Public health
Promote and protect the health of communities in a changing world
About Public health
The world is changing fast. An ageing population, rising health inequity and the growing threat of novel diseases are straining health systems worldwide, with real costs to health systems and lives.
Public health is the art and science of improving health — not for one person, but for entire populations — through the combined efforts of organisations, Government, communities and individuals.
Ranked #18 globally for public health (ShanghaiRanking 2026), the University of Melbourne connects you with experts who have shaped public health in Australia and around the world, and with leading research institutes across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and beyond. Our graduates build impactful careers in diverse fields including epidemiology, health promotion, health economics, health policy and global health.
Why study public health at the University of Melbourne?
Looking for personalised advice?
Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.
Why study at the University of Melbourne
Global research partners
Join a global network of public health and research partners in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, including the Peter Doherty Institute and Nossal Institute for Global Health.
Taught by world-leading experts
Learn from experts who have shaped public health in Australia and globally, with teaching informed by the latest research from our centres and institutes.
Diverse health careers
Graduates enter local and global careers in epidemiology, policy, health economics and more. 9 in 10 of our domestic Master of Public Health graduates are employed within six months.
Hear from our alumni
We are a global institution, and our qualifications create career pathways in Australia and around the world.
The Master of Public Health launched my career tackling some of Australia's most pressing public health priorities - from infectious disease surveillance and emergency response to Indigenous health.
Alvin Lee, Director of Population Health at the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. Master of Public Health, 2023
The quantitative and analytical foundation I built at Melbourne, especially in biostatistics, continues to underpin how I approach evidence and decision-making in my work.
Roan Kathleen Vitug, Digital Health Specialist at the World Health Organisation (WHO). Master of Public Health, 2024
