Master of Public Health (1.5 years)

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in critical analysis of evidence, complex theories, problems, and concepts regarding social, economic, environmental, and political determinants of health.
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in developing, planning, and evaluating public health approaches to health problems.
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in critiquing and applying contemporary public health approaches in work-related environments and practice.
4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of research principles, methodologies, and methods applicable to public health theory, policy and practice.
5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in creativity and innovation in transferring knowledge to practice.
6. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in effective communication in the workplace and university context.
7. Apply an advanced level of knowledge and skills to recognise your own strengths, limitations, and learning style.
8. Apply an advanced level of knowledge and skills in showing initiative and creativity in practice.
9. Apply an advanced level of knowledge and skills to take responsibility, and to advocate for and empower others.
10. Apply an advanced level of knowledge and skills in critical analysis of evidence and theories regarding determinants of health, planning and evaluating public health approaches, work-related environments; and undertaking public health research activities.

Explore and redefine public health practice to promote health in light of contemporary knowledge.

The courses are founded on a commitment to the advancement of quality and integrity in multidisciplinary practice, and principles of equity, inclusiveness, accountability and community participation.

The courses create opportunities for health professionals to examine workplace issues and to formulate new ways of addressing them and putting them into practice. The teaching and learning focuses primarily on helping health professionals change their practice in light of new insights. Topic assignments may be related to workplace issues and problems.

It is 1.5 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

The program aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to incorporate the principles of primary health care in order to reduce inequalities in health care access and health outcomes. Masters teaches you to apply this knowledge and these skills in relation to public health principles, values and practices that reduce inequity in health care, and improve population health status. Topics cover areas such as action on social determinants of health, social determinants of health and wellbeing, and critical practice in Indigenous health.

Year 1

First Semester:

• Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
• Health Promotion in Public Health
• Introduction to Epidemiological Research methods
• Introductory Biostatistics

Second Semester

• Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
• First Nations Health and Well-Being
• Stream: select 2 subjects from stream coursework

Year 2

First Semester

Stream: select 4 stream topics from stream coursework

Streams - Coursework

• Core: Practicum in Public Health
• Option: select 4 option topics listed below

Streams - Coursework with Research Components

• Core: Public Health Research Dissertation (18 units)
• Public Health Research Dissertation (9/18 units)
• Public Health Research Dissertation (9/18 units)
• Option: select 9 units from option topics listed below

Option unit examples:

• Environmental Health Concepts
• Environmental Health Policy, Management and Administration
• Public Health Toxicology
• Leading Organisations in Health and Aged Care
• Health Law and Ethics
• Advanced Epidemiology

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Public Health, a student must complete 54 units of study with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Exit points

Students who do not wish to complete the full Master of Public Health may be eligible to exit with one of the following:

• Graduate Certificate in Public Health: after completing 18 units
• Graduate Diploma in Public Health: after completing 36 units

These exit options allow students to gain a recognised qualification while progressing toward the master's degree.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $13,971

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold either a:

• Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification in a health-related field from an approved tertiary institution
• Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and no less than two-years work experience in a public health-related field

However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.