences during ACU Online Term 4.
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:
a. a Bachelor degree (or higher) or equivalent;
or
b. successfully completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Health;
and
c. Either:
- A grade point average of at least 4.2 on the ACU 7 point scale in a Bachelor degree; or
- A minimum of two years professional experience in health (or related field), including Honours or other postgraduate study in health; or
- Suitable practical experience in public health, global health or humanitarian assistance to the satisfaction of the course coordinator.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (Schedule 3).
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
MPH graduates may be able to progress to a higher degree by research (eg Doctor of Philosophy). Students interested in doing so are encouraged to complete their MPH via the Research Pathway.
Fees
Course costs
$22298 Fee-paying
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
A 10% rebate on fees will be offered to domestic ACU graduates (from any faculty) enrolling in full fee-paying postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Conditions apply.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Direct application
Apply nowDeferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.