Study Health

Advancing health for a changing world

The world is changing. We believe our industry-led, research-informed, globally transformative postgraduate education will prepare the brave of today and tomorrow to advance the most important health challenges and make a difference to our communities.

No matter your background or aspiration – you’ll be welcomed across our diverse locations in regional Victoria or Melbourne – and be nurtured to reach your full potential. You’ll also benefit from our extensive industry and placement networks with leading health and research organisations, and the world-leading Melbourne Biomedical Precinct co-located next to our Parkville campus.

So, whether you are looking for an entry to practice degree to join the health workforce, want to upskill as a clinician, or specialise in your own unique field — we’ve got over 150 courses and study pathways for you to achieve your goals.

university in Australia

*Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings

university worldwide for graduate employability

*QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

university worldwide for clinical, pre-clinical and health

*Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings

organisations inform our education experience and placements, including: hospitals, medical research institutes and other health and industry organisations.

The world and how people live are changing at pace. Social, political and environmental changes are all impacting the health and wellbeing of global populations. With rapid advances in digital technologies, innovations, climate change, chronic illness, and the escalating cost of providing healthcare – you’ll gain access to postgraduate education that is future-proofed and will help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.

With more than 150 courses on offer, from entry to practice degrees and continuing professional development study pathways across medicine, biomedical research, and allied health professions – we’ve got you covered for lifelong learning that incorporates the latest understanding.

Our Collaborative Practice Centre curriculum, the only of its kind in Australia, will teach you how to work collaboratively with other health professionals in our healthcare system to get to the heart of a person’s illness and provide person-centered care and improved health outcomes. The Centre’s curriculum combined with placements, industry projects, fieldwork, internships and other work integrated learning activities make up an essential part of many courses in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Access to diverse student placements at over 900 of the country’s most eminent health sites that facilitate the development of professional workplace skills – ensuring you have the future ready skills needed to make your impact in health immediately after your studies. A total of 1.5 million on the job training hours are undertaken by over 3000 students from across the MDHS Faculty each year.

The Faculty’s Advancing Health 2030 strategy and nationally-significant joint initiatives form the backdrop to your studies – driving forward dynamic and cutting-edge research and courses for today’s health challenges. Our key initiatives in the strategy aim to transform the future of health in Australia and around the world in areas such as digital health, future-pandemic preparedness, medical technology, sustainability, health systems and workforce reforms, climate change and health, mental health and surgical anatomy through a number of our partnerships and initiatives such as:
Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Healthcare Carbon Lab, Climate CATCH-lab, and the Melbourne Academy for Surgical Anatomy, Victorian Digital Health Command, among others.

Specialist medical education research groups ensure well designed evidence-informed educational programs are applied to teaching and learning, curriculum design, student assessment and evaluation. Research groups include; healthcare communication, student engagement and experience, teaching and learning, and work integrated learning.

The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s largest research institutions, where approximately 60% of the University's research funding is focused on health, making the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences a significant contributor to the University of Melbourne's position as Australia's leading university in research income, and its position as Australia's top ranked university.

Our Parkville campus is part of the world-leading Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, with research publications from across the precinct gaining a publication citation rate twice that of the international average. Our research strengths include child and maternal health, cancer, infection and immunity, mental health and neuroscience, and cardiometabolic health. This is brought to life though our world leading partners located right next to the Parkville campus, including: The Royal Children's Hospital, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, The Doherty Institute, The Florey, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations to name a few.

The faculty supports commercial translation of research into practical health outcomes with the help from the University’s Melbourne Accelerator Program, TRAM (Translating Research at Melbourne), UoM Genesis Pre-Seed Fund, Tin Alley Ventures and Uniseed.
Launched startups include – Kali Healthcare, NIRGenie, Torch Recruit, Carbon Cybernetics, Biocurate, Ena Respiratory, Axelia Oncology among others.

The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct is one of the world’s most concentrated in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere. It delivers outstanding patient care, cutting-edge research and discoveries, and training with close to 50,000 employees in the area. It represents a growing hub of health knowledge and research for the Asia-Pacific region.

Our academic staff members have leadership positions in hospitals and clinics while also performing leadership roles with health industry bodies, health industry organisations, and crucial Government advisory boards that shape health policy – bringing a wholistic perspective of what education and courses are needed to enable students to excel after they graduate. Examples include: A/Prof. Jonathan Knott, Clinical Sub-Dean (Emergency Medicine); A/Prof. Forbes McGain Associate Dean, Healthcare Sustainability; Dr. Mihiri Silva, Senior Lecturer Paediatric Dentistry; Prof. Elif Ekinci, Head of Department, Medicine; Dr. Dianne Crellin, Senior Lecturer Nursing; Dr. Dominic Dwyer, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Youth Mental Health; Prof. Vijayaragavan Muralidharan Professor of Surgery at Austin Health; Dr. Megha Rajasekhar, Research Fellow in Biostatistics; Prof. Julie Simpson, Professor & Director of Health Clinical Research

The Department of Rural Health has industry links which ensure that the University of Melbourne and our education is positioned to address the challenge of healthcare access to rural and remote communities in Australia. Initiatives include – The Goulburn Valley Partnership, Murray Darling Medical School Network, Goulburn Valley Centre for Excellence in Regional/Rural Sexual Health, Goulburn Valley Regional Training Hub, among others.

