Postgraduate Coursework
Master of Public Health
2021
The Master of Public Health will equip you with the tools to investigate, critique and respond to real world population health problems in local and global 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 acquire advanced knowledge and skills in:
- epidemiology
- biostatistics
- quantitative and qualitative research methods
You will learn to analyse and interpret population health information, evaluate and design public health interventions and formulate strategies to address complex health and social issues. You will apply public health approaches to:
- health promotion
- disease control
- health systems
- health policy
- decision making
- the environment and the sustainable development goals.
You will also have the opportunity to consolidate your learning by undertaking a research project supervised by an expert in the field.
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.
This course requires you to have a high level of academic reading and writing. If you are not confident in your academic literacy skills, you are encouraged to fully utilise the University's academic support services.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in non-government organisations (NGOs) and government sectors in areas such as: health research, professional health practice, health policy and planning, epidemiology, communicable and chronic disease control, community development and aid work.
Credit transfers & 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
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
English Language Requirements for International Students
For detail on English Language Entry Requirements please read the entry requirements provided for International students.
How to Apply
International applicants apply directly to CDU and should refer to the information provided for International future students Apply.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Successful completion of one of the following:
- a recognised bachelor degree or a graduate diploma in a related area; or
- a recognised bachelor degree plus an honours or a graduate diploma qualification in a non-related area.
Related areas include: public health, health science, primary health care, medicine, social science or health promotion.
Alternatively, applicants who have completed Charles Darwin University's Graduate Certificate of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (UIDPC1) or Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology (UEPID1) are also eligible for entry into the Master of Public Health as these two courses are nested within the suite of postgraduate coursework awards.
International Pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | 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. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| 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.
Course structure
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 you with opportunities to explore various areas of public health practice, Indigenous health and global health. The research project is an option that enables you 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.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (5 units) |
50cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as detailed below:
PHM516 Indigenous Health |
| Specialist Electives (4 - 7 units) |
70cp |
Specialist Elective units totalling 30-70 credit points selected from one of the two options detailed below: Option 1 - Professional Practice Specialist Elective units selected from ANY of the following streams totalling 70 credit points. Public Health Practice Stream Indigenous Health Stream Global Health Stream Option 2 - Research Project Specialist Elective units selected from ANY of the following streams totalling 30 credit points PLUS a research project totalling 40 credit points. Specialist Electives (30 credit points) Public Health Practice Stream PLUS |
| Course Total | 120cp |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Masters Degree by Coursework AQF Level 9 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time 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 assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area.
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
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research Methods | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM559 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
Research Project Option - Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research Methods | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM559 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points) | R | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| PHM523 Health Promotion PHM526 Research Design PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation (new title 2020) PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making (new title 2020) PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control PHM592 Global Health DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context ENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy |
PHM517 Public Health Anthropology PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021) PHM525 Indigenous Health Research PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021) PHM529 Sexual and Reproductive Health PHM553 Biostatistics PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Disease PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health (new title 2020) |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International student visa holders are required to enrol internally in a full-time load each semester and follow the relevant study plan provided below.
Professional Practice Option - Full-time Study Plan for International Students
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research Methods | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM559 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | PHM553 Biostatistics or PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021) | SE |
| PHM592 Global Health or PHM526 Research Design | SE | Online Specialist Elective* | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM592 Global Health or PHM526 Research Design | SE | ||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | SE | ||
| ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy or ENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking | SE | ||
| Online Specialist Elective* | SE | ||
Research Project Option - Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM588 Qualitative Research Methods | CO |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM559 Health Policy | CO |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | PHM553 Biostatistics or PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021) | SE |
| PHM526 Research Design | SE | Online Specialist Elective* | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points) | R | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability for International students
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation (new title 2020) PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making (new title 2020) PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control |
PHM517 Public Health Anthropology PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021) PHM525 Indigenous Health Research PHM529 Sexual and Reproductive Health PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Disease PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health (new title 2020) |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time 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 assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS (Note: there is no intake for international student visa holders in Semester 2)
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 Methods | CO | ||
| PHM559 Health Policy | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
Research Project 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 Methods | CO | ||
| PHM559 Health Policy | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| PHM567 Public Health | CO | PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points) | R |
| PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | ||
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| PHM523 Health Promotion PHM526 Research Design PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation (new title 2020) PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making (new title 2020) PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control PHM592 Global Health DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context ENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy |
PHM517 Public Health Anthropology PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021) PHM525 Indigenous Health Research PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021) PHM529 Sexual and Reproductive Health PHM553 Biostatistics PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Disease PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health (new title 2020) |
Course 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 or the UAC code 823180. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM602 or the UAC code 873180.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: 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.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $29,520.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.