Master of Public Health

On completion of the course you will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in:

1. Critical analysis of evidence, complex theories, problems, and concepts regarding social, economic, environmental, and political determinants of health.
2. Developing, planning, and evaluating public health approaches to health problems.
3. Critiquing and applying contemporary public health approaches in work-related environments and practice.
4. Research principles, methodologies, and methods applicable to public health theory, policy and practice.
5. Creativity and innovation in transferring knowledge to practice.
6. Effective communication in the workplace and university context.

Additionally, students will learn how to apply an advanced level of knowledge in:

1. Recognising your own strengths, limitations, and learning style.
2. Showing initiative and creativity in practice.
3. Taking responsibility, and to advocate for and empower others.
4. Critically analysing evidence and theories regarding determinants of health, planning and evaluating public health approaches, work-related environments; and undertaking public health research activities.

Study a Master of Public Health at Flinders to explore and improve public health practice through a focus on equity, inclusion and real-world impact. The course equips professionals to address workplace challenges and reduce health inequalities using contemporary knowledge.

Recommended study pattern

You will study core topics in primary health care and public health, building skills to address health inequities and improve community wellbeing. Areas of focus include social determinants of health, Indigenous health, and strategies for creating lasting change in health systems.

YEAR 1

Core topics may include:

• Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
• Biostatistics
• Global Health and Development
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Health Economics
• First Nations Health.

Optional topics may include:

• Environmental Health
• Environmental Health Policy and Management
• Public Health Toxicology
• Leadership in Health and Aged Care
• Health and Aged Care Systems and Policy
• Health Law and Ethics
• Advanced Epidemiology
• Primary Health Care
• Communication and Problem Solving for Health Professionals.

YEAR 2

Core topics may include:

• Health Promotion 
• Epidemiological Research Methods.
• Optional topics may include:
• Public and Community Nutrition
• Digital Health
• Public Health and Climate Change
• Public Health Leadership
• Professional Practice in Public Health
• Advanced Biostatistics
• AI in Medicine and Public Health.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) on more than one occasion in the same core topic, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

Except with the permission of the Dean (Education).

Exit points

Students who do not wish to complete the full Master of Public Health may be eligible to exit with an alternative qualification upon meeting the required study components:

• Graduate Diploma in Public Health - Exit Only: Upon successful completion of 36 units of study.

Subject to meeting the specific requirements of the Program of Study below and on completion of at least 36 units in the following degrees students may exit with the Graduate Diploma in Public Health:

• Master of Public Health - 2 Years
• Master of Public Health - 1.5 Years
• Doctor of Public Health (Continuing students only).

Students may also transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Public Health from the double degree Doctor of Medicine / Master of Public Health. To be eligible to transfer students must have completed PHCA9501, PHCA9507, PHCA9522, PHCA9523 in the double degree and then after transferring complete the program of study below.

In order to be able to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Public Health students must indicate their intention not to proceed with the primary degree and request that they exit with the relevant award.

For further details, refer to the Flinders University Course Handbook.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,074

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

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22

To be accepted into this course, applications must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

• hold a Bachelor Degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

The Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature. Applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree but have relevant professional experience in the public sector should provide employment experience information in their application.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case-by-case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.