Overview

Improve public health for the next generation

Prevent disease, prolong life, and promote global health through the Master of Public Health (MPH). Explore a range of public health methods, approaches, and special interest areas through our suite of elective subjects. The course is delivered by academic staff with extensive experience and depth of knowledge, who are leaders in their chosen fields of public health.

Key features

• Build expertise. Become an authority on public health through core foundational study, methods-based training, and a wide range of electives in special interest areas.
• Develop practical, real-world skills. You’ll complete work-based placements, research projects, and industry engagement with leading organisations such as the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
• Flexible study options. Choose a format that suits your needs between full-time and part-time, and mixed attendance or fully online.

Learn about the Master of Public Health at Melbourne

This video explains the changing landscape of public health, the specialties available, and the different jobs available. Learn what graduates of this course go on to do, and the important work they’re doing to improve people’s health.

Why study public health at Melbourne?

Master of Public Health students can tailor their journey by choosing over 60 electives spanning a wide range of study areas. Your knowledge will be measured through our capstone research project, which you will create under the guidance of leading experts.

You will gain a plethora of relevant, critical skills related to public health.

• Extensive knowledge of public health. Describe the ways in which biology, the environment, indigenous status, society and culture interact and determine health.
• Critical decision-making. Analyse, appraise and synthesise public health research evidence to inform public health decision making.
• Focus your expertise. Employ a comprehensive knowledge of a public health specialisation or area to develop solutions to complex public health problems.

See course structure for all special interest areas, including Global Health, Health Policy, Systems and Practice and Health, Gender and Society to name a few.

Who is the Master of Public Health (MPH) for?

The Master of Public Health is suitable for those who have studied in any discipline, whether you’re aspiring to enter a career in public health or looking to upskill or transition into the field of public health. You have the option to study online, which is perfect for busy working professionals who want to upskill while still working.

What support services can the Master of Public Health students access at Melbourne?

• Melbourne Population & Global Health Student Society (MPGHSS). MPGHSS runs a variety of networking, career support, and social events throughout the year.
• GradLink program. Our one-year semi-structured mentoring program matches mentors and mentees based on shared interests, experience, and meeting preferences , maximising your preparation for the workforce.
• Career events. Connect with industry professionals and employers. These events offer valuable networking opportunities and insights from experts in the field.
• MDHS Student Enrichment and Support. Gain access to mentoring, career advice, clubs and societies, Indigenous student support, and wellbeing support.

What do students say about the Master of Public Health?

Meet Poulomi, a Master of Public Health student. In this video, she shares how the ability to explore a range of specialties has helped her choose a career path. She also mentions how the support from researchers, as well as fun festivals and events have helped her have a fulfilling university life.

Courses related to the Master of Public Health (MPH)

The University of Melbourne also offers the following courses:

• Graduate Certificate in Public Health
• Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health
• Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health
• Graduate Certificate in Health Economics and Economic Evaluation
• Graduate Certificate in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Master of Biostatistics

The subjects completed within the graduate certificates can be fully credited towards this master’s course.

If you’re already working in public health, you may be interested in the accelerated, wholly online Master of Public Health (Online). This course runs part-time over six online terms per year, and you’ll study one subject at a time.

Learn more about the School

Visit the Melbourne School of Public Health

Past information session

Master of Public Health Information Session

When: Tuesday, 8 September 2026, 6:00PM - 7:00PM AEST

In this session, you’ll get insights from our Course Director, Associate Professor Kayley Lyons, and our MPH students and alumni on course structure, study areas, capstone options, career pathways, and the student experience.

Watch recording