Master of Public Health

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 course, an applicant must have:
1. An undergraduate degree (or higher) in health or related discipline;
and
2. Either:
a. 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
b. Have successfully completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Health; or
c. A minimum of two years professional experience in health (or related field), including Honours or other postgraduate study in health; or
d. Suitable practical experience in public health, global health or humanitarian assistance to the satisfaction of the course coordinator.

Work and Life

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

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

Students must meet English Language requirements as follows:

• IELTS: Overall score 6.5, Individual score of 6.0 in all test
• PTE: 61 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills
• TOEFL: Internet based total of 90, minimum 25 writing
• ACU English Language Test: B (65-74%)
• CAE: Overall CAE of 176, Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests

ACU will consider requests for advanced standing based on prior studies to a maximum equivalence of 80cp

ACU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program 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.

ACU’s MPH 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 the Foundation Competencies for MPH 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.

Students may choose to complete their MPH 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.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.

To qualify for the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 160 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings comprising of:
1. 90 cp Public Health Units; and
2. 70 cp Pathway Units, consisting of either:

a. Research Pathway:
i. 20 cp Elective Units
ii. 50 cp Research Units

OR

b. Project Pathway
i. 50 cp Elective Units
ii. 20 cp Project Units

Public Health units:

• Introduction to Health Services Research (10cp)
• Healthcare Ethics: Principles of Practice  (10cp)
• History and Principles of Public Health  (10cp)
• Health Promotion  (10cp)
• Biostatistics  (10cp)
• Epidemiology  (10cp)
• Determinants of Health  (10cp)
• Disease Prevention and Management  (10cp)
• Public Health Law and Policy

Research Units:

• Qualitative Health Research  (10cp) OR Quantitative Health Research  (10cp)
• Public Health Research Thesis A  (20cp)
• Public Health Research Thesis B  (20cp)

Project Unit

• Public Health Capstone  (20cp)

Award Requirements

To qualify for the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 160 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings comprising of:

1. 90 cp Public Health Units; and
2. 70 cp Pathway Units, consisting of either:

1. Research Pathway:
   i. 20 cp Elective Units
   ii. 50 cp Research Units
2. Project Pathway
   i. 50 cp Elective Units
   ii. 20 cp Project Units

Exit Points

ACU - Graduate Certificate in Public Health
ACU - Graduate Diploma in Public Health

Choose your subjects

Electives

Electives to be selected from the following:

• Quality and Safety in Healthcare (10cp)
• Leadership in Health Care (10cp)
• Resource Management (10cp)
• Qualitative Health Research (10cp)
• Quantitative Health Research  (10cp)
• Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility  (10cp)
• Global Health and Sustainable Development  (10cp)
• Humanitarian Assistance and Health  (10cp)
• Global Nutrition and Food Security  (10cp)
• Health Advocacy  (10cp)

Submission of application form and appropriate supporting documents

Submission of Application to Course Complete form to ACU