More than 40 world class industry and partner connections deliver work integrated learning across Victoria, and our partner hospitals are ranked amongst the world's best hospitals (Newsweek top 250).

Faculty partners include, Austin Health, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Goulburn Valley Health, Mercy Health, Neurosciences Victoria, Northern Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Dental Hospital, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Western Health.

At our Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics our students enjoy clinical education that’s integral to the future of our health and medical system. We also offer the opportunity for faculty students to provide affordable healthcare treatment to the general public under the supervised guidance of clinical experts. Our teaching clinics include: Melbourne Dental Clinical, Melbourne Eye Clinic, Melbourne Hearing Care Clinic, Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic, Shepparton Medical Centre, and University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic, among others.

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences are frequently key advisers to Government on national policy and education, shaping the future of health. Recently examples include The Royal Commission into Mental Health and Wellbeing, The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and other health policy solutions developed with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and grants through the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

The Melbourne curriculum is distinct in Australia but aligned with leading universities in Europe and North America such as Harvard and Oxford University. Our curriculum combines a broad-based undergraduate experience with pathways to postgraduate education, employment or research. Through this unique approach, students are encouraged to explore and discover their passions and strengths while developing deep expertise in a broad range of disciplines to tackle problems.

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences have more than 400 research industry partnerships across Australia and the globe. Our international research partnerships with leading universities, industry and research organisations across Asia, the Americas, Europe and the United Kingdom enrich the learning experience and exchange opportunities of our students. Signature programs include Toronto-Melbourne Research Training Group, University of Bonn and University of Melbourne Immunology Research Programme, DentAlliance, Asialink – Asia Australia Mental Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Nossal Institute for Global Health, Oceania Institute, Indo-Pacific Climate Hub, and many more.

The University of Melbourne is committed to its global responsibility to tackle the world's greatest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges, and has been ranked as the 9^th university globally for sustainability (QS Rankings Sustainability 2024). The University of Melbourne produces graduates who have the necessary skills and knowledge, and global employer connections to ensure the thrive in the modern workplace. The University is also ranked 8^thfor Graduate Employability (QS Rankings 2022) .

The MDHS Mentoring Program is a formal program that pairs current final year students with alumni to help prepare and fast-track students’ transition from study to the early stages of their careers, by sharing insights and career advice, across our broad network of mentors. Being home to Australia’s first ever medical school, we’re honoured to have some of the most influential health leaders in our country’s history form the community of the faculty.

With more than 62,000 past students making up our alumni community, you'll have access to opportunities for networking and for personal and professional engagements with the faculty through discussion panels and events with other health professionals from across interdisciplinary cohorts on the current issues of today.

Health industry workforce leaders are often members of our alumni community, and many of our students by the nature of our connections, learn from, are mentored by and have exposure and interactions with notable alumni who work out in industry. Such as: Professor Brett Sutton - Director of Health and Biosecurity CSIRO; Doctor Susana David – psychologist, lecturer at the Harvard Medical School, Wallstreet Journal bestselling author; Professor Ian Fraser - Leader of groundbreaking Gardasil vaccine; Associate Professor Nerina Harley – Co-chair, Critical Care Clinical Network, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services

Many of our alumni are awarded and acknowledged for the distinguished service they have made to areas of Australian public life and community, such as medical research, and for service to the health sector through the Australian Honours List. Past recipients receiving awards for the Order of Australia include, Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Ngaire Joy Elwood AM, Felix Behan AM, and Dean of the Faculty, Jane Gunn AO, amongst others.

Every student is welcome at the university, regardless of life path or experience. We believe that diversity creates innovation, with over 150 nationalities represented on campus, and a global exchange and study overseas program with 200 partners internationally. These extensive connections will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in different social, cultural and intellectual settings.

Diverse and inclusive policies are embedded in all our systems, processes and work at the university to support all individuals from different backgrounds in the areas of disability, gender, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation and transgender. We aspire for our classrooms to represent the diversity of thought that you’d find in communities around the globe.

The MDHS Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Championed by the Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion, promotes representation, distribution and retention of people with diverse personal attributes within the faculty. Student representatives are invited and encouraged to be part of this committee so that the student experience is evolved by the people who are immersed in it.

Our scholarships and prizes are offered to recognise achievements, increase access and participation in education, and to provide financial assistance for academic and personal goals. Access Melbourne and the Narrm Scholarships are programs designed to increase opportunities for talented students of all backgrounds to gain a place in their preferred University of Melbourne course and is the cornerstone of our diversity, equity and access commitment.

Ngurra-Jarraddjak Indigenous Study Program is a national week-long residential program that gives undergraduate students exposure to different health research institutions, opportunities to meet Indigenous health professionals, faculty staff and alumni, and discover pathways into different health careers designed to showcase Melbourne as a realistic destination of choice for Indigenous health and biomedical science aspirants.

