Master of Public Health (4702)
- Approved Abbreviation: MPubHlth
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 4702
- AQF Level: 9
CRICOS Code: 014002E
This program applies to students who commenced in Spring 2021 or later.
Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
Commencement Year 2020 - 4702.3 Master of Public Health
Commencement Year 2016 - 4702.2 Master of Public Health
Commencement Year 2015 - 4702.1 Master of Public Health
Commencement Year 2010 - 2014 - 4571.3 Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health focuses on the comprehensive assessment of all determinants of health, which include broader social and environmental factors in addition to physical risk factors. Learning opportunities are aimed at developing the essential knowledge and required skills to effectively assess and respond to emerging public health issues, including evaluation of public health programs and disaster planning and management. Graduates of this program will be exposed to academic and industry leaders who share their experience and knowledge to facilitate insight into the contemporary public health issues. Students will develop skills, scholarship and professional development in the fields of health policy, social determinants of health, epidemiology, biostatistics, applied research and evidenced-based practice, as well as an understanding of recent developments in the discipline.
The Master of Public Health is a 2-year program, however, students may seek advanced standing to enrol in 1-year or 1.5-year programs, based on an assessment of their undergraduate degree and professional experience.
Study Mode
Two years full-time, four years part-time. One and a half years full time or one year full time programs are also available, depending upon entry qualifications (see Pathways listed under Program Structure below).
Program Advice
healthsciences@westernsydney.edu.au
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Full Time | Online | See above |
| Online | Part Time | Online | See above |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Part Time | Internal | See above |
Work Integrated Learning
Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.
There is an optional work component available in this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.
International students should be aware that if an elective is a requirement of the program but the work itself was not registered with CRICOS, students can still complete these electives but it would be counted towards the work limitation. For more details, refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website.
Admission
Master of Public Health (160 credit points)
Applicants must have either
An undergraduate, master or doctoral degree in any discipline
Or
A Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in any discipline and three years full-time equivalent work experience in a relevant health-related discipline.
Master of Public Health (120 credit points)
Applicants must have
An undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline
Master of Public Health (80 credit points)
Applicants must have
An undergraduate honours, master or doctoral degree in a relevant health-related discipline.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special Requirements - NSW Health Legislative Pre-requisites
Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements
To enrol in this program, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements. To attend a health-related placement in this program, Special Legislative Requirements will be assessed from the first year of study.
Western Program Requirements
Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your program.
Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements
To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your program, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet
NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet
Please ensure that you
- Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one
- Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history
- Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements
- Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.
International students have additional requirements: the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.
School Requirements
Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as
- If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements
- If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.
- NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire program.
- Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire program - approved program providers can be found at the Government Training website
- http://training.gov.au
- Other non-health related requirements
Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page (NSW students only)
Special Requirements
For students who elect to undertake the HLTH 7030 Professional Internship in Health (Part-time)/HLTH 7026 Professional Internship in Health subject, please be aware that if you are undertaking the placement in; (1) a public hospital, you must meet the necessary legislative requirements as part of their employment conditions. (2) a private hospital, you must meet any special requirements of the hospital which may differ from public institutions, (3) an organisation either in or outside of NSW, you will need to comply with the requirements of the relevant state-based body and the organisation.
Program Structure 2023
Master of Public Health - 1 year program
Students must complete 80 credit points, as listed below.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Subjects | ||
| PUBH 7016 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 10 |
| PUBH 7033 | The Social Determinants of Health | 10 |
| PUBH 7031 | Health Systems and Policy | 10 |
| PUBH 7011 | Health Advancement and Health Promotion | 10 |
| Focus Subjects | ||
| HLTH 7008 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 10 |
| PUBH 7004 | 10 | |
| Please note that as of Spring 2023, PUBH 7004 has been replaced by PUBH 5001 | ||
| PUBH 7010 | Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases | 10 |
| Plus any 10 credit point Level 7 subject offered across the university | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Further information on recommended progression is available on the Postgraduate Health Science progression page.
Postgraduate Public Health Progression
Master of Public Health - 1.5 year program
Students must complete 120 credit points, including all the Domian and Focus Subjects.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Subjects | ||
| PUBH 7016 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 10 |
| PUBH 7033 | The Social Determinants of Health | 10 |
| PUBH 7031 | Health Systems and Policy | 10 |
| PUBH 7011 | Health Advancement and Health Promotion | 10 |
| Focus Subjects | ||
| HLTH 7008 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 10 |
| AGEN 7005 | Research Protocol Design and Practice | 10 |
| PUBH 7004 | 10 | |
| Please note that as of Spring 2023, PUBH 7004 has been replaced by PUBH 5001 | ||
| PUBH 7010 | Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases | 10 |
| Capstone / Applied Subjects | ||
| Please note that the following subjects have Enrolment Restrictions. | ||
| Select one of the following 40 credit point subjects | 40 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation (Part Time) | ||
| Professional Internship in Health | ||
| Professional Internship in Health (Part-time) | ||
OR complete the two following 20 credit point subjects | ||
| Professional Project in Health 1 | ||
| Professional Project in Health 2 | ||
OR the following combination of subjects to make up 40 credit points | ||
| Professional Project in Health 1 | ||
PLUS any two 10 credit point level 7 subjects across the university that are available without enrolment restrictions or pre-requisites. | ||
| Total Credit Points | 120 | |
Further information on recommended progression is available on the Postgraduate Health Science progression page.
