Master of Public Health

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 1 locations

Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$9312 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

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.

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees. 

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

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Project Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH610History and Principles of Public Health10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH620Biostatistics10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH630Determinants of Health10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsHLSC641Introduction to Health Sciences Research

    ONLINE SCHEDULED.

    10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH611Health Promotion10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH621Epidemiology10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH631Disease Prevention and Management10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH632Public Health Law and Policy10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Project Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Project Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Project Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Research Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Research Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Research Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Research Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the following requirements may exit from the course with that qualification:

  • GCPHEA: Graduate Certificate in Public Health (40 credit points)
  • GDPHEA: Graduate Diploma in Public Health (80 credit points)

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:

  1. A grade point average of  at least 4.2  on the ACU 7 point scale in a Bachelor degree; or
  2. A minimum of two years professional experience in health (or related field), including Honours or other postgraduate study in health; or
  3. 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 2025 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 (see English Language Proficiency).

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

Average first year fee*

$9312 CSP

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. 

Explore your options 

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.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.


 

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs