Public Health

Public Health at Monash University offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices necessary to improve health outcomes and promote well-being at local, national, and global levels. This program equips students with a strong foundation in epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, environmental health, and social determinants of health, preparing them for diverse careers in health promotion, research, policy development, and healthcare management. Emphasizing practical skills and evidence-based approaches, the curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications through industry placements, research projects, and community engagement activities. Students will explore contemporary public health issues such as infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, health inequities, and the impact of globalization on health. The program also emphasizes cultural competence, ethical considerations, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health challenges. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and partnerships with public health organizations, students gain valuable hands-on experience that complements their academic learning. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in public health agencies, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers, and research institutions, as well as opportunities for further study at the postgraduate level. Overall, Monash’s Public Health program strives to develop innovative, analytical, and compassionate professionals committed to making a positive impact on community health and global health systems.

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Expanding public health knowledge, Part B. Foundations of public health studies and Part C. Advanced application expertise.

All students complete Part B and Part C. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies, you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Part A. Expanding public health knowledge

In these studies, you will develop an understanding of knowledge and skills in the broad domain of public health through core studies in the public health discipline areas of disease/injury prevention and control and health promotion and health policy, planning and management, and with opportunity for electives in areas of public health of interest to you.

Part B. Foundations of public health studies

In these studies, you will gain specialised professional knowledge in the core skills, knowledge, and disciplines of public health through the study of epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, and introduction and challenges in public health.

Part C. Advanced application expertise

The focus is advanced studies with application expertise and opportunity for greater depth in key areas of expertise of interest to you through an elective study program to suit your own career interests. Students undertake a core capstone professional practice development unit, and may undertake one of the following as an elective:

• creation of a case study (12 points)
• a 12 point public health research project
• a 24 point public health research project.

This advanced application option is combined with a program of electives units to suit your career interests to a total of 48 points for this part.

In the capstone unit, students are expected to integrate, extend and apply knowledge and skills gained in the course to real world professional practice development, particularly in relation to project management and implementation and communication that can contribute to more effective practice and outcomes. In undertaking the creation of a case study or a research project, students are expected to integrate, extend and apply knowledge and skills gained in the course to the creation of a real world case study or a research project that can contribute to more effective practice and outcomes.

Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take the 12 point or 24 point public health research project option.

Requirements

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Expanding public health knowledge (24 points), Part B. Foundations of public health studies (24 points) and Part C. Advanced application expertise (48 points).

• Students admitted at entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Parts A, B and C.
• Students admitted at entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C.
• Students admitted at entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part B and 24 points from Part C.

Note: All students commence with Part B to complete the core units as a cohort. Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Expanding public health knowledge (24 points)

Students complete one unit in disease/injury prevention and control or in health promotion chosen from:

• HSC5002 Foundations of health promotion and program planning
• HSC5022 Evaluating public health programs
• MPH5203 Environmental influences on health
• MPH5207 Chronic diseases: epidemiology and prevention
• MPH5218 Infectious diseases: epidemiology and prevention
• MPH5256 Injury epidemiology and prevention

Students complete one unit in health policy, planning and management chosen from:

• MAP4200 Improving Indigenous equity in professional practice*
• MPH5266 Clinical leadership and management
• MPH5269 Foundations of health policy
• MPH5272 Reform and development of health care services.

Note: International students can complete this unit in their final semester of enrolment.

Students complete:

• 12 points of elective units chosen from any approved postgraduate unit offered by the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (except core units in Part B or MPH5020; MPH5301-MPH5314; EPM5001-EPM5015)

Note: International students can complete these units in their final semester of enrolment.

Part B. Foundations of public health studies (24 points)

Students complete:

• MPH5040 Introductory epidemiology
• MPH5041 Introductory biostatistics
• MPH5213 Research methods*
• MPHxxxx Introduction and challenges in public health

Note: Students must have completed MPH5213 if they want to choose the elective MPH5249 (Field methods for international health planning and evaluation).

