University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The program provides core public health foundations alongside a chosen specialisation. Core areas typically include epidemiology, biostatistics, social determinants of health, health systems and policy, program planning and evaluation, and research methods. Students then choose a stream to develop specialised knowledge — for example epidemiology and biostatistics, health promotion, environmental and occupational health, Indigenous and community health, or health policy and management.

Study is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, applied workshops and assessed coursework. Many students complete a practicum or capstone project that places academic learning into a real-world public health setting; supervised research projects are also available for those intending to progress to higher degrees by research.

• Typical core modules: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health Practice, Health Systems and Policy, Research Methods.
• Typical specialisation modules: Advanced Epidemiology, Health Promotion and Behaviour Change, Environmental Health Risk Assessment, Indigenous Health, Program Evaluation, Global Health Policy.
• Work-integrated learning: Practicum or capstone project with partner health agencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent) with a record of satisfactory performance. Applicants with a bachelor degree in a health, science or social science discipline are well placed for direct entry; applicants from other backgrounds may be considered where they have relevant professional experience or preparatory study. Some specialisations or advanced-level units may expect prior quantitative skills or introductory epidemiology/statistics.

All applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements appropriate to postgraduate coursework study. Domestic applicants and international applicants should consult the University of Western Australia’s postgraduate admissions pages for guidance on documentation, assessment of prior learning and any additional requirements for international students or those seeking credit for previous study.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Public Health Specialisation move into roles across government, non-government and private sectors. Career pathways include public health practitioner, epidemiologist, health promotion officer, policy analyst, health program manager, environmental health officer, health data analyst, and roles with NGOs, international health agencies and consultancy firms. The degree also provides a pathway into research and higher degrees (such as a PhD) for those interested in academic or specialist research careers.

Work-integrated components and industry links with state health departments, community health organisations and research institutes support transition into the workforce and help build professional networks.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers public health training within a research-intensive environment and is home to specialists in epidemiology, health systems, environmental health and Indigenous health. The program benefits from connections with local and state health services, research institutes and community organisations in Perth and across Western Australia, providing opportunities for practical placements and collaborative projects.

UWA delivers the program with flexible study options to suit practising professionals, and the curriculum emphasises applied skills, research literacy and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students also gain exposure to public health challenges and policies relevant to both urban and regional contexts, including Indigenous health priorities and environmental health issues common to the region.