The Master of Public Health offers students the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required for a career in public health practice. Within the course students are exposed to the core foundations of public health theory and practice and also have the opportunity to specialise in the advanced public health training streams offered through the University of Melbourne. The Master of Public Health programs at the University of Melbourne is delivered by academic staff with extensive experience and depth of knowledge, who are leaders in their chosen fields of public health. The Master of Public Health has three components: The core component includes up to six subjects that provide students with a rigorous, multidisciplinary foundation in public health theory and practice, that is essential to all aspects of public health practice; The specialist component offers students the opportunity to focus on one or more key fields in public health and gain the skills and knowledge required for practice in the area. Specialisations are offered in the fields of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Evaluation and Implementation Science; Gerontology; Global Health; Health, Gender and Society; Health Economics and Economic Evaluation; Health Policy, Systems and Practice, Indigenous Health; Infectious Disease Epidemiology; Sexual Health; MD-MPH (Restricted Entry Program)

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge:

Upon completion of the Master of Public Health graduates will be able to:

• Discuss the public health conceptual foundations
• Identify current public health challenges in global, Indigenous Australian and non-Indigenous Australian communities
• Describe the ways in which biology, the environment, indigenous status, society and culture interact and determine health
• Outline the organisational structures of the Australian and international public health systems
• Identify the key population based public health strategies

Skills

Upon completion of the Master of Public Health graduates will be able to:

• Apply theories of leadership and management in public health practice
• Communicate public health evidence for advocacy, and engagement using diverse media.
• Critically reflect on the influences on decision making in public health practice, including personal attitudes and beliefs
• Demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team
• Apply principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and International Indigenous cultures and values to public health practice.
• Understand the importance of culture and engage respectfully with people of different cultures
• Analyse, appraise and synthesise public health research evidence to inform public health decision making
• Assess the health needs of a community in the context of the determinants of health and apply the findings to the development of public health strategies
• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate a public health program
• Use tools and techniques for planning and managing a public health project

Application of knowledge and skills

Upon completion of the Master of Public Health graduates will be able to:

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of a public health specialisation or area to develop solutions to complex public health problems;
• Design and manage a detailed investigation of a public health issue in a substantial project, with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability;
• Reflect on individual performance or processes undertaken in the management of a substantial public health project.

Generic skills

Academic distinction

• Have an in-depth knowledge of public health conceptual foundations and practice
• Be able to apply specialist public health knowledge and skills in a public health discipline
• Be able to examine issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives within public health
• Be able to think critically and creatively
• Be able to apply knowledge, information and research skills to solve complex problems
• Be effective written and oral communicators

Active citizenship

• Be engaged with contemporary local, national, global issues
• Have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment
• Be aware of social and cultural diversity in communities
• Be able to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• Be respectful of Indigenous knowledge, culture and values
• Have the potential to be leaders in their profession
• Be equipped to make substantial contributions to society

Integrity and self-awareness

• Be motivated and organised, with an ability to set goals, manage time and prioritise
• Be able to work effectively both independently and in groups
• Be flexible and adaptable
• Be aware of their own limitations and able to reflect and learn from their mistakes
• Have empathy and concern for others and are able manage their own well-being.
• The ability to respond constructively to appraisal, performance review or assessment
• The ability to manage uncertainty

The Master of Public Health produces industry ready graduates who go onto a varied range of career options. We often find that students come into the degree and find career options that they had never considered. Local and international students can find work in Australia and overseas, depending on their area of focus. In a recent alumni survey we found that the most common type of organisation to be employed in post-graduation were (highest to lowest):

• Non-Government Organisations, for example international health agencies (either based in Australia or overseas) and large and small local disease specific agencies;
• Government affiliated organisations, such as hospitals, primary health care organisation, large international health organisations;
• Government (Local, State and Federal);
• Universities and Research Institutions;
• Private companies, usually based in Australia. These can be the larger consulting firms, smaller health focused consulting firms, health communication companies or the pharmaceutical industry.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: An undergraduate degree in any discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least 65%, or equivalent An undergraduate

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.