#36 in the world for public health
Access 120 hours of professional health experience
#1 Victorian university for health student support
Why choose public health at Deakin
Advance your career in public health and develop the expertise to improve the health and wellbeing of communities locally and globally. In Australia, over half a million new jobs are projected in the health care and social assistance sector over the next decade. Ranked #36 in the world for public health, Deakin’s Master of Public Health prepares you to address complex health challenges.
Tailor your degree by choosing electives from eight fields of study, including health promotion, public health nutrition, humanitarian assistance, and disability and inclusion. Focus on a specific area or combine fields to create a pathway aligned to your career goals. Study online or on campus while developing capabilities in data analysis, policy and population health. You will also have access to work-integrated learning, internships and applied research opportunities to build professional experience and industry connections.
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Apply public health in practice
Build the skills to address complex health challenges through applied learning at a university ranked #36 in the world for public health.
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Study while you work
Flexible online and on-campus options designed to fit around your professional commitments.
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Industry-connected learning
Access 120 hours of work-integrated learning, internships, applied research and opportunities for international projects.
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Outstanding learning environment
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources, and student support in postgraduate health.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Advance your public health career across government, global health, policy and community settings, with opportunities to pursue specialist, leadership and senior roles.
Health and welfare services manager
Lead health and welfare services and programs, using your public health expertise to shape policy, coordinate service delivery, manage resources and improve health outcomes.
- $128k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Professional areas
- Global health organisations
- Government health departments and services
- Population health and screening
- Public health advocacy
“The course has broadened my perspective, offering a range of electives that perfectly align with my professional aspirations. I was able to select subjects that deepened my knowledge in specific fields, equipping me with the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in public health.”
BecMaster of Public Health
Stories that start here
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Deakin's Master of Public Health does not include a compulsory placement. However, you can gain practical industry experience through the elective Postgraduate Health Practicum unit. The course is offered both on campus and online, giving you the flexibility to fit study around your work and personal commitments. Attendance requirements vary by unit and may include classes, seminars, workshops or online learning activities. Refer to individual unit details for specific requirements.
A Master of Public Health can lead to roles in health promotion, epidemiology, policy, program management, public health practice, research and global health. Deakin’s course develops capability in epidemiology, biostatistics, policy, health promotion and research, supporting pathways across government, non-governmental organisations, health services and international agencies.
The Master of Public Health takes a population-level focus, preparing you to improve health and wellbeing through areas such as epidemiology, health promotion, policy, disease prevention and health protection. It suits those interested in addressing public health challenges across communities and populations, with opportunities to explore areas such as global health and humanitarian assistance. The Master of Health Management focuses on the leadership and management of health services and systems. You’ll develop skills in areas such as leadership, healthcare operations, health economics, resource allocation and human resource management. It suits those looking to lead and manage people, resources, programs and services across the health sector.
Yes, relevant prior study or professional experience may be considered for credit in the Master of Public Health. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years duration, depending on your previous qualifications and professional experience. Deakin assesses recognition for prior learning against course requirements, so applicants with relevant experience should prepare evidence before applying.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Public Health?
The Master of Public Health builds your expertise in public health systems, policy and practice. You will develop advanced analytical and research skills while shaping your degree through elective study, practical experiences and a project pathway aligned to your career goals.
Develop core public health knowledge
Understand public health systems
Build knowledge of health systems, policy, promotion and equity, and how to respond to modern public health challenges.
Develop analytical skills
Learn to interpret and apply health data, using evidence to inform public health decision-making.
Choose your pathway
Develop research literacy or research methods skills, depending on whether you are preparing for professional practice or a research-focused pathway.
Deepen expertise and apply your learning
Tailor your study pathway
Choose electives across fields such as health promotion, public health nutrition, humanitarian assistance or disability and inclusion to build specialised expertise.
Undertake a research project
If you choose a research pathway, complete a major or minor project aligned to your interests or continue to build applied skills through elective study.
Gain industry experience
Access 120 hours of work-integrated learning, internships or applied research opportunities with industry partners, building professional experience and networks.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Health Economics 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
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elective units involving internships or collaborative research and work based training arrangements can occur at any time including during standard holiday breaks.
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute
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.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| 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. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Critically evaluate a range of complex public health evidence, theory and solutions at an abstract level. |
| Using appropriate analytical and research methods, develop and evaluate strategies to prevent disease and injury and protect and improve health. |
| Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning in public health. |
| 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. |
| Apply ethically appropriate research and practice skills to the appraisal of public health related issues and generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses. |
- Award granted
- Master of Public Health
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H757
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$30,600
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Indigenous students
Deakin courses are flexible and culturally inclusive. There are multiple ways you can apply for this course, including through the NIKERI Institute and the Indigenous Access Scheme.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
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