Study Public Health

Kick-start a rewarding career in public health in just one year! Whether you are looking to change your career direction, or upskill for a promotion, this is the perfect postgraduate program to give you that much needed competitive edge. Intended for people from diverse educational backgrounds and those working in a variety of settings, including health departments and community organisations, the Master of Public Health is a flexible degree, designed to give you a broad introduction to public health and to provide you with the skills and knowledge to define, critically assess and resolve public health issues within a community, whilst catering for your individual career goals.

Through innovative and applied education tools, expert industry engaged academics, and a specifically tailored career support program, you’ll gain an understanding of contemporary public health issues, and learn practical techniques for analysing and evaluating public health problems in Australia and globally. Whether you study online or on campus, this program provides real experiences in public health through core courses that are designed to give you the skills you need, and electives that suit your interests. Workplace-related learning and research projects can be readily incorporated for those who work in relevant public health jobs.

Why Study with us?

  • Multiple electives and tailored course selection - a variety of directed courses to choose from.
  • Learn from some of the best in the field - our nationally and internationally award-winning educators comprise of experienced public health practitioners, health promotion professionals, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and researchers.
  • Study online at your own pace - the University of Newcastle's advanced online learning system will allow you to achieve your Master of Public Health at a time that suits you.
  • Eligible for credit transfer - students studying the Master of Clinical Epidemiology or Master of Medical Statistics are eligible to gain 40 units of credit into the Master of Public Health.
  • Gain a Masters level qualification in just one year of full-time study.
  • Opportunity to complete research project(s) - publish with experts, conduct Health Impact Assessments and pursue further research pathways.
  • Combined study options - Master of Public Health / Master of Health Economics, Management and Policy or Master of Public Health / Master of Social Change and Development
  • Be in demand - 1700 new Health Diagnostic and Promotion Progressionals needed with 21.9% projected employment growth by 2026 (Labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
  • Save up to 55% with a commonwealth-supported place.

Webinar: Master of Public Health

This webinar took place on Monday 20 November

Watch past webinar

World top 200 ? for Public Health
93.2% ? of our graduates found employment four months after graduating
$1938 ? median weekly income for Health Diagnostic & Promotion Professionals before tax

What you will study

The Master of Public Health will provide you with a comprehensive education at a superior level. Designed for individuals who have already successfully completed a bachelor degree in an approved public health related discipline, key areas of study include:

  • professional public health practice
  • disease prevention and control
  • health promotion
  • health systems
  • policy and health economics
  • Aboriginal health

Be a part of our exclusive ‘Public Health Career Support Program’

We partner with renowned career coaching experts to bring you a program tailored exclusively for our public health students. Unlike generic career skills workshops offered elsewhere, our sessions are designed with a sharp focus on public health. You'll gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, values, and aspirations, helping you build a career that aligns perfectly with your public health degree.

Our engaging workshops will open doors to a wide range of career possibilities within the field of public health. By participating, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your future career path.

Our program isn't just about knowledge, it's about empowering you with the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in today's dynamic job market. Your degree will shine brighter with the practical insights you'll gain with our program.

Read more

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Master of Public Health might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the Master of Public Health, your skills and knowledge will prepare you for roles including:

  • Health Educator
  • Health Promotion Officer
  • Field Scientist/Practitioner
  • Public Health Surveillance Officer
  • Policy Officer
  • Health Communications Specialist

You may also work across a range of public health areas including:

  • Public health units
  • Local Health Districts
  • State and Commonwealth departments
  • General practice
  • Non-government organisations
  • Academic institutions
  • United Nations agencies
  • International health, development and humanitarian agencies

Professional recognition

Our curriculum is aligned with the recommendation of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA) and as such, our graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Public Health Association of Australia.

Application info

Applying for Master of Public Health

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Apply to study online

This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Minimum of a four year undergraduate degree in a field related to public health such as medicine, biomedical/medical science, nursing, allied health, dentistry, psychology, veterinary science, education, law, engineering, business, commerce, science and arts. Applicants with a three year undergraduate degree should possess an Honours degree; OR additional postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; OR a minimum of one year’s work experience in a related field.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates