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Public health in Australia stands as a cornerstone for creating healthier communities and addressing complex societal challenges. Spanning diverse roles from policy-making to disease prevention, this critical industry improves lives and helps shape Australia’s healthcare system.

The demand for skilled public health workers continues to grow, with job opportunities projected to increase by up to 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Studying a postgraduate public health degree can help provide opportunities for career advancement, personal development and the chance to connect with peers to build your professional network. Whether your career goals lie in grassroots healthcare initiatives or you have ambitions to take your expertise abroad, a postgraduate public health degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a purpose-driven industry.

Public health in Australia: industry snapshot

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Why study public health?

Advance your career and grow professionally

A career in the public health sector offers valuable opportunities for advancement, with strong job stability across a wide range of roles and sectors. As the broader demand for health professionals continues to grow, jobs in public health provide a foundation for long-term success in local councils, government, research, community support or global healthcare. You may also have the chance to pursue leadership, senior and more specialised roles locally and further afield. Ultimately, a career in public health affords you the unique potential to drive positive change, make a lasting impact and contribute to the healthcare landscape in various ways.

Build valuable skills and expertise

Whether you’re considering further study to enhance your current skills or looking to pivot into a purpose-driven healthcare field, postgraduate study in public health can equip you with valuable skills and knowledge to excel in one of the most in-demand healthcare sectors in Australia. You can hone your communication, analytical, research, decision-making and leadership skills, which support interdisciplinary roles that address various public health challenges. Public health courses can also provide you with specialised skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, policy development, economics, nutrition and Indigenous health, depending on the specific course, specialisation and institution you choose.

Make the most of flexible study pathways

Postgraduate courses can be completed either online or on-campus, giving you greater flexibility to choose a course that suits your personal and professional needs. For some courses, you may also qualify for postgraduate study if you have prior relevant work experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. This allows you to utilise your existing skills, background and experience to forge a new and rewarding career path in the public health sector. Many universities also have various yearly online intakes, which means you can begin your studies when you’re ready and enjoy the convenience of flexible study to boost your career.

Graduate with a high-quality public health degree

Earning a postgraduate qualification in public health equips you with the skills and knowledge to confidently pursue diverse roles, backed by a high-quality education. You’ll be prepared to step into roles that help shape people’s lives and health outcomes on a domestic or international scale. An Australian public health degree can open doors to varied roles, allowing you to bring powerful change wherever your career takes you. If you're passionate about promoting population health, empowering communities and influencing policy-makers, a career in public health can help you transform your purpose into a positive, real-world impact.

Top Australian universities for postgraduate public health courses in 2025

Taking into consideration different university rankings can help you refine your decision when choosing where to study. Public health degrees are broadly categorised into life sciences and medicine. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, here are the top Australian universities that ranked highly in that subject area.

Things to consider before studying a postgraduate public health course

Taking the time to consider the pros and cons of studying a postgraduate public health degree can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right course that aligns with your study and career goals.

• • Advantages

  • Benefit from diverse job opportunities
    
    Postgraduate public health degrees can help open doors to a wide range of career paths in different sectors. These may include government agencies, public and private healthcare, research institutions and international organisations.

  • Choose interesting specialisations
    
    Public health courses offer an array of compelling specialisations, giving you a competitive edge, establishing you as an authority in your field and facilitating the opportunity to enhance your expertise. Examples of public health specialisations include epidemiology, environmental health and Indigenous health.

  • Gain in-demand and transferable skills
    
    As a public health graduate, you’ll develop a strong set of valuable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, effective communication, collaboration and leadership. These qualities are highly transferable across a variety of sectors and in many roles from policy development to healthcare and academia.

  • Enjoy an impactful career
    
    Pursuing a role in public health is your chance to enjoy a deeply fulfilling and rewarding career, as it allows you to contribute to tangible and meaningful change among small and large-scale healthcare landscapes. You can be at the forefront of addressing health inequalities, influencing policy and improving population health outcomes on a local or global scale.

• • Challenges

  • Educational costs
    
    Postgraduate study can present a significant financial commitment, with tuition fees, study materials and other costs adding up. It's important to consider whether this commitment is manageable, as well as explore financial support options if needed.

  • Substantial time and study load
    
    Balancing postgraduate study with work, family and other obligations can be a genuine juggle. Consider whether you can commit to full-time time study or if you’d prefer a part-time option. This matters in terms of the time commitment as well as dedicating your efforts towards your coursework.