Part C. Advanced application expertise (48 points)

Students complete either a. a coursework pathway or b. a research pathway.

Coursework (48 points)

Students complete:

• MPHxxxx Professional practice development (6 points)

and one of the following options:

• MPH5273 Case study in health services management (12 points)* and 30 points from the elective list below
• 42 points from the elective list below

Note: A case study may be suitable for students who are interested in a practical integrative project but who do not wish to complete the 12 or 24 point research project.

Research (48 points)

The public health research project requires students to demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply public health theory, principles and practice, and research methods to a specific public health problem or issue. Consultation with the course research project coordinator is required prior to enrolment in the research project.

12 point research project*

Note: Students who want to complete a 12 point project, must achieve a distinction the following units: MPH5040 and MPH5041, and it is recommended students achieve a distinction in MPH5213.

Students complete:

• MPH5231 Research design and project proposal
• MPH5232 Research conduct, analysis, write-up and submission
• 36 points of approved postgraduate unit/s offered by teh School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine from the elective list below (except units MPH5020; MPH5301-MPH5314; EPM5001-EPM5015).

24 point research project*

Note: Students who want to complete a 24 point project, must achieve a distinction in the following units: MPH5040, MPH5041, MPH5213 or MPH5249, MPH5200 (for students undertaking quantitative analysis) or an approved postgraduate-level qualitative research unit (for students undertaking qualitative analysis).

Students complete:

• MAP5000 Research in advanced health professional practice (12 points)
• MAP5010 Advanced health practice research project (12 points)
• 24 points of approved postgraduate unit/s offered by theSchool of Public Health and Preventive Medicine from the elective list below (except units MPH5020; MPH5301-MPH5314; EPM5001-EPM5015).

It is highly recommended that a research project be conducted with a principal supervisor located within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; only in unusual circumstances will a student be permitted to complete project with a supervisor external to the school, and may include where the project would be undertaken in a workplace where the student is currently employed and there is an experienced supervisor/researcher willing and available to supervise them.

Public health elective units

• ECC5970 Introduction to health economics*
• ECC5971 Pharmaceutical economics*
• ECC5973 Economic evaluation in health care*
• ECC5974 Applied health economics and health policy*
• ECC5975 Principles of health economics for developing countries*
• EPM5023 Ethical issues in international health and research
• HSC5032 Health literacy
• MAP4200 Improving Indigenous equity in professional practice*
• MPH5042 Climate change and public health
• MPH5200 Regression methods for epidemiology
• MPH5202 Clinical epidemiology
• MPH5203 Environmental influences on health
• MPH5207 Chronic disease: Epidemiology and prevention
• MPH5218 Infectious diseases: Epidemiology and prevention
• MPH5222 Assessment and control of work place hazards
• MPH5236 Clinical trials
• MPH5237 Clinical measurement
• MPH5239 Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• MPH5241 Introduction to occupational health and safety
• MPH5242 Psychosocial work environment
• MPH5243 Chemical and biological hazards
• MPH5244 Ergonomic and physical hazards
• MPH5248 Primary health care and global health
• MPH5249 Field methods for global health planning and evaluation
• MPH5250 Women's and children's health: A global perspective
• MPH5251 Infectious diseases and global health
• MPH5253 Public health in refugee settings
• MPH5254 Nutritional issues in developing countries
• MPH5255 Health and human rights
• MPH5256 Injury epidemiology and prevention
• MPH5258 Effective responses to HIV in developing countries
• MPH5260 Health policy and prevention in a global world
• MPH5265 Law for health systems
• MPH5266 Clinical leadership and management
• MPH5267 Principles of health care quality improvement
• MPH5268 Financial issues in health care management
• MPH5269 Foundations of health policy
• MPH5270 Advanced statistical methods for clinical research
• MPH5272 Reform and development of health services
• MPH5276 Safety management systems
• MPH5277 Data management and computing
• MPH5282 Health communication and training
• MPH5283 Ethics, good research practice and practical research skills
• MPH5285 Human factors for patient safety
• MPH5286 Applying and practicing the principles of patient safety and quality improvement
• MPH5287 Alcohol and other drugs in society: A national and global perspective

* One of these units may be taken by international students in their final semester only.