Our student societies and clubs initiative enriches the student experience and provides valuable insight and feedback about university services. With 26 registered MDHS social clubs and 200 across the wider student community you can foster lifelong relationships with like-minded individuals, and feel like you belong.

Enjoy the new award-winning student pavilion precinct including libraries, technology resource centres, private study spaces and lounges, kitchen facilities, cafés and eateries, galleries and theatres. It is designed to be your home away from home on campus and was a collaborative effort driven with student input on diversity, gender equity, wellbeing and sustainability.

Benefit from the revitalisation of our on-campus experience through the Future Capital Works Program which will refresh and introduce new university infrastructure, ensuring students benefit from investment in world class teaching and learning.

University accommodation and support takes the stress out of securing a safe, welcoming, place to stay, from apartment living to residential colleges, including: Lisa Bellear House, Little Hall, The Lofts, International House and Medley Hall. All these accommodation options are available for students seeking to live nearby campus and relocate to Melbourne.

The Melbourne Peer Mentoring Program is a key part of your University of Melbourne experience and designed to support you as you enter the university community as a new undergraduate. You will build personal connections, get helpful insights, and learn how to connect with the rich array of opportunities, activities and services available through your first year and beyond.

Stop 1 student services offer specific support for domestic and international students who may need advice and assistance with: settling in Melbourne; counselling; harassment and discrimination; student visa support; family support, among others. Food relief programs for MDHS students are also offered, including: ‘SecondBite Frozen Meals’: a program that provides frozen meals for students experiencing food insecurity; ‘Fresh Food Project’: a program that provides 5kg of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables available on rotational allocation to students throughout the semester helping to ease the cost of living.

On-campus health services offer experienced medical doctors and nurses with a depth of knowledge relevant to student medical issues. Our philosophy is to provide excellent quality student-centric health care to the University of Melbourne community, and a safe and welcoming environment. Students can access these services with a valid Medicare, Bupa OSHC or Allianz Care Australia OSHC card.

The Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences faculty has dedicated drop-in study spaces for our students. These provide either silent study zones or participatory study spaces, and are based in the Alan Gilbert Building and the Kwong Lee Dow Building. Informal study spaces are available to all students across university campuses.

Acting as dynamic study and teaching resources, our dedicated museums with diverse collections and specimens offer access to exhibition programs for students and researchers and bring to life our rich medical heritage. These include: The Medical History Museum, Harry Bookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, and the Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum.

Whether you’re looking to start your career in health, deepen your skillset or change career focus,
we have a course to suit your interests and schedule.

Public health

Protect and improve the health of people and the community by preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through society. Study key areas such as healthy aging, sexual health, infectious diseases and immunology, among others.

Psychology and mental health

Australia is facing a mental health crisis, and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the urgency of our response. Learn to manage crises and provide support.

Social work and gender-based violence

Promote social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. You'll have the opportunity to engage people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

Cancer sciences and treatment

The number of cancer cases diagnosed each year continues to rise. Become part of the oncology workforce to help reduce premature deaths and learn the skills to find breakthrough treatments.

Climate change and health

Health and wellbeing is closely linked to the environment we live in. Learn to measure and mitigate the impact of climate change on health.

Biomedical sciences and research

Our focus is on achieving the best research possible to improve the health and wellbeing of our community and find solutions to the world’s great health challenges.

Clinical and surgical education

Develop the skills to teach clinical, surgical and leadership skills to the next generation in all clinical settings or gain specialist expertise within your clinical practice.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Help rehabilitate people recovering from injury and illness, or further specialise in treatment to increase quality of life.

Critical care and disaster management

Those working in critical care and disaster management must have the skills to respond quickly and decisively to provide care to acutely and critically ill patients.

Dentistry and oral health

Improve the quality of life for those experiencing dental issues and oral disease, both at an individual and community level. You can also help a person’s confidence and self-esteem through the solutions you create.

Nursing

Play a critical role in delivering primary care - including promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and often work on the front lines of disease prevention.

Biostatistics

Technology is improving and disrupting healthcare. Move into decision-making roles and contribute to planning, evaluation and implementation related to digital health.

Maternal and child health

Support the health and future challenges of mothers and babies by providing quality prenatal, neonatal and paediatric care, enabling children to reach their full potential.

Audiology and speech pathology

Gain clinical experience to help people with impaired hearing or those experiencing communication or swallowing disorders.

Medicine

Embark on a career in medicine and discover what makes people work, physically, psychologically and emotionally. You’ll gain the clinical skills needed to interact with patients, promote healthy lifestyles, and understand mechanisms behind illnesses.

Optometry and vision sciences

Play a specialised role in the healthcare system and make a difference in people’s lives for those experiencing vision disorders and signs of eye disease.

Genetic counselling and genomics

Help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the implications of genetic contributions to health conditions.

The University of Melbourne is proud to be part of a thriving, innovative ecosystem of health services, research institutes, commercial organisations and community groups. These partnerships support and amplify our impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities. Some examples of the many health and biomedical organisations that are our valued partners are below:

Postgraduate study in health