Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Public Health
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H757
- CRICOS code?
- 020018B Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Public Health students must attain 16 credit points.
The course comprises 8 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 course elective units. Recognition of prior learning can be granted depending on previous studies and professional experience.
All core units will be offered in both campus and online mode.
The majority of course electives will be offered in both campus and online mode.
Other electives outside the list of course electives below may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.
Some units may be offered in block mode.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
All students must complete the following core units and one zero credit point unit:
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.
Public Health Practice
Health Promotion
* Limited places in this unit are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
Epidemiology
Health Economics and Management
Applied Research
Public Health Nutrition
Humanitarian Assistance
Disability and Inclusion
Minor Project Option
Plus 6 electives from the Elective Unit Options by Fields of Study
Major Project Option
Plus 4 electives from the Elective Unit Options by Fields of Study
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 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.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2024 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2024 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult a Student Adviser at Student Central.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Income support
Domestic students enrolled in this postgraduate coursework program may be eligible for student income support through Youth Allowance and Austudy.
Further information can be found at Deakin University's Fees website.
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.
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.
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
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.
Other learning experiences
It is possible to complete an international study tour as an elective unit:
HSH760 International Perspectives in Health and Social Development.
Limited places are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1.5-years full-time (2-years part-time).
Academic requirements
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Pathways are offered in eight areas:
- public health practice
- health promotion
- epidemiology
- health economics and management
- applied research
- public health nutrition
- humanitarian assistance
- disability and inclusion
Alternative exits
Careers
Career outcomes
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 government sector and federal or state level
- local councils.
Some common public health jobs include:
- Epidemiologist
- Community health worker
- Disease and infection investigator
- Environmental health specialist
- Global health professional
- Occupational health and safety specialist
- Urban planner
- Health educator
- Emergency preparedness and response coordinator
- Public health policy coordinator
- Research analyst
- Public health physician
Visit the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) website for more
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
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.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin 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. |