Public Health

Admission requirements

In general a Graduate Diploma in Public Health requires an undergraduate degree for admission.

The Master of Public Health requires an undergraduate degree in public health, medicine, medical science, nursing, allied health (including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, optometry), dentistry, veterinary science, education, communication and journalism, science, arts, psychology, social science, political science, policy analysis, government, international relations, engineering, architecture, mathematics, law, economics, commerce, business, accounting and marketing for admission.

Applicants who have successful completed an undergraduate degree in a field not listed above, plus have other professional or non-professional qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience or other qualifications, may also be eligible for admission.

The Master of Public Health (Professional Practice) and Master of Public Health (Chronic Disease Prevention) require applicants to be enrolled in the Master of Public Health and to have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 75% in the first 24 credit credit points of core units of study to be considered for admission.

See the course Rules for further details.

Course structure

The Graduate Diploma in Public Health requires the successful completion of 36 credit points of units of study including:

• 24 credit points of core units of study; and
• 12 credit points of elective units of study, with a minimum of 6 credit points from Part 1 of the Table of units of study.

The Master of Public Health requires the successful completion of 48 credit points of units of study including:

• 28 credit points of core units of study; and
• 20 credit points of elective units of study, with a minimum of 8 credit points from Part 1 of the Table of units of study.

The Master of Public Health (Professional Placement) requires the successful completion of 60 credit points of units of study including:

• 48 credit points of units of study as required for the Master of Public Health; and
• 12 credit points of practice placement units of study.

The Master of Public Health (Chronic Disease Prevention) requires the successful completion of a selected program of study of 60 credit points of units of study (see the extended program section for further details) including:

• 48 credit points of units of study as required for the Master of Public Health; and
• 12 credit points of prevention units of study.

Pattern of enrolment and pathways

There are five pathways to gain specialised training, or to undertake study in a general degree program that offers a large number of elective options. Examples for structuring programs of study directed towards specific interests or future employment can be found under the specific pathway sections. Please note these are suggestions only and you may choose units of study according to you interest, with consideration for your study load and prerequisites.

All students must complete the required credit point value of core units of study within their selected pathway.

The pathways are:

• Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Chronic Disease)
• Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Communicable Disease)
• Health Economics/Health Policy
• Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Injury)
• Public Health Research

A Population Oral Health Pathway is also available for Dentistry students or graduates.

Core units of study