Victoria University
Master of Public Health Specialising in Health Promotion
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Turn public health evidence into healthier communities. Develop advanced expertise in epidemiology, policy and program management while learning to design inclusive health promotion strategies that engage diverse populations and influence lasting change.
Course overview
The Health Promotion specialisation develops the knowledge and practical capabilities needed to improve health and wellbeing across communities and populations. You will build a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health policy, systems thinking and program management while examining the social and cultural influences that shape health outcomes.
Specialist study explores evidence-based health promotion, culturally responsive practice and approaches for working with diverse populations. You will consider how social media, social marketing and community engagement can be used to influence health behaviours and support effective public health initiatives. A research project provides an opportunity to investigate a relevant issue and apply your learning in a focused area.
Delivered 100% online through VU’s Block Model, the course involves studying one seven-week unit at a time. It has no advertised placements, in-person assessments or exams. The curriculum is aligned with the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia Foundation Competencies, supporting contemporary public health practice.
Key facts
26th October, 2026
What you will study
To attain the Master of Public Health (Health Promotion) award, students are required to complete 12 units. Each unit is worth 12 credit points.
Core units
- Foundations of Public Health
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
- Public Health in Practice
- Culture and Society in Public Health
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2
- Promoting Health in Policy
- Systems Thinking in Public Health
- Public Health Program Management
Specialisation units
- Innovative and Evidence-Based Health Promotion
- Social Media and Social Marketing Approaches to Health Promotion
- Global Contexts of Health Promotion Practice with Diverse Populations
- Professional Project
Entry requirements
To apply for the online Master of Public Health (Health Promotion), you are required to have one of the following:
- Completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
- Completed an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
- Applicants without an undergraduate qualification may be admitted to the Graduate Diploma based on approved work experience. Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma, graduates will be eligible for admission to this course with credit granted for completed units.
Students may choose to exit after completing eight units in the course, in which case they may graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Public Health.
Outcomes
Roles in public health are diverse and in high demand. They cover areas of health promotion, disease prevention and policy. Depending on your career goals and skill set, studying the Master of Public Health course with VU Online will open up numerous roles that may interest you.
Health Promotion
- NGO Manager
- Health Promoter
- Public Health Researcher
- Community Health Promoter
- Public Policy and Strategy Consultant
- Health Educator
- Health Promotion Research Coordinator
Other roles include
- Public health medical officer
- Lecturer in health
- Medical/health advisor
- Program officer
- Communicable disease analyst
- Project officer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per unit in 2026: From $2,950 up to $3,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total cost for 12 units in 2026: $41,350 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total cost of completing your degree at Victoria University (VU) Online depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for advanced standing, which is assessed after you submit your application. 2026 student fees shown are subject to change.
Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition.
