Master of Public Health

• Critically examine the complex public health factors that influence public health and the ability to live healthy lives, influence the global burden of diseases and contribute to health disparities. (A public health scientist - Capability 1 Scientist & Scholar)
• Critically review the evidence, policy and practice relevant to public health and use appropriate tools, research methods and evidence-based strategies to inform public health practice. (A research-informed scholar - Capability 1 Scientist & Scholar)
• Use effective communication skills and technology to disseminate targeted public health information for a variety of settings. (An effective personal and digital communicator - Capability 2 Practitioner)
• Apply advanced public health skills to address the major health needs across various public health settings. (A population-centred professional in public health settings - Capability 2 Practitioner)
• Critically reflect on the social and cultural context of public health issues and engage in a culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive manner which is responsive to diverse and priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. (A socially and culturally inclusive citizen - Capability 3 Citizen)
• Demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills to improve population health and wellbeing by understanding of health systems and collaborating with community groups and/or industry. (A public health and systems aware citizen - Capability 3 Citizen)
• Collaborate professionally and apply effective leadership and teamwork principles within and across organisations as part of interdisciplinary and interprofessional teams. (A team-oriented professional - Capability 4 Professional)
• Adhere to all ethical, and regulatory standards required by the public health profession, operate within the boundaries of professional competence, and take a self-reflective and reflexive practice approach to work, self-care and continuing professional development. ( An ethical, reflective and reflexive professional - Capability 4 Professional)

The Master of Public Health – innovative, interdisciplinary and future-focused – will prepare you for a dynamic career dedicated to preventing disease, promoting health and addressing health-related issues in our globalised world. The degree’s strong research focus also provides the opportunity to progress into a Master of Research or a PhD, either in an area of faculty expertise – such as advocacy, economics, infectious diseases, nutrition, physical activity and more – or in a field of your choosing.

Recommended study pattern

Essential subjects (2 year entry point only):

• Foundations of Public Health
• Determinants of Health
• Academic Communications in Public Health
• Public Health Project Management

Essential subjects (all students):

• Research Methodologies in Health
• Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
• Systems Science in Healthcare
• Leadership, Teamwork and Advocacy
• Public Health Capstone
• Healthcare Economics for Leaders
• One of Infectious Disease Epidemiology ,or Inclusive Health, or Program Planning and Evaluation in Health Promotion, or Global Nutrition and Food Security

Flexible Zone (2 year and 1.5 entry points only) - choose four from:

• Global Nutrition and Food Security
• Inclusive Health
• Program Planning and Evaluation in Health Promotion
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Professional Practice
• Research Project Management
• Global Health
• Environmental Health
• Sustainability and Transitions
• Healthy Places: Planning for Diversity, Equity and Wellbeing
• Advanced Introduction to Policy
• Qualitative Methods for Policy
• Culture, Health and Disease
• Social Impact Assessment
• Economic Development
• Engaging Society with Sustainable Development
• Media-Communications Strategies and Campaigns
• Health Law

Award requirements

Completion of between 8 and 16 subject as per the recommended study pattern and depending on entry point (1 year, 1.5 years, 2 years)

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.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

9

AQF level 7 bachelor’s qualification or higher, or recognised equivalent.

Eight years relevant approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning and an interview might be conducted by the Faculty (this is an alternative admission requirement to previous higher education).

Students may be eligible to complete the degree in 1 year or 1.5 years instead of 2 years, depending on prior study (content, level and Weighted Average Mark) and duration of relevant prior work experience. Meeting the work experience requirement does not guarantee admission at the 1 or 1.5 year entry points, and the selection committee will need to consider the detailed nature of the applicant's work experience to make a decision.