Qualifications

Depending upon your prior qualifications and experience you will be eligible for entry credit which reduces the duration.

1. Selection is based on previous academic achievement.
2. Even if you are eligible for entry credit you do not need to take it. You may apply for and complete the longer duration.
3. Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline includes – medical, nursing, allied health, other health related degree eg chiropractic, psychology, public health, environmental health, paramedic, imaging (radiology, nuclear medicine), biomedical engineering, dietetics/nutrition, pharmacy, social work, medical science/biomedical science/immunology, health science, laboratory science, science, and health economics; or in a non-related discipline, e.g. education, law, media, IT, journalism, communications, arts. 
4. Relevant work experience includes work experience relevant to the person’s undergraduate or higher degree, in professional practice, in a related field, or that demonstrates application / work experience gained in a relevant field even if the Bachelor’s degree was not in a related discipline.  Relevant work experience includes in the health industry (eg Government, policy, provider eg hospital, clinic), non government organisation (NGO), academic or research institution, consulting, pharmaceutical company etc. The Statement of Purpose can also explain career progression and interests.

English entry requirements

Gaining the required result in one of the following tests of English language:

• IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
• A TOEFL minimum test score of either:
• In the written TOEFL, 550 with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of at least 4.5; or in the internet-based TOEFL, an overall score of at least 79 with at least 21 in the written section, 13 in the reading section, 12 in listening and 18 speaking.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Monash University offers a range of financial options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for domestic and international students differ, with international students generally paying higher fees. Domestic students may be eligible for government assistance schemes such as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and HECS-HELP loans, which subsidize tuition costs and provide repayment options after graduation based on income levels. International students are required to pay full tuition fees upfront or through payment plans arranged with the university.

Monash University provides various scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships awarded for academic excellence, need-based scholarships aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds, and targeted scholarships for specific demographics or fields of study. Applicants are encouraged to explore the university's official scholarship database for the latest opportunities and application criteria. Additionally, students may access external funding sources such as government grants, private loans, and bursaries offered by external organizations or foundations.

For students undertaking the MPH program part-time or online, tuition fees are pro-rated based on the registered study load. The cost of living in Melbourne should also be considered, including accommodation, transportation, textbooks, and personal expenses. Students are advised to budget accordingly and consider part-time work opportunities, which are often available for international students under specific visa conditions.

International students enrolled in the program are required to obtain relevant student visas, which include health coverage and evidence of sufficient funds. The university provides financial planning resources and support services to help students understand and manage their study expenses. It is important to plan ahead for tuition payments, living costs, and any unforeseen expenses to ensure a smooth academic experience.

In summary, the financing of the Monash MPH program involves tuition fees which vary by student residency status, availability of numerous scholarships, and potential access to government loans and external funding. Prospective students are advised to review all financial options well in advance and consider the overall cost of attendance to ensure they can successfully complete their studies without financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Public Health at Monash University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the core principles of public health, epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, health policy, and health systems management. This programme emphasizes the development of critical skills necessary to analyze health issues, devise effective interventions, and contribute to the improvement of health outcomes within diverse populations. Students will engage with topics such as disease prevention, health equity, social determinants of health, and global health challenges, preparing them for careers in healthcare management, policy-making, research, and community health initiatives. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, often including internships, project work, and collaborations with health organizations to ensure graduates are workplace-ready and capable of addressing real-world health concerns. Monash University's strong links with industry partners and government agencies enhance learning opportunities for students and facilitate employment prospects upon graduation. The program is suitable for individuals interested in making a tangible difference in public health and wellness at local, national, and international levels. Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health at Monash are equipped with analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of health systems, and the ability to advocate for effective and equitable health policies, positioning them well for future roles in public health practice, research, policy development, or further postgraduate studies. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and extensive alumni network support students throughout their academic journey and professional development. This degree underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice in improving health standards worldwide.