Global Health
What is 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 the economy and to 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, communities and individuals.
Public health practitioners enjoy a range of careers in health promotion, chronic disease prevention and management, health economics and policy, mental health, disaster response, Indigenous health and sexual health.
*Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
Why study public health at Melbourne?
Ranked #18 globally for public health (ShanghaiRanking 2026), our approach is grounded in the latest research and delivered by the leading experts in their fields.
Join a global network of health and research partners
As part of the world-leading Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, the University of Melbourne is proud to contribute to a thriving, innovative network of health and research institutes advancing public health globally.
Join a community that has contributed to major public health breakthroughs including:
- World-first mapping of the immune response to COVID-19
- Pioneering technology-advancing antimicrobial research
- Producing award-winning research that has changed international chlamydia treatment guidelines
Research-informed learning from world-leading experts
Learn from the latest research taught by leading public health experts at our centres and institutes, including:
- Nossal Institute for Global Health
- Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID)
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Melbourne Disability Institute
- Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
Launch diverse and rewarding health careers
We are a global institution, and our qualifications open doors in Australia and around the world. Our graduates have worked in organisations including the World Health Organisation, Doctors Without Borders and United Nations agencies.
With a public health education, you can build a career in a wide range of roles including:
- Epidemiologist
- Health advisor
- Health promotion officer
- Public health consultant
- Health economist
- Data analyst
- Ethics officer
- Policy officer
Our courses
Advancing public health for a changing world
Healthcare systems around the world are burdened by preventable disease, impacting the economy and quality of life of millions.
Watch how Lynette Phuong, Global Health Consultant, is using her postgraduate education in public health to advance access to healthcare and reduce health inequality worldwide.
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.