  • Complex course content
    
    Public health degrees typically include units that require some getting used to, such as epidemiology and data analytics. Comprehending the course content may be a challenge if mathematics or analytical subjects aren’t your strong suit. Remember, you can seek study support to help you confidently complete your units.

  • Practical course components
    
    Some public health degrees include an in-person practical element as part of your course requirements. Think about whether this is possible for you or if it means you need to make adjustments to accommodate this aspect of your studies. Alternatively, you may decide to explore other course options without this requirement.

Career outcomes for postgraduate public health courses

There is a broad range of public health careers available following the completion of a public health degree. Here is an overview of the different career paths and roles to consider:

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians interpret, translate and strengthen health research by applying statistical techniques to health and biological data in medical and environmental sectors. Their role provides meaningful insights that can drive decision-making to improve public health outcomes.

Environmental health officer

These professionals develop, implement and help regulate public health guidelines to protect against environmental pollutants, toxicants and disease spread. They are responsible for inspecting and maintaining air, food and water quality and auditing public and industrial buildings to ensure regulatory compliance. They often work in government or council roles as well as the environmental science sector.

Epidemiologist

An epidemiologist identifies the causes, contributing factors and spread of disease outbreaks and how these impact population health. They facilitate the development of guidelines for the prevention of future disease outbreaks and can work in universities, hospitals or government health departments.

Health data analyst

A health data analyst reviews and translates health data to support policy development and improve health outcomes for businesses or other organisations. Health data analysts can work in public and private sectors.

Health policy advisor

Health policy advisors shape public health policies by analysing and interpreting data, recommending solutions and advocating for change to improve public health outcomes. Their expertise is used in government agency roles, private organisations as well as advocacy or focus research groups.

Health promotion officer

These professionals design campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent diseases. A health promotion officer can work in public and private healthcare sectors, schools and community health centres in health advocacy, delivering educational material, conducting health research and spearheading strategies to improve population health.

Infection preventionist

Also referred to as infection control officers, infection preventionists develop and monitor infection prevention policies in healthcare settings, particularly in high-risk environments such as hospitals, health clinics and aged care facilities. These professionals ensure that healthcare workers and facilities implement effective measures to minimise the risk of infections spreading.

Public health educator

A public health educator combines education, health advocacy and program development to improve public health outcomes. They may educate individuals, communities and organisations on health, nutrition, mental health and disease prevention. Health educators can work in schools, community outreach centres, government agencies and in private corporations.

Public health researcher

Public health researchers investigate health challenges, design and conduct studies, including clinical trials and publish findings to inform public health policy development. They may work in universities, community organisations, research institutes and non-profit organisations.

Sustainability officer

These professionals play a key role in creating thriving, sustainable communities by balancing social, environmental and economic needs to support better health outcomes. They may have dynamic roles that combine community work, research and policy development in various government or private organisational settings.

Other public health roles include:

Climate resilience officer, communicable disease analyst, corporate health manager, disaster risk officer, health advisor, health data scientist, health safety and environment advisor, infection control officer, medical entomologists, public health officer, public health program manager and research project coordinator.

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Public health roles encompass a variety of sectors, including:

Aged care services
Public health professionals may work in aged care offering support for the elderly population.
 
Community health services
Providing local services to promote health and wellness at the grassroots level.
 
Community organisations
Domestic groups dedicated to supporting and improving local communities.
 
Environmental and occupational health
Services focused on promoting health and safety in workplaces and surrounding environments.
 
Health fund insurers
Professionals who consult with insurance companies and deliver health promotion strategies.
 
International public health
Efforts are aimed at addressing international health crises, natural disasters, emergency management and preventing the spread of diseases.
 
Local, state and federal government
Public health officers can work in various tiers of government, supporting the implementation of health policies and programs.
 
Non-government organisations (NGOs)
Creating health awareness, advocacy and support for people with a variety of health challenges.

Pharmaceutical companies
Roles to support businesses that develop, produce and distribute medications and vaccines.
 
Public and private hospitals
Professionals working in health facilities providing advice and support in multidisciplinary healthcare teams to care for patients.

Research firms and institutions
Organisations focused on conducting studies to advance knowledge in health, medicine and environmental science fields.

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Public health roles encompass a variety of sectors, including:

Aged care services
Public health professionals may work in aged care offering support for the elderly population.
 
