Study public health
Promote and protect the health of communities in a changing world
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.
Why study public health at the University of Melbourne?
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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 very best experts in their fields.
Join a global network of health and research partners
Anchored in the world-leading Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, the Univesity of Melbourne is proud to contribute to a thriving, innovative network of medical services, research institutes and community groups advancing public health worldwide.
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
Explore the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct map
Launch diverse and rewarding health careers
We are a global institution, and our qualifications enable you to progress in your career in Australia and around the world. 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
Gain the latest insights from world-leading public health experts
Learn from the latest research taught by leading experts at our centres and institutes, including:
- Nossal Institute for Global Health
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Centre for Health Equity
- Centre for Health Policy
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing
- Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
- Melbourne Disability Institute
Build your connections and influence
Our graduates have found employment in organisations including the World Health Organisation, Doctors Without Border, United Nations agencies and a wide variety of leading research institutes, hospitals and health services in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and beyond.
Connect with alumni and peers through networking opportunities that enable you to establish connections and influence.
- Melbourne Population and Global Health Students’ Society events
- MDHS alumni events
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health Mentoring Program – Mentoring@MSPGH Program
Explore our public health 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.
