Global Health
What is public health?
Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting better health outcomes through the organised efforts and informed choices of public and private organisations, communities and individuals. Public health improves population health, not only an individual’s health.
Public health studies draw on biology, sociology, medicine, law, epidemiology, health economics, policy, psychology, biostatistics, management, and community planning and development on a global and local scale.
Learn about the Master of Public Health
Why is public health important?
Global health challenges such as an ageing population, health inequity, the prevalence of pandemics and the rise of novel diseases are increasing. Healthcare systems around the world are burdened by preventable disease, impacting the economy and quality of life of millions. Public health study and practice equips the healthcare system to prevent and respond to these challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Today, public health practitioners enjoy a range of careers in health promotion, pandemic response management, epigenetics, the prevention and management of chronic disease and communicable disease, the science of ageing, mental health, health economics and policy, disaster response, Indigenous health, global health and sexual health.
Explore the various specialisations within the exciting field of public health
Public Health courses
Advancing public health for a changing world
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.
Why study public health at Melbourne?
Located within the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health is Australia’s #1 ranked public health school*.
Our approach is grounded in progressive and transformative research, with a curriculum informed by the latest understanding and knowledge, scientific advancements and insights from clinical best practice delivered by the very best experts in their fields.
With its partners, the University has contributed to significant public health breakthroughs including:
- World-first mapping of the immune response to COVID-19
- Pioneering technology-advancing world-class antimicrobial research
- Producing award-winning research that has changed Australian and international chlamydia treatment guidelines.
*Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings
#1
in Australia
*Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings
#20
Globally
*Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings
#25
Globally
Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
Networking opportunities
Access health alumni and networking opportunities that enable you to establish connections and influence.
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health Mentoring Program – Mentoring@MSPGH Program
Discover a career in public health
Studies in public health unlock a wide range of career opportunities. Watch the video to learn how the university offers a roadmap to a thriving career in public health.
Public Health specialisations
Specialisation leaders
- Global Health: Campbell McKay
- Sexual Health: Mx Louise Bourchier
- Health Policy, Systems and Practice: Associate Professor Helen Jordan
- Health, Gender and Society: Dr Thiago Melo Santos
- Gerontology: Dr Alice Rota-Bartelink
- Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology : Violeta Spirkoska & Associate Professor Melissa Russell
- Biostatistics: Dr. Andrew Lau
- Health Economics and Economic Evaluation: Associate Professor Natalie Carvalho
- Indigenous Health: Andrea Clarke
- Evaluation and Implementation Science: Associate Professor Lucio Naccarella
- Climate Change and Health: Professor Kathryn Bowen
Diverse careers
We are a global institution, and our qualifications enable you to progress in your career. The range of roles you can expect after completing a public health education include, but are not limited to:
- Epidemiologist
- Health Promotion, Planning and Health Evaluation Officer
- Capacity Building Officer
- Ethics Officer
- Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
- Public Health Consultant
- Communications and Policy Officer
- Policy Officer
- Quality Advisor
- Community Health and Wellbeing Officer
- Health Coordinator
- Program Officer/Manager/Coordinator
- Manager or Director of a Health and Wellbeing portfolio
- Research Assistant
- Data Analyst
- Health Economist
- Project Officer/Manager/Coordinator
Public health sectors
Our students have found employment in organisations such as:
- World Health Organization
- Doctors Without Borders
- United Nations agencies
- Research institutes e.g. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- Cancer Council Australia
- Community Health Services and Primary Healthcare Services
- Consulting firms and think tanks e.g. Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC
- Departments of Health (National, State and Regional governments)
- Hospitals (global, regional, metropolitan)
- Local council
- Health services e.g. Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
- Advocacy and support organisations e.g. Diabetes Australia, Women’s Health Victoria
- World Vision
- Health Promotion bodies e.g. VicHealth
Our centres and institutes
Hear from our alumni
I undertook the Master of Public Health to understand health on a larger scale. I wanted to look at population health and patterns influencing individual health to understand, develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs in order to improve health outcomes in my country and beyond.
Dr Nonofo Mbaakanyi, Master of Public Health (2020)
I have witnessed the barriers, gaps and dire need of improvement and expansion of public health programs in our country [Nepal]. I needed specific skills which I could only acquire by pursuing my postgraduate degree in public health.
Dr Amrit Pokhrel, Master of Public Health (2020)
Discover our health partners
The University of Melbourne is proud to contribute to a thriving, innovative network of medical services, research institutes, commercial organisations and community groups. Our impact on the health and welfare of communities is supported and amplified by these partnerships.Take a closer look at our partnerships across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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.