Community health services
Providing local services to promote health and wellness at the grassroots level.
 
Community organisations
Domestic groups dedicated to supporting and improving local communities.
 
Environmental and occupational health
Services focused on promoting health and safety in workplaces and surrounding environments.
 
Health fund insurers
Professionals who consult with insurance companies and deliver health promotion strategies.
 
International public health
Efforts are aimed at addressing international health crises, natural disasters, emergency management and preventing the spread of diseases.
 
Local, state and federal government
Public health officers can work in various tiers of government, supporting the implementation of health policies and programs.
 
Non-government organisations (NGOs)
Creating health awareness, advocacy and support for people with a variety of health challenges.

Pharmaceutical companies
Roles to support businesses that develop, produce and distribute medications and vaccines.
 
Public and private hospitals
Professionals working in health facilities providing advice and support in multidisciplinary healthcare teams to care for patients.

Research firms and institutions
Organisations focused on conducting studies to advance knowledge in health, medicine and environmental science fields.

Salaries for public health careers

The average salaries for psychologists vary depending on experience, specialisation and qualification level. According to SEEK and Talent.com, below are the average annual salaries for different psychology roles along with some employment growth trends where applicable.

Biostatistician

Average annual salary: $120,000

Entry-level positions start at $160,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $130,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 11 per cent over the next five years.

Community health worker

Average annual salary: $73,000

Entry-level positions start at $73,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $74,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 21.9 per cent over the next five years.

Epidemiologist

Average annual salary: $114,000

Entry-level positions start at $103,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $128,000 per year.

Environmental health officer

Average annual salary: $93,000

Projected job growth: 15.9 per cent over the next five years.

Health and safety advisor

Average annual salary: $115,000

Health data analyst

Average annual salary: $112,000

Entry-level positions start at $99,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $140,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 23.2 per cent over the next five years.

Health data scientist

Average annual salary: $125,000

Projected job growth: 11 per cent over the next five years.

Health information manager

Average annual salary: $100,000

Entry-level positions start at $100,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $140,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 26.5 per cent over the next five years.

Health policy advisor

Average annual salary: $103,000

Entry-level positions start at $100,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $138,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 8.7 per cent over the next five years.

Health promotion officer

Average annual salary: $88,000

Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $100,000 per year.

Projected job growth: 21.9 per cent over the next five years.

Infection preventionist

Average annual salary: $92,000

Entry-level positions start at $62,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $108,000 per year.

Public health educator

Average annual salary: $108,000

Entry-level positions start at $103,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $113,000 per year.

Public health officer

Average annual salary: $102,000

Entry-level positions start at $82,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $147,000 per year.

Public health researcher

Average annual salary: $110,000

Sustainability officer

Average annual salary: $93,000

Frequently asked questions about postgraduate public health courses

How long is a postgraduate public health degree?

Each public health degree has a different duration, depending on the course level and whether you undertake your studies in a part-time or full-time capacity. Here is an overview of how long each course typically takes to complete.

Graduate certificate

A public health graduate certificate is usually a shorter course, typically comprising four units and takes the least amount of time to complete. Some universities offer multiple yearly intakes, giving you greater flexibility with managing your studies. Graduate certificates typically take between six months full-time to up to two years part-time.

For example, Victoria University (VU) offers an online Graduate Certificate in Public Health course that takes approximately eight months to complete part-time. VU Online’s model is designed to deliver one unit over a seven-week study period, with the recommendation of allocating 20 hours per week to completing your studies.

Graduate diploma

These courses require a more in-depth time commitment, usually with eight units to complete over a 12-month period if completed full-time and up to 2 years part-time.

For example, the University of Technology Sydney offers an online Graduate Diploma in Public Health, outlining a study commitment of between 15-20 hours per week. This course takes approximately 16 months to complete, studying part-time.

Master’s degree

The study load is highest at the master’s degree level, typically comprising 12 units with most courses taking a minimum of two years to complete full-time or between three and five years part-time.

The variation in how long it takes to complete a public health master’s degree may depend on when you enrol in your studies, how you allocate your study time and whether the course has a specialisation.

What are the differences between studying public health online and on campus?

The choice to complete your studies online vs on-campus will depend on your individual learning style and what fits with your personal and professional needs. It’s important to remember that each study mode provides the same learning outcomes and skills, so whether you decide on an online public health course or prefer to study face-to-face, you can be confident that your degree delivers the same high-quality qualification either way.

