Master of Public Health - MPH

• Overview
• Course Content
• Course Structure

The Master of Public Health (MPH) coursework degree gives you the opportunity to develop skills and acquire knowledge essential for the effective practice of public health. The major aim of the MPH program is to promote a proactive role by public health professionals in preventing illness and promoting health.

As a graduate you will be able to:

• determine the nature of a perceived community health problem;
• initiate steps to define and then alleviate or solve that problem;
• and bring together effectively and efficiently the various services and resources available for relief of community health problems

The MPH program covers a range of areas of study, including:

• epidemiology (the study of the distribution of health states and determinants)
• biostatistics (the use of statistical models to analyse data)
• health promotion
• social research
• international health
• sexual health
• disease control

Completing the MPH program, you will develop the range of skills necessary for practice as a public health professional. Specifically, you will acquire the competencies needed to:

a) provide sound advice on the efficient and equitable distribution of health care resources according to need and the principles of social justice

b) cooperate with competing health sectors, such as hospitals and community services

c) work with various sectors of the community, such as the young, the disabled and the aged.

The skills and knowledge you will acquire are in the areas of:

• Research Methods - such as assessing the quality of research studies; using basic mortality and other data for descriptive purposes; and evaluating public health interventions and programs
• Health Services - such as developing an understanding of public and private sector health care delivery; using various sources of information for forming health policy; and interpreting the role of governments in the delivery of health services
• Public Health Practice - such as analysing social and cultural factors relating to public health problems; describing the principles of disease prevention and control across a population; and examining major public health strategies and their application

Enrolling students are required to complete a total of 48 credit points by the end of the coursework program in order to satisfy MPH degree regulations. These can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis, however, if you are an international student on a student visa you will need to study full-time, to satisfy the conditions of your visa.

Full-time - one-year / 2 semesters (with a maximum of three years to complete the course)
OR
Part-time - two-years / 4 semesters (with a maximum of four years to complete the course)

In 2008, the total of 48 credit points includes:

• 24 credit points of compulsory core units of study - which provide you with the basic knowledge and skills for practice as a public health professional, AND
• 24 credit points of elective units of study - where you can specialise within an area appropriate to your career interests, or select units from a number of areas

All core units of study are offered in Semester 1. Most elective units are offered in Semester 2.

Note that you may commence your studies mid-year, that is at the beginning of Semester 2. However you will have missed core concepts and content from Semester 1and will have a reduced choice of electives, as some of these have Core unit pre-requisites.

The table below summarises the course structure and requirements for the MPH program. NOTE - this table is based on enrolment as a full-time student.