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Master of Public Health

Course code I62

Creative thinkers made here.
Creative thinkers made here.

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About this Course

Public health is a broad field which aims to improve and protect the health and well-being of the general population. As a public health practitioner, you can make a real difference to the lives of local, national and international communities.

Public health practitioners help individuals and communities to have greater control over their health and well-being, and to influence organisational and political environments in ways that lead to better health for all. They work across the lifespan, including the early years, child and adolescent health, and healthy aging to support population health.

We realise that public health is such a broad area, which is why this masters degree offers a variety of elective units to allow you to specialise in an area of interest. You will also work closely with public health industry professionals and complete research projects on current issues in public health, which will help form a personal portfolio of evidence to support your transition into the profession.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course code

I62

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $26,550

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT FT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

About this Course

Public health is a broad field which aims to improve and protect the health and well-being of the general population. As a public health practitioner, you can make a real difference to the lives of local, national and international communities.

Public health practitioners help individuals and communities to have greater control over their health and well-being, and to influence organisational and political environments in ways that lead to better health for all. They work across the lifespan, including the early years, child and adolescent health, and healthy aging to support population health.

We realise that public health is such a broad area, which is why this masters degree offers a variety of elective units to allow you to specialise in an area of interest. You will also work closely with public health industry professionals and complete research projects on current issues in public health, which will help form a personal portfolio of evidence to support your transition into the profession.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course code

I62

CRICOS code

070834M

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,700

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT FT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 9 Core units and 3 Recommend Elective units. Alternative elective units may be approved at the discretion of the Course Co-ordinator. Note that students who commence their course in the July intake (Semester 2), will do units in a slightly different order. Please consult with the Student Hub to ensure the most efficient progression pathway.

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMP6100Evidence-Based Practice20
HST5161Public Health: Philosophy, Principles and Practice20
HST6337Communicable Disease20
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST5120Epidemiology20
HST6338Law and Ethical Issues20
Elective Unit1 x Recommended Elective unit20
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST6520Health Science Career Transitions20
HST6355Ageing, Health and Wellbeing20
Elective Unit1 x Recommended Elective unit20
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST6510Public Health Planning and Evaluation20
MMP6102 ^Medical Science Masters Project20
or
NRB5112 ^Translational Science20
or
MAT5212 ^Biostatistics20
Elective Unit1 x Recommended Elective unit20
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST6335Public Health Strategies20
HST6350Drug Use and Addictive Behaviours20
NUT6110Food Vision20
OHS6205Health, Safety and Workplace Environment20
OHS6137Emergency & Crisis Management20
OHS6178Occupational Toxicology20
MAT5212Biostatistics20
DER6101Introduction to Emergency Management20

Note: Students can choose to study MMP6102, NRB5112 or MAT5212 depending on their semester schedules and area of research interest. MMP6102 is only offered on campus in Semester 2 and NRB5112 is only offered on campus in Semester 1. MAT5212 is currently offered on campus in both semesters. These core option units should only be undertaken in the second year of the MPH program. If students select to do either MAT5212 or NRB5112 in Semester 1 (rather than MMP6102 in Semester 2) of their second year, they will forfeit the elective in the first semester of their second year and complete two electives in Semester 2 of their second year instead.

Please note: Some electives units run exclusively online with no on-campus classes. International students are permitted to take a maximum of three units in online mode. Hence, for Visa purposes, International students should undertake ALL core units in on-campus mode so that they are able to choose electives that run only in online mode. Please refer to the ECU timetable for delivery modes.

** Students who commence the degree mid-year will complete units in a different order and must seek advice from the Student Hub.

Students who are unable to complete this degree may, with Course Coordinator approval, exit with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Public Health.

^ Core Option

I62|12

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply cognitive, technical and interpretative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex psychosocial and health issues in authentic situations.
  2. Apply communication and collaboration skills to design and implement contributions to public health practice and scholarship.
  3. Demonstrate expert judgement and autonomy when initiating, planning and executing a substantial public health study.
  4. Reflect critically on a complex body of public health knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of public health practice and scholarship.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time Online

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 9 Core units and 3 Recommend Elective units. Alternative elective units may be approved at the discretion of the Course Co-ordinator. Note that students who commence their course in the July intake (Semester 2), will do units in a slightly different order. Please consult with the Student Hub to ensure the most efficient progression pathway.