Postgraduate Public Health Progression
Master of Public Health - 2 year program
Students must complete 160 credit points, including all the Domian and Focus Subjects.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Subjects | ||
| PUBH 7016 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 10 |
| PUBH 7033 | The Social Determinants of Health | 10 |
| PUBH 7031 | Health Systems and Policy | 10 |
| PUBH 7011 | Health Advancement and Health Promotion | 10 |
| Focus Subjects | ||
| HLTH 7008 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 10 |
| PUBH 7028 | Surveillance and Disaster Planning | 10 |
| PUBH 7004 | 10 | |
| Please note that as of Spring 2023, PUBH 7004 has been replaced by PUBH 5001 | ||
| PUBH 7010 | Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases | 10 |
| HLTH 7015 | Qualitative Research Methodology in Health | 10 |
| AGEN 7005 | Research Protocol Design and Practice | 10 |
| Special Focus Group: Research | ||
| HUMN 4001 | Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research | 10 |
| HUMN 4003 | Writing Beyond the Academy: Knowledge Translation and Public Audience Communication | 10 |
| Students who do not wish to pursue a special focus may choose any two 10 credit point level 7 subjects across the university that are available without enrolment restrictions or pre-requisites. | ||
| Capstone / Applied Subjects | ||
| Select one of the following 40 credit point subjects | 40 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation (Part Time) | ||
| Professional Internship in Health | ||
| Professional Internship in Health (Part-time) | ||
OR complete the two following 20 credit point subjects | ||
| Professional Project in Health 1 | ||
| Professional Project in Health 2 | ||
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Further information on recommended progression is available on the Postgraduate Health Science progression page.
Postgraduate Public Health Progression
Replaced Subjects
The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these units in 2019 or earlier.
HUMN 4009 - Research Design 1: Theories of Enquiry, replaced by HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research
HUMN 4012 - Research Literacies, replaced by, replaced by HUMN 4003 Writing Beyond the Academy: Knowledge Translation and Public Audience Communication
Program Structure 2024
Master of Public Health - 1 year program
Students must complete 80 credit points, as listed below.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Subjects | ||
| PUBH 7016 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 10 |
| PUBH 7033 | The Social Determinants of Health | 10 |
| Focus Subjects | ||
| HLTH 7008 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 10 |
| AGEN 7005 | Research Protocol Design and Practice | 10 |
| PUBH 5001 | Infectious Diseases and Outbreak Response | 10 |
| PUBH 7010 | Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases | 10 |
| Capstone / Applied Subjects: | ||
| HLTH 7027 | Professional Project in Health 1 | 20 |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Further information on recommended progression is available on the Postgraduate Health Science progression page.
Postgraduate Public Health Progression
Master of Public Health - 1.5 year program
Students must complete 120 credit points, including all the Domian and Focus Subjects.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Subjects | ||
| PUBH 7016 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 10 |
| PUBH 7033 | The Social Determinants of Health | 10 |
| PUBH 7031 | Health Systems and Policy | 10 |
| PUBH 7011 | Health Advancement and Health Promotion | 10 |
| Focus Subjects | ||
| HLTH 7008 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 10 |
| AGEN 7005 | Research Protocol Design and Practice | 10 |
| PUBH 5001 | Infectious Diseases and Outbreak Response | 10 |
| PUBH 7010 | Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases | 10 |
| Capstone / Applied Subjects | ||
| Please note that the following subjects have Enrolment Restrictions. | ||
| Select one of the following 40 credit point subjects | 40 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation (Part Time) | ||
| Professional Internship in Health | ||
| Professional Internship in Health (Part-time) | ||
OR the following two 20cp subjects: | ||
| Professional Project in Health 1 | ||
| Professional Project in Health 2 | ||
OR the following combination of units: | ||
| HLTH 7027 Professional Project in Health 1, 20cp PLUS any two 10cp postgraduate subjects across the university that are available without enrolment restrictions or pre-requisites. | ||
| Total Credit Points | 120 | |
Further information on recommended progression is available on the Postgraduate Health Science progression page.
Postgraduate Public Health Progression
Master of Public Health - 2 year program
Students must complete 160 credit points, including all the Domian and Focus Subjects.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Subjects | ||
| PUBH 7016 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 10 |
| PUBH 7033 | The Social Determinants of Health | 10 |
| PUBH 7031 | Health Systems and Policy | 10 |
| PUBH 7011 | Health Advancement and Health Promotion | 10 |
| Focus Subjects | ||
| HLTH 7008 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 10 |
| PUBH 7028 | Surveillance and Disaster Planning | 10 |
| PUBH 7010 | Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases | 10 |
| PUBH 5001 | Infectious Diseases and Outbreak Response | 10 |
| HLTH 7015 | Qualitative Research Methodology in Health | 10 |
| AGEN 7005 | Research Protocol Design and Practice | 10 |
| Select two 10cp elective postgraduate subjects university wide, that are available without enrolment restrictions or pre-requisites. | 20 | |
| Capstone / Applied Subjects | ||
| Select one of the following 40 credit point subjects | 40 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation (Part Time) | ||
| Professional Internship in Health | ||
| Professional Internship in Health (Part-time) | ||
OR complete the two following 20 credit point subjects | ||
| Professional Project in Health 1 | ||
| Professional Project in Health 2 | ||
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Further information on recommended progression is available on the Postgraduate Health Science progression page.