Master of Public Health

Overview

The Master of Public Health is a flexible degree designed to give students a broad introduction to public health while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to define, critically assess and resolve public health issues within a community. The flexible and interest driven program allows students to develop, analyse and implement policy, plan and evaluate health services and programs whilst catering for their individual career goals.

The program is structured in a manner that responds to the constantly changing health and social issues both at local and international levels. The degree is composed of six core public health subjects; plus a choice of one of three specialty streams comprised of three subjects. The specialty streams available are Health Promotion, Public Health Nutrition* and Social Marketing for Health.

Selected subjects can be taken as a Graduate Certificate in Public Health (UOW Course Code 1130) - see Course description in the Handbook. A specialty stream can also be completed as a Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion (UOW Course Code 1183). This allows students to tailor their learning to their career aspirations.

*Public Health Nutrition is the only stream not available by distance delivery

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Master of Public Health will be able to:

1. Critically examine the social and environmental determinants of health and disease - at local, national and international levels by drawing on currently available evidence-based research.
2. Monitor and evaluate available population health data- to assess the effectiveness of health and healthcare policies, interventions, programs and services; and to identify gaps and opportunities in service delivery, policy frameworks and program implementation.
3. Demonstrate strategic leadership - by applying and advocating for the core public health values of equity, sustainability and social justice when planning and developing health and healthcare policies, interventions and services.
4. Use quantitative and qualitative approaches - to construct and implement rigorous scientific inquiry to explore health issues and their determinants.
5. Draw on best practice principles and socio-ecological paradigms - to design innovative solutions with groups, communities and populations to improve health outcomes.
6. Work independently and as part of a team, across a range of sectors and in partnership with key stakeholders - in a way that is participatory, inclusive and collaborative, to plan, manage and evaluate interventions designed to advance health outcomes.
7. Effectively communicate health information and priority health issues - for groups, communities and populations to a wide range of audiences and using diverse media.
8. Conceptualise key issues and concepts related to a range of contemporary public health sub-disciplines.

Course Structure

The Master of Public Health requires the successful completion of 72 credit points comprising:

1. 48 credit points of core public health subjects; and
2. 24 credit points from one of the three specialty streams:
   1. All specialty streams have prescribed subjects so it is important you make your stream choice early and then follow the recommended selection of subjects each session.
   2. The Public Health Nutrition stream is only available to students with a 3-year undergraduate bachelor degree in nutrition or equivalent.
        

Students who decide not to complete the Master of Public Health have the option to exit early with a Graduate Certificate. There are two options available:

1. Students who complete the following 3 core subjects (24cp), HAS 911, HAS 913 and HAS 920 can apply to exit the Masters with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health (UOW Course Code 1130); or
2. Students who complete the 24cp in the Health Promotion stream can apply to exit the Masters with a Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion (UOW Course Code 1183). 

All subjects are available in both on-campus and distance mode, except for those in the Public Health Nutrition Stream which are taught in flexible delivery mode with on-campus workshops.

**Health Promotion and Social Marketing for Health are available via on-campus or distance delivery mode. International students in Australia on a student visa who are studying onshore cannot enrol in more than 25% of their total course by distance as per ESOS legislation.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

Graduates of the Master of Public Health may apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association and the Public Health Association of Australia.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au