ACU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program equips graduates with specialised knowledge, understanding and skills in public health to improve and advance population health and well-being. ACU’s MPH prepares graduates to practice with a community, national or global focus, and with an ethical, social justice perspective.

ACU’s MPH allows students to develop advanced and specialised knowledge across the discipline of public health, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, rigorous intellectual inquiry, innovation and thought leadership, and effective communication and advocacy skills.

ACU’s MPH curriculum was designed around the Foundation Competencies for MPH Graduates in Australia and the requirements of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (for medical practitioners specialising in public health). Other international competency and practice standards and competency frameworks have also informed ACU’s curriculum design.

A uniquely ACU specialisation, Global Health & Advocacy, is available to MPH students. Global health is an increasingly important area for public health practitioners, and the ACU specialisation couples knowledge of global health, sustainable development, food security and humanitarian assistance with skills in advocacy. This specialisation aims to equip students with the ability to not only implement change, but to influence change in the first place through advocacy.

Students may choose to complete their MPH with specialisation through a Research Pathway (undertaking additional research training and completion of a minor thesis) or a Capstone Pathway (involving a capstone experience, such as a practice-based project).

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in Australia. According to a recent public health workforce study, these opportunities are typically within the public or not-for-profit sector; however, one-quarter of MPH graduates are employed in the private sector.

Approximately half of all MPH graduates are employed within the health sector, with others finding opportunities within education, government and services sectors.

Managerial, analytical and program-/project-based roles are common destinations for MPH graduates. For many health practitioners, particularly medical practitioners or registered nurses, an MPH degree expands their career opportunities within their existing field (eg different roles or modes of practice).