University of Canberra
Master of Public Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Build the skills to analyse public health challenges, develop evidence-informed responses and improve population health through study in epidemiology, health promotion, policy, biostatistics and research.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Master of Public Health develops the knowledge and skills to understand and respond to complex health challenges affecting communities and populations. Open to graduates from a wide range of fields, the course takes an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary public health in Australia and globally.
Explore epidemiology, biostatistics, ecological public health, health promotion, health economics and public health policy. You’ll examine the social, biological, economic and environmental influences on health while building an understanding of health equity, culturally safe public health practice and local and global public health issues.
The 36-credit-point course includes 27 credit points of required study and 9 credit points of restricted-choice study. You can explore areas including communicable disease control, global health, Indigenous health, healthy and sustainable places, program evaluation and advanced epidemiology. You’ll also develop research skills through research planning and a substantial research project in health.
Complete the course in 1.5 years full-time or the part-time equivalent. All required units offer real-time online delivery, allowing students to participate in scheduled online learning activities. However, selected restricted-choice units require on-campus attendance at Bruce, Canberra. Students can also choose to study on campus, with delivery arrangements depending on their selected units.
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
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Master of Public Health, you must complete 36 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points.
For further information, you can download the course guide above.
You must pass 27 credit points as follows:
- Research Planning
- Research Project in Health (six credit points)
- Epidemiology and Principles of Research
- Ecological Public Health
- Health Economics
- Health Promotion Principles
- Policy and Public Health
- Introduction to Biostatistics
Entry requirements
- An Australian Bachelor qualification in a related field, OR:
- An Australian Graduate Certificate (AQF 8) in any field (or higher)
Assumed knowledge
Students are expected to have basic competency in understanding of bio-statistical concepts.
English language requirements
Applicants must achieve an IELTS Academic overall score of 7.0, with no band score below 6.5, or an approved equivalent.
Contact the university for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Previous study or work experience may only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and University policy.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate specialised theoretical knowledge and applied skills in the practice of public health.
- Apply advanced and integrated understanding of the complex body of knowledge associated with contemporary and emerging local and global public health issues.
- Interpret and effectively communicate public health information via a multidisciplinary lens, demonstrating high-level skills in communication and advocacy.
- Critically analyse public health programs and evaluate recent developments in the field.
- Investigate and apply creative interdisciplinary approaches to generate solutions to real-world problems.
- Generate solutions to public health problems by planning, designing and executing ethical research projects.
- Reflect on culturally safe public health practices with a focus on First Nations' health imperatives locally and globally.
Career outcomes
Completion of this course opens doors to a variety of careers in public health, including but not limited to:
- Public Health Officer
- Community Health Officer
- Health Policy Officer
- Health Project Officer
- Health Program Officer
- Health Educator
- Epidemiological Officer
- Healthy Lifestyle Project Officer
- Public Health Communications Officer
- Policy Officer
- Advocacy Officer
Fees and CSP
Total indicative full-course fee in 2027: From $14,198 to $14,820 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fee in 2027: From $9,258 to $9,880 (24 credit points)
Price per standard unit in 2027: $1,235 (3 credit points)
The Master of Public Health comprises 36 credit points, including 27 credit points of compulsory study and nine credit points of restricted-choice units.
The total indicative course fee ranges from $14,198 to $14,820, depending on elective selection. Most units are charged at the 2027 Band 2 CSP rate of $1,235 per standard 3-credit-point unit. The Indigenous Health: Contemporary Issues elective is charged at the Band 1 rate of $613.
Six-credit-point units charged at Band 2 have a student contribution amount of $2,470.
These estimates assume all units are charged at their published 2027 rates. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may change in subsequent years.
You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Contact the university directly to confirm current fees and CSP availability.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees for eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Students pay the remaining amount, known as the student contribution amount.
CSPs for postgraduate courses are limited and available for selected courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated for each unit you enrol in.
- Based on the discipline area and equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL) of each unit.
- Reviewed and adjusted annually.
Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.