Master of Public Health
Tackle real-world health problems and protect your community
Our Master of Public Health offers a simplified two-year path to working—and making a difference—in the health sector.
Equipped with an in-depth knowledge of epidemiology, health promotion, biostatistics, communicable diseases and global public health, you will be able to impact the health of your community by influencing policy or advocating for change at a population level.
Open up new career opportunities and work alongside other health professionals in a non-clinical setting to make our society healthier and safer.
What will you do?
- Develop specialist knowledge of practice and policy.
- Connect with mentors, active researchers, practitioners and policymakers.
- Learn strong problem-solving and research skills.
- Gain hands-on experience through placements.
- Build professional networks.
- Tailor your study to personal goals and aspirations.
Where could it take you?
You could work with communities to manage local health problems or keep the nation informed during times of crisis. You might design and implement educational campaigns and health programs. Perhaps you’ll advise on policy or be a research officer for clinical trials.
Enjoy flexible study options
The Master of Public Health offers a versatile path towards a rewarding career in the health sector. You can tailor your academic journey by selecting electives that reflect your specific interests and craft a customised study plan.
New Commonwealth Supported Places
Successful domestic applicants to the Master of Public Health will now receive a Commonwealth Supported Place, meaning a reduction of up to 80% off of the full course fees due to government subsidies. Offer subject to change.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants with the appropriate prior qualifications, such as AHPRA registration or a undergraduate degree with a major in Public Health, may be eligible for a shortened version of the Master of Public Health program. Please see the Degree Structure section for more information.
Study public health at the University of Adelaide
Discover how studying public health with us can give you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you need for career success—and equip you to make a real difference in the world.
^Australian Government, Labour Market Insights, 2023.
*IUS News Best Global Universities Rankings, 2023.
Thinking of studying soon?
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.
Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | 3CM181 |
|---|---|
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
| Higher Education Study | A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0, OR A minimum of 7 years public health related work experience (evidence of which to be assessed by the program coordinator and must be uploaded with the SATAC application). |
|---|
Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Commonwealth-supported place: $9,810
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
Successful domestic applicants to the Master of Public Health will now receive a Commonwealth Supported Place, meaning a reduction of up to 80% off of the full course fees due to government subsidies. Offer subject to change.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.
Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.
To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships
To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships
Careers
Career Readiness
Students interact with our extensive network of alumni, working in public health locally, nationally and internationally, via a specialised mentoring program which matches students with experienced practitioners to assist in their career planning and direction setting.
We work with each student to develop a customised study plan which aligns with their interests and career aspirations.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Industry Placement
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
International Development Worker; Ministerial Adviser; Non Government Organisation Worker; Clinical Studies Coordinator; Community Development Officer; Data Analyst; Database Coordinator; Policy Adviser; Development Officer; Project Development Manager ...
Degree Structure
Applicants with the appropriate prior qualifications may be eligible for a shortened version of the Master of Public Health program. Please see the table below for eligibility.
| Program length | Eligibility requirements |
| 2 year program | Standard admissions requirements as stated in the entry requirements section above |
| 1.5 year program | Standard admissions requirements + applicants with an undergraduate degree with a public health major OR a medical or dentistry degree from an Australian University OR with an equivalent degree from elsewhere WITH AHPRA registration may be eligible |
| 1 year program | Standard admissions requirements + applicants with an Honours degree in public health may be eligible |
if you believe you may qualify for a shortened version of the Master of Public Health program, please see the following information regarding applying for credit here.
The Master of Public Health equips graduates with the broad knowledge base in core public health disciplines including epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioural health sciences, environmental and occupational health sciences, global public health and health systems service and management, and the skills and experiences needed to think critically, work collaboratively, advocate for change and creatively solve complex problems to make a difference to the health of whole populations.
Public Health subjects:
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Global Public Health
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations
- Knowing What Works - Evaluation for Public Health
- Leadership and Advocacy for Public Health Action
- Professional Practice Placement or Dissertation or Thesis
- choice of electives.
Students in the 2 year program are required to complete one of the following pathways:
Research Dissertation Specialisation
Students must complete courses to the value of 48 units
· Core courses to the value of 30 units.
· Dissertation to the value of 12 units.
· Electives to the value of 6 units.
Research Thesis Specialisation
Students must complete courses to the value of 48 units
· Core courses to the value of 21 units.
· Thesis to the value of 24 units.
· Electives to the value of 3 units.
Professional Practice Specialisation
Students must complete courses to the value of 48 units
· Core courses to the value of 27 units.
· Professional practice placement to the value of 12 units.
· Electives to the value of 9 units.
Professional Coursework Pathway
Students must complete courses to the value of 48 units
· Core courses to the value of 27 units.
· Applied Professional Skills Project.
· Electives to the value of 9 units.
Students in the 1.5 year program are required to complete one of the following pathways:
Research Dissertation Specialisation
Students must complete courses to the value of 36 units
· Developing a Novel Research Question of 3 units
· Dissertation of 12 units
· Core courses to the value of 12 units
· Electives to the value of 9 units.
Professional Practice Specialisation
Students must complete courses to the value of 36 units
· Professional Practice Placement of 12 units
· Core courses to the value of 15 units
· Electives to the value of 9 units.
Professional Coursework Pathway
Students must complete courses to the value of 36 units
· Core and elective courses to the value of 15 units.
· Applied Professional Skills Project. 12 Units
· Electives to the value of 9 units.
Students in the 1.5 year program will be advised about which core and elective courses they must complete depending on their previous undergraduate study.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Example Study Plan
| Year 1 |
|
|---|---|
| Winter School - PUB HLTH 7096 Making Healthy Public Policy | |
| Year 2 |
Professional Practice Placement (PUB HLTH 7079) + 2 core courses + 3 electives |
Complete study plans for each pathway are available here
Students in the extension program will be advised about which core and elective courses they must complete depending on their previous graduate study.
| OR other postgraduate coursework courses offered by the University or another university which the Faculty approves in lieu of elective courses to the value of 6 units. |
Assessment
Related Degrees
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Last updated: Tuesday, 1 Apr 2025
