University of Newcastle

Master of Public Health Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop advanced public health knowledge through flexible online study, exploring population health, disease prevention, epidemiology and health promotion to address contemporary health challenges.

Course overview

The University of Newcastle's Master of Public Health provides advanced study in the principles and practice of public health, preparing students to understand, evaluate and respond to contemporary population health challenges in Australia and globally. Designed for students from a range of educational and professional backgrounds, the program explores the biological, social, environmental and behavioural factors that influence health, alongside evidence-informed approaches to disease prevention, health promotion and improving health outcomes across communities.

Students complete core studies in professional public health practice, disease prevention and control, health promotion, health systems, policy and health economics, Aboriginal health, epidemiology and biostatistics. The program also offers opportunities to undertake research projects and participate in the University's Public Health Career Support Program, helping students explore career pathways, identify their strengths and build confidence for future public health roles.

Available online and on campus, the Master of Public Health provides flexible study options to suit a range of learning needs. Graduates are also eligible for credit transfer into the University of Newcastle's Master of Clinical Epidemiology, providing an additional pathway for further postgraduate study.

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

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,611
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.

From $1,264 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated CSP per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Intake
New start dates announced soon
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
8
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

The Master of Public Health requires the completion of 80 units of study, including 40 units of core courses and 40 units chosen from the course list. Each course is worth 10 units.

Core courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program:

  • Biostatistics A
  • Fundamentals of Epidemiology
  • Introduction to Public Health
  • Applied Equity-Focussed Health Impact Assessment
Course list

Entry requirements

Minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree in a field related to public health such as medicine, biomedical/medical science, nursing, allied health, dentistry, psychology, veterinary science, education, law, engineering, business, commerce, science and arts.

Applicants with a three year undergraduate degree should possess an Honours degree; OR additional postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; OR a minimum of one year's work experience in a related field.

English language requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. The English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy contains further information regarding English language proficiency requirements. Contact the university for more details.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
  • IELTS Sub-Test Minimum: 6

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Contact the university for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will have:

  • A strong capacity for collecting, monitoring and critically reviewing evidence to inform health service practice and program delivery.
  • The ability to apply a range of health theories to identify and plan for the health needs of the community or specific at-risk groups.
  • The ability to identify and assess social, behavioural and environmental factors affecting health and illness.
  • The ability to develop effective and efficient approaches to health services and programs.
  • The ability to evaluate and improve health services using appropriate research methods.

Career outcomes

Graduates are equipped to work in diverse public health sectors. After graduating, you'll be prepared for roles such as:

  • Health educator
  • Health promotion officer
  • Field scientist/practitioner
  • Public health surveillance officer
  • Policy officer
  • Health communications specialist

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $10,110 (Commonwealth Supported Places)

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $28,888 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary depending on:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the courses you're enrolled in.
  • Depending on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.