Master of Public Health

• Complete a work-based placement or research project in your area of interest, working with leaders and experts in public health
• Be part of the Melbourne Population & Global Health Student Society (MPGHSS)  which provides a community to engage in workshops, events, and a space for course and employment-related opportunities
• Learn with a cohort of peers from multidisciplinary backgrounds and career stages which will build your professional network

Throughout the Master of Public Health, students have various opportunities to expand their experience and gain insight into public health work across different contexts, including metropolitan Melbourne, rural Victoria, national and international settings. Key subjects in the course incorporate Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities, providing students with practical exposure to public health and helping them understand its real-world applications and potential career opportunities after graduation.

Highlights of the Master of Public Health (MPH) experiences

The Master of Public Health offers a variety of enriching experiences, including capstone subjects with three options to choose from, overseas programs and non-curriculum opportunities.

Capstone subjects

Student can choose from three options: Professional Practice Unit, Public Health in Practice or the Research project.

Professional Practice Unit

The Professional Practice Unit (PPU) is the WIL workplace subject that students may apply to undertake in their final year. Students selected for the PPU complete a placement in a specialised area of public health at a host organisation. The unit allows students to extend their skills in a practical workplace setting while integrating course theory with practice. Students spend a minimum of 20-30 days (160-240 hours) undertaking the PPU at their host organisation.

Placement opportunities are available in metropolitan Melbourne, rural Victoria, interstate and international locations. Types of agencies that host placements are:

• Research organisations and a range of other health-related agencies
• State government
• Local government
• International and local non-government organisations
• Hospitals
• Private consultancies
• Primary health services

Public Health in Practice

This subject is a capstone subject within the Master of Public Health or can be taken as an elective subject. Students will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the pre-requisite subjects to real-world scenarios through a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. They will be presented with a range of contemporary public health issues that will require them to consider appropriate population health responses. These scenarios will expose students to a range of public health roles, perspectives and problems that they may face as future practitioners in real-world settings.

Research project

In this capstone, students will work on a project in their chosen area of study with an appointed supervisor. They will have the opportunity to undertake a literature review, develop research questions and undertake the research activities required to answer those questions. These activities may include data analysis, policy analysis, a small evaluation of a health program, a small qualitative research study, a systematic or narrative literature review, or the development of a research protocol.

Overseas programs

The MPH has opportunities for students to study abroad and gain valuable insights into public health specific to different countries.

Global health field experience - primary health care, Jamkhed, India (elective subject)

This subject is delivered in partnership with the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), Jamkhed India. It is a 3-week residential course in India that includes lectures, small group activities and field trips. It provides the opportunity to learn about primary health care within the context of a primary health program in a low-income setting. Students will learn about the principles of health policy development and community program management in developing countries. They will also have opportunities to observe a world-renowned primary health care program including field visits with village health workers, learning with men's and women's groups and observation of village health worker training.

Exchange opportunities

A range of options exist for Master of Public Health students to undertake a semester of studying abroad as part of their experience via the Global Learning   program at the University. MPH students are currently eligible to apply for exchange to:

• Lund University (Sweden) - Master of Public Health
• McGill University (Canada) - Master of Science in Public Health
• Indian Institute of Public Health – Delhi and Hyderabad – Master of Public Health

Non-curriculum opportunities

Students will have various opportunities and support to enrich their student experience beyond the curriculum.

Mentoring program

The mentoring program, established in 2018, is available for selected final-year Master of Public Health students. This program aims to maximise students' preparation for entering the workforce while providing alumni with a rewarding experience. This one-year, semi-structured program matches mentors and mentees based on shared interests, experience, location and meeting preferences.

Career events

Throughout the year, various events connect students with industry professionals and employers. These events offer valuable networking opportunities and insights from experts in the field.

Melbourne Population & Global Health Student Society (MPGHSS)

MPGHSS is an active and engaged student society that runs networking workshops and events for students studying the Master of Public Health.

Story from Poulomi

Read about and watch her fulfilling student experience throughout the degree.