Progressive, real-world learning. Online.
Key facts
Duration
1 - 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on your recognition for prior learning.
Campuses
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2021 close 21 February 2021
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
The Master of Public Health is about protecting and improving health. Itprepares 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 a big impact on an even bigger 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. 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
- epidemiology
- health promotion
- 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 Healthcare 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 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 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 (Cloud) mode
The majority of electives will be offered in both campus and online (Cloud) mode.
Other electives outside the list 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. Click here for more information.
Core units
All students must complete the following core units and one zero credit point unit:
Electives by Fields of Study
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
Other electives outside this list may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.
Electives
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 electives.
- If undertaking a Minor Project (worth 2 credit points) students complete HSH731, HSH732 and 6 of the electives below.
- If undertaking a Major Project (worth 4 credit points) students complete HSH733, HSH734 and 4 of the electives below.
Key information
2021 course information
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud campus
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
Additional course information
There are two alternative exit points available from H757 Master of Public Health:
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.
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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 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.
Participation requirements
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.
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Entry requirements
Entry information
Entry will be based on performance in:
- a Bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
OR
- evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning 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 available fee places for this course are detailed above.
Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of 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.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. 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 your course.
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 fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $45,881.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2020 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the 2020 estimated tuition fee for a Master of Public Health (16 credit points) at Deakin
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 15% Deakin Alumni Postgraduate Course Fee Bursary);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if Credit for Prior Learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
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 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Deakin Application Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
NIKERI Institute applicants must apply via the How to apply webpage. You’ll need to complete a declaration statement and application form. If your application is successful, you’ll then be invited to an interview.
To learn more about what the Master of Public Health at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Entry pathways
Pathways are offered in six areas:
- applied research
- health promotion
- public health practice
- health economics and management
- environments for health
- public health nutrition
Tap image to expand
A 'same discipline' award for this course is in public health, a 'related discipline' award for this course is health sciences, health promotion, health and human services management or other related field.
Contact information
Prospective Student Enquiry Centre
1800 693 888
myfuture@deakin.edu.au
Why choose Deakin
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 have the opportunity to 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 website for more
The Master of Public Health also provides pathways to pursue a PhD and a career in academia.
Professional recognition
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.
| 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. |
Footnotes
*2019 Student Experience Survey, based on undergraduate students
#ARWU Rankings 2019
~According to the Voice Project IT Service Quality Support Benchmark Survey
^Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019 winner
^^Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)