Master of Public Health

About the course

The Master of Public Health provides core foundations in multidisciplinary public health theory and practice, combined with methods-based training and a wide range of electives across key public health areas. Students can build practical capability through options such as work-based placements, research projects and industry engagement with organisations including The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter Doherty Institute. The course is delivered in a flexible mixed-mode format, allowing study on campus at Parkville, online, or a combination of both.

What you might learn

Students develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed for evidence-informed public health practice, including understanding population health approaches and public health methods. The course aims to build capability to design, evaluate and implement public health interventions and policies across diverse contexts. Through applied learning opportunities, students strengthen professional skills for working with health systems, communities and industry partners.

Career outcome

Graduates can pursue roles across government, hospitals, non-government organisations and research and policy settings focused on improving population health. Career paths may include public health officer/advisor roles, program and policy development, health promotion and prevention work, epidemiology-related roles, evaluation and implementation roles, and health systems roles. The broad elective structure supports alignment with specialised interests such as global health, health economics, infectious disease epidemiology, Indigenous health and climate and health.

Entry requirements

IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0

Living Costs in Melbourne**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 15 - 20	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,583 - 2,094	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,207 - 1,596
Transportation (Daily) A$ 7 - 9	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 240 - 318

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)