Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
120Course code
Overview
The Master of Public Health (MPH) will equip you with the tools to investigate, critique and respond to real world population health problems in local, global and planetary contexts. Unique features of the course include learning from acclaimed Menzies School of Health Research professionals in the specialist areas of Indigenous health, global health, public health practice and health research.
You will learn to critically analyse and interpret population health information, evaluate and design public health interventions, and formulate strategies to address complex health and social issues - like health inequity, the social determinants of health and climate change.
You will apply evidence-based public health approaches, critical and systems thinking to: health promotion; disease control; health systems; health policy; decision making; the environment and the sustainable development goals.
You will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in: epidemiology; biostatistics; quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will also have the opportunity to consolidate your learning by undertaking a research project supervised by an expert in the field. Following completion of the research project option students may proceed, with approval, to Higher Degree Research (PhD) training.
Our MPH graduates have gone on to secure employment in national and international health services and government ministries; as well as in international health, development and humanitarian organisations and universities. They have become public health leaders, program planners, analysts, evaluators, health policy officers and professional practitioners. Our MPH graduates also continue on academic pathways to careers as successful health researchers.
Please note: this course requires a high level of academic reading and writing.
Students in this course are enrolled in CDU units, as CDU students. Educators from Menzies School of Health Research coordinate and deliver the course.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in non-government organisations (NGOs) and government sectors in areas such as: professional public health practice; health policy and planning; epidemiology; communicable and chronic disease control; health research; community development and aid work, both nationally and internationally.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM102. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM602.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and tropical health outcomes
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project
Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and tropical health outcomes
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project
What will I study?
The Master of Public Health is a one and a half year course. The core units cover the essential knowledge and skills of public health and the choice of specialist electives provide students with opportunities to explore various areas of public health practice and health research. The research project is an option that enables students to plan and implement a substantial research based project in the public health area, under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Delivered externally online; some units are offered with an internal option.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (5 units) | 50cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points from the listed units below: PHM516 Indigenous Health PHM552 Epidemiology PHM567 Public Health PHM588 Qualitative Research PHM659 Health Policy (recoded from PHM559) |
| Specialist Electives (3-7 units) | 30-70cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 70 credit points selected from one of the two pathway options detailed below: A maximum of 20 credit points can be from the interdisciplinary units. Interdisciplinary Units Research Units totalling 40 credit points (Research Project Option only) PHM821 Research Project A (Part Time) (20 credit points) |
| Course Total | 120cp |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2027
- PHM559 Health Policy has been recoded to PHM659 Health Policy and is equivalent.
- PHM820 Research Project (Part-Time) (20 credit point repeatable unit) has been replaced by PHM821 Research Project A and PHM822 Research Project B. Students who have completed 20 credit points of PHM820 are required to enrol in and complete PHM822 only. Students who have completed 40 credit points of PHM820 have met the requirements of PHM821 and PHM822 and are not required to complete either.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies replaces PHM524
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
(Note: student visa holders must follow the International student study plan provided for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS below)
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021) | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM659 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
(Note: student visa holders must follow the International student study plan provided for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS below)
RESEARCH PROJECT OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM659 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points) | R | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Minimum 50cp from the PHM SE units in total Maximum 20cp from the non-PHM SE units in total | Minimum 50cp from the PHM SE units in total Maximum 20cp from the non-PHM SE units in total |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
(Note: International student visa holders are required to enrol internally in full-time load each semester and follow the relevant study plan provided below)
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM659 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | PHM553 Biostatistics or PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact | SE |
| PHM592 Global Health or PHM526 Research Design | SE | PHM OR non-PHM or specialist elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM specialist elective | SE | ||
| PHM specialist elective | SE | ||
| PHM specialist elective | SE | ||
| Non-PHM specialist elective | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
(Note: International student visa holders are required to enrol internally in full-time load each semester and follow the relevant study plan provided below)
RESEARCH PROJECT OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021) | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM659 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | PHM553 Biostatistics or PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021) | SE |
| PHM OR non-PHM specialist elective | SE | PHM OR non-PHM specialist elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points) | R | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability for International students
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Minimum 50cp from the PHM SE units in total Maximum 20cp from the non-PHM SE units in total | Minimum 50cp from the PHM SE units in total Maximum 20cp from the non-PHM SE units in total |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM588 Qualitative Research | CO | ||
| PHM659 Health Policy | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
RESEARCH PROJECT OPTION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM588 Qualitative Research | CO | ||
| PHM659 Health Policy | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points) | R |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | ||
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Minimum 50cp from the PHM SE units in total Maximum 20cp from the non-PHM SE units in total | Minimum 50cp from the PHM SE units in total Maximum 20cp from the non-PHM SE units in total |
Entry requirements
Quota
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of one of the following:
- a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree in a related area;
or
- a recognised bachelor degree plus an honours or a graduate diploma or master degree in a non-related area.
Related areas include: disciplines of public health, health sciences, primary health care, medicine or the social sciences.
Note: Bachelor of Nursing is not an approved degree for this course. Applicants with a degree in this field will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if unsuccessful, are encouraged to apply for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Public Health.
International entry pathway
International PathwayApplicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40), or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
The educational system in place at Menzies is excellent. The professors and staff fully support the students in every way and the campus provides complete facilities for learning.
Julie
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
The educational system in place at Menzies is excellent. The professors and staff fully support the students in every way and the campus provides complete facilities for learning.
Julie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about public health at CDU
Bishal is from Nepal studying a Graduate Diploma of Health Research + Master of Public Health) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about public health at CDU
Bishal is from Nepal studying a Graduate Diploma of Health Research + Master of Public Health) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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