University of Canberra
Master of Public Health
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Commitment: 9 - 40 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
Build the skills to analyse public health challenges, develop evidence-informed responses and improve population health through study in epidemiology, health promotion, policy, biostatistics and research.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Master of Public Health develops the knowledge and skills to understand and respond to complex health challenges affecting communities and populations. Open to graduates from a wide range of fields, the course takes an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary public health in Australia and globally.
Explore epidemiology, biostatistics, ecological public health, health promotion, health economics and public health policy. You’ll examine the social, biological, economic and environmental influences on health while building an understanding of health equity, culturally safe public health practice and local and global public health issues.
The 36-credit-point course includes 27 credit points of required study and 9 credit points of restricted-choice study. You can explore areas including communicable disease control, global health, Indigenous health, healthy and sustainable places, program evaluation and advanced epidemiology. You’ll also develop research skills through research planning and a substantial research project in health.
Complete the course in 1.5 years full-time or the part-time equivalent, with study based at Bruce, Canberra. Through research and interdisciplinary learning, you’ll develop skills to critically analyse public health problems, plan and evaluate responses and contribute to health programs, policy and population health initiatives.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Master of Public Health, you must complete 36 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points.
For further information, you can download the course guide above.
You must pass 27 credit points as follows:
- Research Planning
- Research Project in Health (six credit points)
- Epidemiology and Principles of Research
- Ecological Public Health
- Health Economics
- Health Promotion Principles
- Policy and Public Health
- Introduction to Biostatistics
Entry requirements
A completed bachelor's degree.
Assumed knowledge
Students are expected to have basic competency in understanding of bio-statistical concepts.
English language requirements
Applicants must achieve an IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0, with no band score below 6.5, or an approved equivalent.
Contact the university for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Previous study or work experience may only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and University policy.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate specialised theoretical knowledge and applied skills in the practice of public health.
- Apply advanced and integrated understanding of the complex body of knowledge associated with contemporary and emerging local and global public health issues.
- Interpret and effectively communicate public health information via a multidisciplinary lens, demonstrating high-level skills in communication and advocacy.
- Critically analyse public health programs and evaluate recent developments in the field.
- Investigate and apply creative interdisciplinary approaches to generate solutions to real-world problems.
- Generate solutions to public health problems by planning, designing and executing ethical research projects.
- Reflect on culturally safe public health practices with a focus on First Nations' health imperatives locally and globally.
Career outcomes
Completion of this course opens doors to a variety of careers in public health, including but not limited to:
- Public Health Officer
- Community Health Officer
- Health Policy Officer
- Health Project Officer
- Health Program Officer
- Health Educator
- Epidemiological Officer
- Healthy Lifestyle Project Officer
- Public Health Communications Officer
- Policy Officer
- Advocacy Officer
Fees and CSP
Average indicative full-course fee in 2027: From $29,640 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on a full-time study load of 72 credit points (24 units). The amount is indicative because CSP student contributions are calculated per unit according to the discipline area and EFTSL of each unit. UC’s 2027 rate for Band 2 – Other Health is $1,235 per standard 3 credit point unit.
Student fees may vary depending on:
- The number and type of units studied.
- The student contribution band of each unit.
- Credit received for previous study.
- Annual changes to student contribution rates.
You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Canberra directly to confirm current fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Students pay the remaining amount, known as the student contribution amount.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated for each unit you enrol in.
- Based on the study area and EFTSL of the unit.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.
