Victoria University
Master of Public Health Specialising in Global Health Leadership
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Lead change across global health systems. Build advanced knowledge of public health, epidemiology and policy while developing the strategic, economic and decision-making expertise to guide health initiatives across diverse national and international settings.
Course overview
The Global Health Leadership specialisation prepares you to examine complex health challenges through a global and systems-focused lens. You will develop foundational expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health policy and program management while exploring the social and cultural factors that influence population health.
Specialist study focuses on global health systems, leadership, governance, economics and finance. You will learn to assess competing priorities, work with diverse stakeholders and use evidence to support strategic decisions in changing health environments. A research project allows you to investigate a relevant public health issue and apply your learning to a focused area of interest.
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 the development of contemporary and transferable public health capabilities.
Key facts
26th October, 2026
What you will study
To attain the Master of Public Health (Global Health Leadership) 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
- Global Health Leadership
- Global Health Economics and Finance
- Global Health Systems and Decision Making
- Professional Project
Entry requirements
To apply for the online Master of Public Health (Master of Public Health (Global Health Leadership), 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.
Global Health Leadership
- Disease Preparedness Researcher
- Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
- Infection Preventionist
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Communications Manager
- Health Administrator
- Senior Advisor - Health
- Policy Advisor - Health
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.