For example, the University of Canberra offers an online Master of Public Health course and an on-campus Master of Public Health course. Each offers the same six core units and the choice of a further six units from the Community Nutrition stream, Health Communication stream or Global Health stream. Completing your studies online can offer greater flexibility with completing your coursework at times that fits within your own schedule. It may be a suitable option if you don’t live near your chosen university or simply have other personal or work commitments that need to be balanced around study.

On-campus learning is a more traditional, in-person study experience. It has more structure, with a dedicated schedule of lectures you’ll need to attend and it gives you the opportunity to be physically involved in the university culture while enjoying an immersive learning experience with others.

Some courses offer a blended on-campus and online learning experience as well. Confirm with your institution about their study modes and what flexible study options they have to find the right course that fits with your needs.

What are the prerequisites for a postgraduate public health degree?

There are different entry requirements for postgraduate degrees in public health according to each study level and across different universities.

In the majority of cases, for graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master’s degree entry, a bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline such as nursing, social work, psychology or allied health is required to commence postgraduate public health studies. Some university entry requirements accept a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

If you have not completed a prior degree, many universities accept a minimum of between two and five years of approved relevant work experience in the healthcare or human services fields. Work experience needs to be well-substantiated with relevant documentation as part of your application and supports your eligibility for entry.

To ensure you meet the specific criteria for your chosen course, it's advisable to check directly with the university. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your eligibility.

How much does a public health degree cost?

Public health degrees in Australia can vary depending on the course level, university and whether you’re enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) course or full-fee course. When researching public health degrees, it’s important to identify how the university lists their course prices.

Fees may be listed by the unit cost, as an indicative annual fee or the university may list the total course cost. To ensure you understand your course fees, it’s advisable to check directly with the institution about the specific course and what fees apply.

Graduate certificate

A Graduate Certificate of Public Health can range from $4,085 for a CSP course from Deakin University to the same course at a full-fee price of $17,150 from Monash University.

Graduate diploma

The University of New South Wales offers a CSP-eligible Graduate Diploma in Public Health for $7,000, while the same course for a full-fee place costs $34,500 at the University of Sydney.

Master’s degree

The cost of a Master of Public Health ranges in price from $9,200 for a CSP course for the first year at Curtin University to the same course at the University of Melbourne at the full-fee cost of $71,367.

What are the payment options for postgraduate public health course fees?

The cost of postgraduate study can be significant, however there are a range of options available to you to help cover and manage your tuition fees for a public health course.

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme provided by the Australian Government to assist with covering tuition fees for eligible students completing higher education. This scheme helps with managing the cost of full-fee paying courses and applies to tuition fees only and not other costs related to studying. Mandatory repayments to your FEE-HELP loan apply once your income exceeds the yearly repayment threshold and usually occurs at tax time. You can also make voluntary repayments to get ahead at any time. To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must meet certain Australian citizenship, residency and enrolment requirements.

A CSP is a subsidised university place covered by the Australian Government, where they pay for a portion of your tuition costs. This payment differs from a loan amount and therefore does not need to be repaid. Consequently, if you’re enrolled in a CSP course, you’ll pay a reduced total fee, also known as the student contribution amount, which can be deferred with a HECS-HELP loan and later repaid.

Understanding your eligibility for FEE-HELP or CSPs can help you confidently take the next step in your study journey. Check with your institution to find out whether they have CSP courses available and to confirm your eligibility for FEE-HELP.

What skills do graduates gain by studying a postgraduate public health course?

The skills and expertise you’ll gain by completing a postgraduate course in public health will depend on the specific course, level and whether there are specialisations attached to the program. Here is an overview of what skills you may acquire from public health postgraduate degrees across each course level:

Graduate certificate:

• Introduction to epidemiology and the aspects of health and disease among diverse populations
• Understand the social, biological, environmental, cultural and economical determinants that impact health and wellbeing of individuals and communities
• Develop an appreciation of ethical considerations in public health practice, including equity, social justice, equitable healthcare access and cultural competence
• Basics of health promotion and health policy development that support health outcomes at an individual and societal level
• Foundations of biostatistics to analyse and interpret health data among different groups

Graduate diploma:

