Master of Public Health (MPubHlth)

Program Code
MPH

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Academic Year
2024

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

The Master of Public Health consists of core and elective coursework in the areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, social science research methods for public health, public health policy and evaluation, health systems and advocacy, occupational, environmental, and global health and infectious disease epidemiology and control. Synthesis of skills learnt through coursework study will offer students a choice of a guided professional practice placement/project or a research dissertation/thesis in order to contribute new knowledge.

The Master of Public Health is intended to equip graduates for careers in public health or to broaden the public health orientation of their current work for those with established careers.

The Master of Public Health is an AQF Level 9 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 2 years. Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years or 1 year on the basis of prior learning. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of public health at internationally recognised advanced levels, including: 1.1 epidemiology 1.2 biostatistics 1.3 environmental health sciences 1.4 health policy management 1.5 social and behavioural sciences.
  2. Locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner to: 2.1 conduct an appraisal of policy in context 2.2 make decisions in the face of uncertainty.
  3. Apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future health problems, including the capacity to deal with Indigenous health issues.
  4. Demonstrate skills of a higher order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.
  5. Demonstrate a proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary public health technologies, towards the development and evaluation of public health interventions, using epidemiological, biostatistical, economic and social science approaches.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a community leadership or advocacy role in public health.
  7. Consider ethical, social and cultural issues in demonstrating professional skills and responsibilities in the field of public health, including Indigenous health.
  8. Demonstrate a capacity to respond to public health issues at a variety of levels: 8.1 individual 8.2 community 8.3 population 8.4 policy level.

Conditions

Condition of Enrolment
Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Program Director or Delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Condition of continuing enrolment
Research dissertation: A student must complete core and elective courses to a value of 36 units with a minimum GPA of 5.0, before proceeding to the research dissertation.

Research thesis: A student must complete core and elective courses to a value of 24 units with a minimum GPA of 5.0, before proceeding to the research thesis.

Immunisation: Prior to any professional placement, students will need to check vaccine requirements with their placement provider and provide evidence of their immunisation status. Students are required to have the appropriate level of immunisation required by the Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Directive for tuberculosis (TB) screening and criminal history clearances (CHC), Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) screening, including recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines. Please note that professional placements cannot be guaranteed for unvaccinated students.

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program. 
 

Academic Program Rules for Master of Public Health

There shall be a Master of Public Health.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the Master of Public Health the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising: 

One of the following pathways:

  • Research Dissertation
  • Research Thesis
  • Professional Practice
  • Work Integrated Research

Core Courses