Course information for - 2027 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 1 locations
- Melbourne
- Melbourne
- Duration
- 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 089309K
- IELTS
- 6.5 overall score (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands)
- Fees (first year)*
- $33032
- Start dates
- February 2027, July 2027, February 2028, July 2028, February 2029, July 2029
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.
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.
Community engagement
Within the MPH for those students opting to do the 'project stream" of the course, there is an opportunity for preparing for community engagement (PUBH649 preparation for practice) and for undertaking a placement (PUBH655 practice placement). Both are community engagement units within the course.
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.
Supervision arrangements
Internal supervisors are provided for PUBH649 preparation for practice and for PUBH655 practice placement. External industry supervisors may also be provided
Accreditation
Our Master of Public Health program is not accredited
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
Employment rates
According to the 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) summary published by ACIC:
ACU postgraduate full-time employment rate: 98.6%
This figure applies to all postgraduate coursework graduates, not specifically MPH, but it is the official published statistic most applicable to ACU master's graduates
Industry partnerships
Industry partners include:
Victorian Department of health, 50 Lonsdale st Melbourne
Richmond Community Health Centre
AMES Preston
Your Community Health (Darebin)42 Separation Street, Northcote VIC 307
North Yarra Community Health Centre, 365 Hoddle St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (Carlton), 580 Swanston st Carlton Vic 3053
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
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 (completed a minimum 40 credit points)
- GDPHEA: Graduate Diploma in Public Health (completed a minimum 80 credit points)
Overseas study available
Overseas study is not generally available.
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 either:
a. a Bachelor degree (or higher) in health (or related field);
OR
b. a Bachelor degree (or higher) or equivalent, and two years professional experience in health (or related field);
OR
c. successfully completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Health.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
Applicants with work and life experience
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
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
Pathways into course for international applicants
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
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
- Unit fee: $4129
- Average first year fee: $33032
- Estimate total cost: $66064
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay other non‑tuition costs. Further information on non‑tuition fees is available on our Fees and Scholarships page.
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
International applicants
Apply directly to ACU
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.