• Gain a deeper understanding of communicable and non-communicable disease progression, development and prevention among populations
• Analyse epidemiological and biostatistical data to develop evidence-based public and global health solutions to various health challenges
• Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills to convey public health information and interventions to various stakeholders and the general public
• Understanding of broader local and global public health issues such as food security, addictions, emergency and disaster management and occupational safety
• Examine the crucial role of health systems at a local and international level and how health policy, economics and politics intersect to shape these systems

Master’s degree:

• Develop digital literacy skills and understand how data science impacts population health on domestic and international scales
• Establish health leadership skills to engage with various stakeholders and organisations to implement effective public health strategies and interventions
• Examine the broader context of public health initiatives within international agencies, governments and communities
• Apply systems thinking principles to manage complex health challenges in an effort to find innovative and impactful solutions which improve public health outcomes
• Demonstrate professional skills in a real-world setting via work-integrated learning, showcasing effective teamwork, collaboration and partnership development that fosters positive public health outcomes and supports career prospects in the public health sector

What specialties are available for postgraduate public health courses?

Public health postgraduate degrees in Australia are among some of the most diverse and interesting healthcare courses to explore. There are many specialisations at each course level, offering valuable opportunities to advance your career in niche fields and areas that relate to a variety of public health sub-fields.

Beyond the core public health degree options, there are unique specialisations available in graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s degrees.

Examples of specialties in public health courses include:

• Biostatistics
• Communicable disease
• Emergency and disaster management
• Environmental policy management
• Epidemiology
• Food security
• Global health
• Global health leadership
• Health and social care
• Health data analytics
• Health economics
• Health policy and planning
• Health promotion
• Health research
• Health systems
• Indigenous health
• Infection prevention and control
• Population health studies
• Sustainable development
• Tropical medicine and hygiene

Exploring different courses and discovering what specialisations they offer can help you tailor your studies to meet your interests and career ambitions. You can specialise in one or more fields and position yourself for opportunities in senior or niche roles in Australia and overseas.

How hard is a postgraduate public health degree?

The difficulty of a postgraduate public health degree can vary depending on your academic background, the course type, structure and the level of commitment you're able to make.

Most public health courses are highly analytical, even at the graduate certificate level. There are often statistics and data units, especially relating to epidemiology and biostatistics, which lean on a sound understanding of mathematics. If you’re not confident in these areas, you may find certain parts of the course more challenging, however many universities offer support to help you build these skills if required.

The study load and time commitment can also be substantial, depending on whether you are enrolled in your course on a part-time or full-time basis. For example, a full-time study load for a graduate certificate and graduate diploma typically requires a commitment similar to a part-time job of around 20 hours per week. Master’s degrees generally require a commitment of between 40-50 hours per week if enrolled full-time. However, some master’s degrees are designed to be completed at a part-time study load, which means the time commitment to complete your studies is less intensive than full-time study.

Taking on a single unit at most higher education institutions typically means you need to commit to around 10-12 hours per week of study time. While many courses offer flexibility around intake dates and how you complete your coursework, there is still a requirement for you to be disciplined in attending to your studies to get the most out of your learning experience and to gain competence in your chosen study field.

Course content can also vary in complexity depending on whether you choose a general public health degree or one with a specialisation, such as health promotion, global health, infectious diseases or environmental health. Specialised pathways may delve deeper into niche areas and could be more demanding in terms of workload, so it’s important to select an area that aligns with your interests and long-term career goals.

Lastly, some postgraduate public health degrees include large assessment pieces and practical components, particularly at the master’s degree level. These can include capstone assignments, dissertations and work-integrated learning units. Engaging in and completing these learning experiences can be highly valuable to advance your career in this sector, however they are also another significant time and resource commitment, so it’s an important consideration when determining what course to enrol in.

It’s important to consider whether you can manage the workload demands and evaluate all aspects of undertaking postgraduate study to decide if it’s the right path for you and your career goals.

Begin your pathway to an impactful public health career

With promising career prospects and a chance to make a lasting societal impact, there has never been a better time to step into Australia’s dynamic public health sector.

GlobalHealth Education partners with esteemed universities to deliver a diverse range of postgraduate public health courses.

Taking a postgraduate course in public health is a flexible way to advance your career while fitting your studies around your lifestyle. If you're pivoting from another field or looking to deepen your knowledge with a higher-level qualification, you'll find a suitable pathway to expand your career in this versatile sector.

Browse the entire course catalogue above, select a course and enquire to connect with a Student Enrolment Advisor for support with your query and guidance on your enrolment process.