Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

The MPH combines core public health knowledge with applied skills in research, planning and evaluation. Core topics typically include epidemiology and biostatistics, research methods and critical appraisal, health systems and policy, health promotion and disease prevention, and ethics in public health. Students learn to interpret population health data, design and evaluate interventions, and apply evidence to policy and practice.

Programme structure is flexible and often includes a mix of coursework papers and a major research component or practicum. Coursework papers commonly cover:

• Epidemiology and study design – measures of disease frequency, study types, causation and bias.
• Biostatistics for public health – descriptive statistics, inferential methods and interpretation of results.
• Health systems and policy – organisation of health services, policy development and health economics concepts.
• Health promotion and community engagement – intervention design, behaviour change theories and working with diverse populations.
• Research methods and ethics – qualitative and quantitative methods, research governance and ethical practice with communities.
• Applied practice or capstone – a supervised practicum in a health organisation or a substantial research dissertation/project demonstrating applied competence.

Teaching emphasises applied learning through case studies, data analysis workshops, community engagement and placement opportunities. Part-time study options and a choice between a research thesis or a practice-based project allow students to tailor the degree to career aims.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline, social science, biological science or another relevant field. Applicants without a directly related degree but with substantial professional experience in health, social services, policy or community development may be considered.

Selection is based on academic achievement, relevant work or volunteer experience, and the capacity to complete postgraduate study. Applicants should demonstrate quantitative literacy and academic writing ability; previous coursework in statistics or research methods is advantageous. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MPH pursue roles across the public, non-government and private sectors. Typical career paths include positions in public health practice, health promotion, epidemiology and surveillance, health policy and planning, programme management, monitoring and evaluation, and research.

Employers include national and regional health agencies, local government, primary and secondary care organisations, Māori and Pacific health providers, international and local NGOs, research institutes and consultancy firms. The degree also provides a foundation for further doctoral study in public health or related research areas.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT provides an applied, practice-focused public health programme with strong links to Auckland’s health sector. Students benefit from placement opportunities and collaborations with local health providers, community organisations and iwi/Māori health services, allowing work on locally relevant public health challenges.

The teaching team includes academics with expertise across epidemiology, health promotion, health systems and Indigenous health, supported by research-active centres and a cross-disciplinary approach. AUT’s urban location offers exposure to diverse populations and public health contexts, and the university provides flexible learning options to suit working professionals.