Master of Public Health with Specialisation

This two-year course is ideal for international students and can include a dissertation and practicum. It provides graduates with a suitable background and generalist qualification for a career in Public Health.

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

This course provides graduates with a suitable background and generalist qualification for a career in public health research or practice.

Penelope Strauss

Penelope Strauss is a 2016 graduate of the UWA Master of Public Health. In 2018 she was recognised as an AMP Tomorrow Maker for her work with young transgender (trans) people.

During her Master of Public Health, Penelope launched Trans Pathways – the largest study of trans youth ever conducted in Australia. It focused on the mental health and access to health services of 859 young participants, as well as challenges such as discrimination, bullying and homelessness. The horrific revelation that almost half of the young participants had attempted suicide drove Penelope to dedicate her career to this issue. She is currently completing her PhD through the School of Population and Global Health at UWA and Telethon Kids Institute. Penelope's research is focused on data from the Trans Pathways study, and what forms of support may help to alleviate and prevent distress in trans young people. The AMP Foundation grant will help her to discover what helped young trans people through their periods of depression and suicidal thoughts, in the hope that their experiences will guide the development of an intervention program.

“My Master of Public Health degree from UWA provided me with a strong foundation to launch me into my PhD and future research career. My MPH inspired me to look at health issues from different angles to see how we can improve the mental health of young people using evidence-based approaches.”

Further Study

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

2025

$45,300.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a)(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; or

(ii) a Graduate Certificate in Population Health Studies 91230, Graduate Certificate in Environmental Health 92210, Graduate Certificate in Communicable Diseases Epidemiology 91220, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;

and

(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 60 per cent.

(2) Applicants who have or have had a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' against courses 91550 or 92560 are not eligible for admission.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

How to apply

Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process.

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

Course details

The Master of Public Health with Specialisation offers the chance to specialise in Public Health Foundations, Applied Public Health or Public Health Methodology.

This course is subsidised for Australian residents through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Visit our fee calculator for CSP rates and an estimate on your course fees.

About the course

This course is suitable for graduates from any field seeking a career in the health industry as a professional public health practitioner or researcher. You will gain a strong foundation in the core fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research methods, health economics and health promotion, plus the broader social context in which health programs are planned, delivered and evaluated.

Quick details

Status

• Available

Locations

• Perth (Crawley campus)

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Delivery

• On-campus
• Partially Online

Starting dates

• Semester 1, Semester 2

Weekly contact time

• The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 40 hours per week (over 13 weeks) which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.

Level of study

• Postgraduate

Course Code

• 92550

CRICOS code

• C

Full time/part time duration

• 2 years | 5 years

Degrees course is available in

• Master of Public Health - Coursework

Master of Public Health

UWA also offers a Master of Public Health which can be completed in 1.5 years. This course includes a dissertation or practicum and provides graduates with a suitable background and generalist qualification for a career in public health.

You can begin this course by enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Population Health Studies which is a six-month full time course.

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Students in the Applied Public Health specialisation SP-APPPH must take units to the total value of 30 points from Groups A and B.

• Take all units (42 points):
  • PUBH4401 Biostatistics I (6)
  • PUBH5752 Health Systems and Economics (6)
  • PUBH5758 Public Health Practicum (24)
  • PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health (6)

Public Health Foundations specialisation

• Take all units (30 points):
  • AHEA5755 Aboriginal Health (6)
  • PUBH4401 Biostatistics I (6)
  • PUBH5743 Environmental and Occupational Health (6)
  • PUBH5752 Health Systems and Economics (6)
  • PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health (6)

Public Health Methodology specialisation

• Take all units (18 points):
  • PUBH4401 Biostatistics I (6)
  • PUBH5752 Health Systems and Economics (6)
  • PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health (6)
• Take unit(s) to the value of 24 points:
  • PUBH5712 Dissertation (full-time) (24)
  • PUBH5714 Dissertation (part-time) (24)

Study options in Public Health

We offer a range of courses enabling you to tailor your studies to meet your personal or professional interests and advance your career.

Masters’

• Master of Public Health with Specialisation
• Master of Public Health

Graduate Certificates

• Graduate Certificates comprise 4 units and can be credited towards a Master of Public Health or Master of Public Health with Specialisation.
• Graduate Certificate in Population Health Studies
• Graduate Certificate in Communicable Diseases Epidemiology
• Graduate Certificate in Environment and Health

Flexible study

• The Master of Public Health course is designed so you can balance your work and studies.
• Our flexible delivery mode gives you the opportunity to study part time, and all our core units and some electives are available online.
• We also offer an intensive teaching block of out-of-semester, five-day modules.

Research projects

As a world-class research university, UWA offers research opportunities of the highest calibre that will prepare you well for a career in the health industry. Your initial research training can be completed during the Master of Public Health with a 24-point dissertation. This can lead to enrolment in a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). View our 2025 Research Project Booklet which lists all currently available projects and dissertations.

Master of Public Health Webinar

Join us online on Wednesday 16 July from 5.30-6.30pm AWST to find out everything you need to know about UWA's postgraduate course in public health including, practical learning, career opportunities, admission requirements, how to apply, and more.

Course accreditation

The Master of Public Health (92550) is accredited by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA).

Hear from students and graduates

• Shauna Jacob
• Joseph Bin Omar
• Grace Stanton

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.