Dedicate yourself to improving the health and wellbeing of communities locally and globally.
Our Master of Public Health is your chance to make a tangible impact on a larger scale. Instead of focusing on individual clinical treatments, you’ll take a holistic approach that considers the health of entire populations.
Prevent disease outbreaks by curbing the spread of infectious diseases. Analyse and solve complex health challenges. Shape and implement new policies, reducing the burden on our health system. Build a meaningful career tackling health disparity and make our society fairer, healthier and safer.
Our Master of Public Health offers a two-year path to a career in the health sector, where you can make a real impact every day.
Explore key areas like epidemiology, health promotion, biostatistics, communicable diseases and global public health. Connect with leading academics, researchers and policy makers who will mentor you and guide your studies.
Choose a study pathway that aligns with your ambitions and interests – whether it’s a research dissertation, thesis or practical industry placement.
You’ll graduate from Adelaide University with the skills to influence public health policy, advocate for change, and improve the wellbeing of entire communities. Create a deeply rewarding career, working in a non-clinical setting and collaborating with other health professionals to contribute to a healthier, safer, and more equitable society.
Build expertise in public health practice and policy. Engage with mentors, active researchers, practitioners and policy makers. Develop advanced problem-solving and research skills. Gain practical experience and network with public health leaders through industry placements. Advance your career in a field with very strong projected employment growth. Tailor your studies to your future ambitions, with pathways in research or professional placements.Adelaide University’s Master of Public Health provides you with a comprehensive foundation in key public health disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioural health sciences, health promotion, environmental and occupational health sciences, global public health and health systems management.
Over two years of full-time study, you’ll develop your ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, advocate for change and creatively solve complex problems – all while learning to make a meaningful impact on population health.
Core subjects include:
In your second year, you’ll choose one of four pathways to specialise your study:
Complete core courses to the value of 30 units, a 12-unit dissertation and electives to the value of 6 units.
Dive deeper into research with a 24-unit thesis alongside 21 units of core courses and 3 units of electives.
Engage in a 12-unit public health placement, 27 units of core courses and 9 units of electives, applying your skills in a semester-long health project in a host organisation.
Complete a applied professional skills Project in addition to 27 units of core courses and electives to the value of 9 units.
Throughout your studies, you’ll connect with a vast network of alumni and public health professionals in a dedicated mentoring program, helping you to shape your career path. If you have relevant prior qualifications, you may be eligible for a shorter version of the program.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Biostatistics (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Epidemiology (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Public Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation and Economics (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Making Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Occupational Health
|
Course code
PUBH5024
|
Units
6
|
Complete 36 to 48 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Systems, Systems Thinking and Advocacy for Change
|
Course code
PUBH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Professional Practice Placement
|
Course code
PUBH6900
|
Units
24
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Systems, Systems Thinking and Advocacy for Change
|
Course code
PUBH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Dissertation (Full-Time)
|
Course code
PUBH6008
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Dissertation Part 1
|
Course code
PUBH6012
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Dissertation Part 2
|
Course code
PUBH6013
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Developing a Novel Research Question
|
Course code
PUBH6020
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
MPH Thesis Part A
|
Course code
PUBH6014
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Thesis Part B
|
Course code
PUBH6015
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Thesis (Two-Year) Continuing
|
Course code
PUBH6016
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
MPH Thesis (Two-Year) Final
|
Course code
PUBH6017
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Systems, Systems Thinking and Advocacy for Change
|
Course code
PUBH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Professional Skills Project
|
Course code
PUBH7097
|
Units
24
|
Complete 6 to 30 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Ethical Challenges in Modern Health Care
|
Course code
PUBH5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biostatistics
|
Course code
PUBH5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiological Research Methods
|
Course code
PUBH5020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
OL Health Technology Assessment (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5022
|
Units
6
|
The Master of Public Health is a versatile degree that leads to a variety of fulfilling careers in the health sector. You could work with communities to tackle emerging health challenges like vaping or vaccine hesitancy. Perhaps you’ll be a key voice in guiding the nation during the next major health crisis. You might design and lead public health campaigns in developing countries, or you could become a research officer, contributing to clinical trials and advancing medical knowledge in areas like antimicrobial resistance.
Other potential roles include:
Health workers are critical to the function of modern society, but the World Health Organization predicts a global health workforce shortage of 10 million people by 2030 (2023 WHO Global Monitoring Report).
In Australia, the field of public health is experiencing robust employment growth, driven by an increased focus on health prevention, policy development and crisis management. This demand for skilled workers, along with Adelaide University’s pioneering health education and research, ensures you’ll be in demand when you graduate.
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
