Explore your study options
Ranked in the top 1% worldwide for public health,* our courses are shaped by workforce needs and cover a broad range of contemporary topics. You’ll gain practical skills and graduate ready to play a role in responding to current and emerging global health challenges.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Choose a public health degree that will get you work ready
The COVID pandemic has seen the demand for experienced health specialists grow significantly. Our courses will enable you to make a difference in the healthcare sector. You’ll be equipped with specialist knowledge of topics such as disease control, epidemiology, health communication and environmental health.
Gain industry experience
Depending on your course, you'll be able to complete a range of work-integrated learning programs. Gain experience while you study and consolidate your skills under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Become an expert
Tailor your career pathway and become a leading voice in healthcare with our Master of Public Health. Dive deeper into your interests by choosing electives from eight areas of study.
Respond to outbreaks
Explore the surveillance, investigation, prevention and control of public health events with our Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology Intelligence. You’ll learn how to detect and respond to disease outbreaks through analytical methods.
Take the next step to a brighter future
Explore our public health courses and find out more about life at Deakin. Get more inspiration for your future career in a major growth sector.
Download our study area guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
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Professional recognition
Our courses are recognised by several leading industry bodies, providing you with access to networking and professional development opportunities. Depending on your course and majors, you may be eligible for accreditation from the following bodies:
- Public Health Association of Australia
- International Union for Health Promotion and Education
- Australian Health Promotion Association.
Top professional roles in public health
Healthcare and social assistance is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing employment sector, with more than half a million jobs expected to be created by 2033.^ Your skills and knowledge can prepare you for careers at a community level, within government and with global organisations such as the World Health Organisation, United Nations Development Programme and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Projections to 2028 suggest strong growth across the following health roles:
- 122,900 new jobs for community and personal service workers
- 28,300 new jobs for social and welfare professionals
- 14,600 new jobs for health diagnostic and promotion professionals
- 5,700 new jobs for health and welfare service managers.
Top 1% worldwide for public health
Study with a global leader. Deakin is ranked in the top 1% worldwide for public health teaching and research excellence. This highlights our course quality, cutting-edge facilities, leading academics and outstanding graduate outcomes.
The program has allowed me to fortify my academic foundations of public health and health care in general. The practicum experience at a reputable organisation has given me a foothold in the practical realm of public health. I believe I am extremely well prepared to achieve my career goals.
Kabir Kashyap
Master of Public Health
World-class teaching experiences
Learn from industry experienced academics and be immersed in real-world case studies, preparing you for the realities faced by public health specialists.
Benefit from industry connections
Take advantage of Deakin's wide range of industry partners who can provide applied research opportunities and work placements. Our partners also provide input into our course content, ensuring what you learn is relevant to workforce needs.
Research with us
If you're a medical professional, community health worker or clinician looking to drive positive change across health systems, boost your career prospects or develop your research skills – then postgraduate study in public health could be for you.
Latest articles
- Responding to a pandemic: which careers in public health play key roles?
- How to become an epidemiologist: careers in public health
- Responding to COVID-19: Deakin University research reveals impact on healthcare workers
Responding to a pandemic: which careers in public health play key roles?
Understand what really goes on behind the scenes of the response to a crisis like an infectious disease outbreak.
How to become an epidemiologist: careers in public health
As a public health epidemiologist you can be part of real-world discoveries and drive realistic, sustainable solutions to urgent public health concerns.
Responding to COVID-19: Deakin University research reveals impact on healthcare workers
Learn how Deakin's Institute of Health Transformation conducted research about what it was like for healthcare workers on the frontline of COVID-19.
Footnotes
*2023 ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
^Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2023 – May 2028
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
Contact us
Got a question about our public health courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9034 6205
Enquire online