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMP6100Evidence-Based Practice20
HST5161Public Health: Philosophy, Principles and Practice20
HST6337Communicable Disease20
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST5120Epidemiology20
HST6338Law and Ethical Issues20
Elective Unit1 x Recommended Elective unit20
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST6520Health Science Career Transitions20
HST6355Ageing, Health and Wellbeing20
Elective Unit1 x Recommended Elective unit20
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST6510Public Health Planning and Evaluation20
MMP6102 ^Medical Science Masters Project20
or
NRB5112 ^Translational Science20
or
MAT5212 ^Biostatistics20
Elective Unit1 x Recommended Elective unit20
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
HST6335Public Health Strategies20
HST6350Drug Use and Addictive Behaviours20
NUT6110Food Vision20
OHS6205Health, Safety and Workplace Environment20
OHS6137Emergency & Crisis Management20
OHS6178Occupational Toxicology20
MAT5212Biostatistics20
DER6101Introduction to Emergency Management20

Note: Students can choose to study MMP6102, NRB5112 or MAT5212 depending on their semester schedules and area of research interest. MMP6102 is only offered on campus in Semester 2 and NRB5112 is only offered on campus in Semester 1. MAT5212 is currently offered on campus in both semesters. These core option units should only be undertaken in the second year of the MPH program. If students select to do either MAT5212 or NRB5112 in Semester 1 (rather than MMP6102 in Semester 2) of their second year, they will forfeit the elective in the first semester of their second year and complete two electives in Semester 2 of their second year instead.

Please note: Some electives units run exclusively online with no on-campus classes. International students are permitted to take a maximum of three units in online mode. Hence, for Visa purposes, International students should undertake ALL core units in on-campus mode so that they are able to choose electives that run only in online mode. Please refer to the ECU timetable for delivery modes.

** Students who commence the degree mid-year will complete units in a different order and must seek advice from the Student Hub.

Students who are unable to complete this degree may, with Course Coordinator approval, exit with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Public Health.

^ Core Option

I62|12

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply cognitive, technical and interpretative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex psychosocial and health issues in authentic situations.
  2. Apply communication and collaboration skills to design and implement contributions to public health practice and scholarship.
  3. Demonstrate expert judgement and autonomy when initiating, planning and executing a substantial public health study.
  4. Reflect critically on a complex body of public health knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of public health practice and scholarship.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $26,550 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Public health graduates may work in health promotion or health services, epidemiology, policy development, planning and evaluation and community development. Graduates can also gain employment in fields which relate to emergency management and recovery, community nutrition, physical activity or in fields which support people with addictions.

Possible future job titles

Health Promotion Officer, Project Officer, Health Education Officer, Community Health Lead, Public Health Lead, Research Assistant/Officer

Similar courses to consider

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
    Upon completion of the Master of Public Health, students interested in further study in the field of Public Health should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated).

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $41,700 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Public health graduates may work in health promotion or health services, epidemiology, policy development, planning and evaluation and community development. Graduates can also gain employment in fields which relate to emergency management and recovery, community nutrition, physical activity or in fields which support people with addictions.

Possible future job titles

Health Promotion Officer, Project Officer, Health Education Officer, Community Health Lead, Public Health Lead, Research Assistant/Officer

Similar courses to consider

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
    Upon completion of the Master of Public Health, students interested in further study in the field of Public Health should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated).

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Creative thinkers start here

Creative thinkers start here

Student stories

  • I am amazed by the helping attitude of the lecturers

    I was attracted to ECU for its top teaching quality. I am amazed by the helping attitude of the lecturers, ever ready to guide, support, and solve your problems, and that encouraged me to work hard. I now have the confidence to undertake research studies in the field of public health.

    Peldon Chejor
  • Doing the same thing for 30-40 years has never appealed to me

    I needed a degree that would enable me to enter different health sectors, so I could have a variety of career directions. Doing the same thing for 30-40 years has never appealed to me. I highly recommend the Master of Public Health at ECU. The wealth of knowledge these lecturers teach you is invaluable.

    Beth Hollett
  • There is more to Public Health than meets the eye

    I expected the course to lead to a career in health promotion. However, the degree has given me a diverse skill set that enables me to apply for job titles ranging from health promotion officer to occupational health officer to research assistant or epidemiologist. My lecturers had backgrounds in Public Health, so they could provide real-life examples to back the course content.

    Asma Sheriff

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Master of Public Health?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

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