The Master of Public Health is about protecting and improving health. It prepares you to solve global health issues through evidence-based initiatives. Focus on one of eight career pathways or create your own bespoke pathway to suit your aspirations. Build skills and professional networks that open the door to exciting opportunities and leadership roles in the field.
How far can a postgraduate degree in public health take your career?
If you want to become a leading voice in public health, this course will give you the tools to make it happen. You’ll have the opportunity to become an expert in a specific area of public health, and the practical skills you learn will empower you to make an impact on an even larger scale. The course is ideal for both clinical and non-clinical health professionals. It’s also a great fit for graduates from other fields who are passionate about improving the health of individuals, communities and populations.
The Master of Public Health focuses on evidence-based action that drives positive change across health systems. You will use the latest research to form strategies that tackle global health issues and then bring your ideas to life by creating initiatives for policy change and interventions. Your initiatives could be related to various public health fields, including epidemiology, focussing on disease control and prevention. You will look at issues from a big-picture angle and promote the conditions that optimise population health.
Tailor your degree by choosing electives from eight fields of study:
public health practice
health promotion
epidemiology
health economics and management
applied research
public health nutrition
humanitarian assistance
disability and inclusion.
By narrowing in on a field of interest, not only do you get to learn more about what you’re passionate about, the expertise you develop creates a pathway between where you are now and your dream role.
Much of what you learn is shaped by Deakin’s world-class health research. You’ll have direct access to the research produced by the Institute for Health Transformation which is led by internationally recognised researchers. This research doesn’t just help you when you’re studying and solving case studies – it’s incredibly valuable knowledge that you’ll carry with you throughout your entire career.
The Master of Public Health can be completed on campus or online, a popular choice for students who are working in the health or other industries while studying. Use our premium online learning platform to fit your degree around your life and achieve your career goals on your schedule.
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 lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. Details for individual units are available in the course structure.
Professional recognition
All students will receive a two-year membership to the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) while studying. This will provide invaluable access to events, journals, publications, special interest groups, job opportunities and mentors.
Career opportunities
The health industry is the largest and fastest-growing employment industry in Australia*. A postgraduate degree in public health puts you in a position to take advantage of this demand. Graduates can broaden their career options and use their leadership skills to progress to senior positions.
Public health practitioners can work in international organisations such as:
World Health Organization (WHO)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
As well as:
the non-government sector (for example, organisations focused on cancer, tobacco, drugs, reproductive health, obesity, food security, violence and HIV)
The Master of Public Health also provides pathways to pursue a PhD and a career in academia.
* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021
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
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check. Please refer to the relevant unit guide.
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 you must pass 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Public Health includes:
DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit- point compulsory unit) in your first study period
8 credit points of core units***
8 credit points of course electives.
***Students commencing from Trimester 2 2026, please refer to the course maps and course structure as students will have the option of completing HSH725 or HSH753 as part of the core unit requirements.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
**Note: Students wishing to complete a minor or major project option are recommended to complete core unit HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development.
Course Electives by Field of Study
Students must also choose 8 electives. These may be chosen from within or across the fields of study listed.
Students interested in pursuing a research focus should undertake a Minor or Major Project in place of some of these course electives.
Plus 4 electives from the Elective Unit Options by Fields of Study
*Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 to be elligible to undertake the major project option.
Note International on-campus students who commence in Trimester 3 intakes pursuing the Major Project stream are required to enrol into Trimester 3 of their second year in order to complete the course within their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) course duration. Please refer to the course map.
Other electives outside this list may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.
Work experience
Many units incorporate work-integrated learning activities Internships and collaborative research and work-based training arrangements are also available for eligible students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70+. Limited places are allocated based on academic merit.
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Research is embedded in most core units and electives. These unit selections allow you to apply to undertake further study such as a PhD.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.
