Master of Global Public Health

Program Overview

The Master of Global Public Health from Victoria University equips students with the knowledge and skills to address global health challenges. Graduates will be able to analyze public health evidence, develop collaborative programs and policies, and advocate for inclusive practices. The program includes work-based learning opportunities, preparing students for careers in health policy, program management, and community engagement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Contribute to health improvements worldwide, and make a real difference to individuals and communities, with a Master of Global Public Health from Victoria University. Our postgraduate degree will give you the knowledge and skills needed to find solutions to current and emerging health challenges. You will learn to appraise public health evidence, and contribute to collaborative programs and policies. On graduation, you will be skilled in developing public health solutions for sustainable development. You will be a voice for inclusive policy and practice, advocating for all members of society, and ensuring Indigenous views are heard. With excellent problem-solving and people skills gained through work-based learning, you will be ready to begin your career. The Master of Global Public Health is a recommended option for recent graduates with ambitions to work in health policy and programs, and health professionals interested in enhancing their professional practice.

Outline:

Year 1, Semester 1

• Foundations of Public Health (12 credits)
• Contemporary Global Health Challenges (12 credits)
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1 (12 credits)
• Contemporary Public Health Practice (12 credits)

Year 1, Semester 2

• Culture and Society in Public Health (12 credits)
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2 (12 credits)
• Health Promotion and Community Engagement (12 credits)
• Elective unit 1 (12 credits)

Year 2, Semester 1

• Systems Thinking in Public Health (12 credits)
• Public Health Program Management (12 credits)
• Research Methods in Public Health (12 credits)
• Elective unit 2 (12 credits)

Year 2, Semester 2

• Sustainability in Healthcare (12 credits)
• Public Health Communication in a Digital World (12 credits)
• Select 24 credit points from:
• Professional Project (24 credits)
• Minor Thesis (24 credits)

Electives Units

• Transnational Gender Issues and Human Rights (12 credits)
• Nutrition for Global Health (12 credits)
• Global Food Systems and Food Security (12 credits)
• Concepts in Humanitarian Assistance (12 credits)

Teaching:

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Critically apply knowledge of public health theory and practice to address current and emerging complex public health challenges in global and local contexts and across diverse populations;
• Select, interpret and apply epidemiological and biostatistical concepts to the study of disease exposure, risk and outcomes in populations for evidence-based decision making in public health practice;
• Investigate and propose systems thinking approaches to respond to global and local health challenges across the domains of public health practice thereby promoting strategies for health equity and addressing the social determinants of health;
• Propose, design, implement, evaluate and lead innovative, evidence and place-based public health action for sustainable development, planetary health and ‘Health For All’;
• Practice cultural safety and humility when working with diverse populations, listening to and respecting Indigenous voices and standpoints, to advocate for health equity and social justice across all domains of public health practice;
• Interpret, justify and communicate knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences across a range of media in order to advance and defend efforts to promote and protect health and prevent disease; and
• Demonstrate intellectual independence, collaborative practice and career readiness through research or a professional project with an industry partner that contributes to the evidence base in public health research or practice.

Careers:

Graduates of this course will be well-equipped for a diverse and rewarding career in areas such as:

• Global health
• Nutrition
• Physical activity research and teaching
• Community development work in health, nutrition and food security
• Delivering health, food and nutrition programs in response to emergencies
• Health policy development
• Program planning, development and evaluation
• Specific population focused health interventions (e.g.
older adults, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, chronically diseased populations)
• Inclusive physical activity programming
• Physical activity and sedentary behaviour measurement
You may find work opportunities both in Australia and internationally within:
• National, state and local governments
• The United Nations and other international health organisations (WHO, UNICEF, ACSM, International Coalition for Aging and Physical Activity)
• Non-profit organisations
• Academic institutions and research institutions