Help develop and activate solutions to improve health and wellbeing.
This postgraduate degree is perfect for medical professionals, allied health workers and clinicians who are looking for ‘bigger picture’ approaches that improve the health of individuals, populations, the environment and communities.
The Master of Public Health focuses on improving existing health-promoting environments, identifying public health priorities, generating initiatives for policy and action, and developing strategies and interventions to ensure equity in the health system.
The degree’s flexible structure (half core, half elective) allows you to tailor your degree across a number of career pathways to suit your interests and career aspirations.
Career pathways are offered in six areas: applied research, environments for health, health economics and management, health promotion and community development, public health nutrition, public health practice.
Study public health at Deakin to kickstart your career in this important, rapidly-growing industry.
Indicative student workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Career opportunities
Opportunities for graduates exist in government, research, non-government organisations, international non-government organisations, health care, community and other settings, both local and global. Many students enrol in this program to progress in their current roles or to obtain senior positions. The course is also ideal for allied health professionals and medical practitioners looking to expand upon their existing knowledge.
Participation requirements
Elective units involving internships or collaborative research and work based training arrangements can occur at any time including during standard holiday breaks listed here
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check at the comm or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
Graduate Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities
Apply advanced and integrated knowledge of public health theory, policy, surveillance, disease control and prevention, research principles, and recent public health developments in Australia and globally to practice and scholarship.
Communication
Demonstrate communication skills to justify theoretical propositions, issues and influences on public health in an effective and coherent manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Digital Literacy
Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Critical thinking
Critically evaluate a range of complex public health evidence, theory and solutions at an abstract level.
Problem Solving
Using appropriate analytical and research methods, develop and evaluate strategies to prevent disease and injury and protect and improve health.
Self-management
Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning in public health.
Teamwork
Apply teamwork, leadership and management skills and principles to work effectively in a team environment and with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
Global Citizenship
Apply ethically appropriate research and practice skills to the appraisal of public health related issues and generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses.
Course rules
To complete the Master of Public Health students must attain16 credit points.
The course comprises 8 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 elective units (you can choose which ones to study according to the desired career pathway).
The majority of core and elective units will be offered in Cloud (online) and campus mode. Some units may also be offered in block mode.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
Course structure
Elective units
Students must choose up to eight additional credit points of elective study completed as either Option A or Option B. Elective credit points may be chosen from within or across the 'career pathways' listed. It is also possible to undertake elective units from any other faculty subject approval of the course director. Students interested in pursuing this option should seek the advice of the course director before proceeding.
Note: Students may also select a unit from the Master of Business Administration offered at Deakin University subject to approval from the Course Director.
Any students wishing to undertake 2 or more of these electives should first speak with the Course Director or Student Advisor to discuss the rationale behind their chosen electives and pathway.
Many units incorporate work-integrated learning activities within the trimester content delivery. Elective units may also be selected that include internships and collaborative research and work based training arrangements.
Income support
Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.
