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Public Health PG at CDU
Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Public Health

Key details

Duration

1.5 year/s full-time
3 year/s part-time
1.5 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

120

Course code

SPUBH1
SATAC/UAC codes

Overview

Our 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. This course uniquely offers the opportunity to learn 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
  • 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 a high level of academic reading and writing. The University's academic support services are on hand should you need support.



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 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) 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

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $31,584.00. This equates to $ $3,948.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, 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.

Menzies Public Health Julie

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
Menzies Public Health Julie

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
Menzies Public Health Julie

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
Menzies Public Health Julie

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 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.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core

(5 units)
50cpCompulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as detailed below:



PHM516 Indigenous Health

PHM552 Epidemiology

PHM559 Health Policy

PHM567 Public Health

PHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)

 
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

PHM526 Research Design

PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021)

PHM529 Sexual and Reproductive Health

PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation (new title 2020)

PHM553 Biostatistics

PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making (new title 2020)

ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy orENV508 Geographic Information Systems



Indigenous Health Stream

PHM517 Public Health Anthropology

PHM523 Health Promotion

PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)

PHM525 Indigenous Health Research



Global Health Stream

PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control

PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases

PHM592 Global Health

PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health (new title 2020)

DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context



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

PHM526 Research Design

PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021)

PHM529 Sexual and Reproductive Health

PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation (new title 2020)

PHM553 Biostatistics

PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making (new title 2020)

ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy orENV508 Geographic Information Systems

Indigenous Health Stream

PHM517 Public Health Anthropology

PHM523 Health Promotion

PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)

PHM525 Indigenous Health Research

Global Health Stream

PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control

PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases

PHM592 Global Health

PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health (new title 2020)

DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context

PLUS

Research Project (40 credit points)

Either

2 x PHM820 Research Project (Part Time) (20 credit point repeatable unit)

Or

1 x PHM840 Research Project (Full Time) (40 credit points)

Course Total120cp 

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

 

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 UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PHM567 Public HealthCOPHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)  CO
PHM552 EpidemiologyCOPHM559 Health PolicyCO
PHM516 Indigenous Health COSpecialist Elective 2SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE
Year 2
Specialist Elective 4SE  
Specialist Elective 5SE  
Specialist Elective 6SE  
Specialist Elective 7SE  



Research Project Option - Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PHM567 Public HealthCOPHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)CO
PHM552 EpidemiologyCOPHM559 Health Policy CO
PHM516 Indigenous HealthCOSpecialist Elective 2SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 3SE
Year 2
PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points)R  



SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability

Semester 1Semester 2
PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)

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

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 UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PHM567 Public HealthCOPHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)  CO
PHM552 EpidemiologyCOPHM559 Health PolicyCO
PHM516 Indigenous Health COPHM553 Biostatistics or PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021)SE
PHM592 Global Health or PHM526 Research DesignSEOnline Specialist Elective*SE
Year 2
PHM592 Global Health or PHM526 Research DesignSE  
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in ContextSE  
ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy orENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial ThinkingSE  
Online Specialist Elective*SE  



Research Project Option - Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PHM567 Public HealthCOPHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)CO
PHM552 EpidemiologyCOPHM559 Health Policy CO
PHM516 Indigenous HealthCOPHM553 Biostatistics or PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021)SE
PHM526 Research DesignSEOnline Specialist Elective*SE
Year 2
PHM840 Research Project (40 credit points)R  



SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability for International students

Semester 1Semester 2
PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)

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

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 UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  PHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)  CO
  PHM559 Health Policy CO
  Specialist Elective 1SE
  Specialist Elective 2SE
Year 2
PHM567 Public HealthCOSpecialist Elective 4SE
PHM552 Epidemiology COSpecialist Elective 5SE
PHM516 Indigenous HealthCOSpecialist Elective 6SE
Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 7SE



Research Project Option - Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  PHM588 Qualitative Research (new title 2021)  CO
  PHM559 Health Policy CO
  Specialist Elective 1SE
  Specialist Elective 2SE
Year 2
PHM567 Public HealthCOPHM840 Research Project (40 credit points)R
PHM552 Epidemiology CO  
PHM516 Indigenous Health CO  
Specialist Elective 3SE  



SPECIALIST ELECTIVE unit availability

Semester 1Semester 2
PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)

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

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)

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • a recognised bachelor degree or a graduate diploma or masters degree in a related area; or
  • a recognised bachelor degree plus an honours or a graduate diploma or masters degree in a non-related area.

Related areas include: public health, health science, primary health care, medicine, social science or health promotion.

Note: Bachelor of Nursing is not an approved degree for this course. Applicants with a degree in this field are encouraged to apply for either the Graduate Diploma of Health Research or Public Health. Applicants with extensive experience in rural and remote practice may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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.

International entry pathway

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

English language 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.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic ModuleA 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 ProficiencyA 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 moduleA 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

Nikki Govan

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

Menzies Public Health Julie

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

Nikki Govan

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

Menzies Public Health Julie

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Master of Public Health
Faculty/College
Menzies School of Health Research
Sector
HE
Area of study
Public Health, Health

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

International student Bisal's study story (GradDip of Health Research + Master of Public Health)

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.

International student Bisal's study story (GradDip of Health Research + Master of Public Health)

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 or TAS.

UAC

UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.

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.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

SATAC/UAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
UAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1CM102
823180
Casuarina campus (FF)
1CM602
873180
Online (CSP)
1CM102
823180
Online (FF)
1CM602
873180
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
0101051

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