Degree details

Students may choose to complete the Master of Public Health through a Research Pathway (undertaking additional research training and completion of a minor thesis) or a Capstone Pathway (involving a capstone experience, such as a practice-based project). Elective units and a specialisation option are also available.

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of Master of Public Health programs in Australia. According to a recent public health workforce study, these opportunities are typically within the public or not-for-profit sector; however, one-quarter of Master of Public Health graduates are employed in the private sector.

Approximately half of all Master of Public Health graduates are employed within the health sector, with others finding opportunities within education, government and services sectors.

Managerial, analytical and program-/project-based roles are common destinations for Master of Public Health graduates. For many health practitioners, particularly medical practitioners or registered nurses, a Master of Public Health degree expands their career opportunities within their existing field (e.g. different roles or modes of practice).

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the degree, an applicant must have:

  • An undergraduate degree (or higher) in health or related discipline; 
    AND
  • Either:
    • A grade point average of 5.5 (in 7 point scale) in the health degree in point 1, and a letter demonstrating commitment to public health to the satisfaction of the course coordinator; OR
    • Have successfully completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Health

Work and Life

In addition to an undergraduate degree (or higher) in health or a related discipline an applicant may apply based on the following for entry:

  • A minimum of two years professional experience in health (or related field), including honours or other postgraduate study in health; OR
  • Suitable practical experience in public health, global health or humanitarian assistance to the satisfaction of the course coordinator.

English Proficiency Requirements

Academic IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 (with minimum scores of 6.0 in all tests).

The Master of Public Health equips graduates with specialised knowledge, understanding and skills in public health to improve and advance population health and well-being. ACU’s MPH prepares graduates to practice with a community, national or global focus, and with an ethical, social justice perspective.

This degree allows students to develop advanced and specialised knowledge across the discipline of public health, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, rigorous intellectual inquiry, innovation and thought leadership, and effective communication and advocacy skills.

ACU’s MPH curriculum was designed around the Foundation Competencies for Master of Public Health Graduates in Australia and the requirements of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (for medical practitioners specialising in public health). Other international competency and practice standards and competency frameworks have also informed ACU’s curriculum design.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 160 cp from the schedule of subject offerings comprising of:

  • 90 cp Public Health subjects; AND
  • 70 cp Pathway subjects, consisting of either:
    • Research Pathway:
      • 20 cp elective subjects;
      • 50 cp Research subjects; OR
    • Project Pathway:
      • 50 cp elective subjects;
      • 20 cp Project subjects