Master of Public Health (Global Health and Advocacy)
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 1 locations
- Melbourne
- Melbourne
- Duration
- 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025Applications open April 2025
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.
Overview
ACU’s Master of Public Health equips graduates with specialised knowledge, understanding and skills in public health to improve and advance population health and well-being. ACU’s MPH prepares graduates to practice with a community, national or global focus, and with an ethical, social justice perspective.
A uniquely ACU specialisation, global health is an increasingly important and active area of work for public health practitioners. If you are planning to focus on global health, our Master of Public Health program offers a specialisation in global health and advocacy during your second year. The Master of Public Health (Global Health and Advocacy) specialisation will give you the knowledge, skills and experience to practice effectively in the evolving professional landscape of global health.
Students may choose to complete their Master with specialisation through a Research Pathway (undertaking additional research training and completion of a minor thesis) or a Capstone Pathway (involving a capstone experience, such as a practice-based project).
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- not-for-profit organisations
- health education
- government
- health services
- project management
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Master of Public Health (Global Health and Advocacy), a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Additional course information
ACU’s Master of Public Health program is distinguished by:
- Study options and flexibility to meet the needs of postgraduate students who are also working; for example, full-/part-time study, on-campus or online study mode, intensive unit teaching schedules (including weekends);
- A curriculum designed with reference to Australian and international competency standards for public health and practice-relevant conceptual frameworks;
- A focus on illustrating theory with relevant, practical examples of established and emergent public health issues and contemporary social issues with substantial health impacts, such as family violence, homelessness and cyber-/workplace bullying;
- A unique specialisation option, the Master of Public Health (Global Health & Advocacy), allowing students to concentrate their studies on issues of global health, sustainable development, food security and humanitarian assistance. This specialisation also allows students develop their advocacy skills, a vitally important component of public/global health practice: to not just implement positive change, but to also influence positive change in the first place;
- Placing the UN Sustainable Development Goals at the centre of the Global Health & Advocacy specialisation to enable graduates wanting to work internationally are well-grounded in the overarching principles that will guide global health practice into the future;
- Assessment tasks designed to simulate practice-relevant data, situations, problems or issues, with students assessed on their responses as public health practitioners;
- A choice of completing the Master of Public Health either by Research Pathway (involving additional research training and then preparation of a minor research thesis) or by Capstone Pathway (involving a practice-based project or other approved fieldwork/project/experience;
- Alignment of public health’s professional values with ACU’s Mission; for example, striving to achieve prevention of illness and improved, equitable health outcomes for all people (public health practice) with the pursuit of the dignity of the human person and the common good (ACU’s Mission).
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:
- a Bachelor degree (or higher) or equivalent; OR
- successfully completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Health; AND
- Either:
- A grade point average of at least 4.2 on the ACU 7 point scale in a Bachelor degree; or
- A minimum of two years professional experience in health (or related field), including Honours or other postgraduate study in health; or
- Suitable practical experience in public health, global health or humanitarian assistance to the satisfaction of the course coordinator.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates may be able to progress to a higher degree by research (eg Doctor of Philosophy). Students interested in doing so are encouraged to complete their MPH via the Research Pathway.
Fees
Course costs
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Direct application
Apply nowDeferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.