Choosing a course

What degree is best for me?

Below are some questions that may be useful to consider when you are choosing a course or program of study at the School of Public Health.

Where are you now in developing your career in health?
What are you most interested in?
Are you a future leader in Public Health?
Need help?

Where are you now in developing your career in health?

Beginner health practitioners:

If you are near the beginning of your career in health and want to gain the specialised knowledge and skills needed for rewarding employment, then one of our more general degree programs is likely to be the one for you:

But if you have strong mathematical or statistical training, the Biostatistics program could be right up your alley.

Experienced health practitioners:

If you are an experienced health practitioner seeking a change in focus, increased job satisfaction, or career advancement, one of our more specialised Graduate Certificates/Diplomas - Health Policy or the Masters in Biostatistics, could be what you need.

Experienced practitioners may also want enrol in one of our more general degrees, particularly if you have not previously had formal training in public health or epidemiology. Or you may choose to do just a few specific units suited to your needs.

What are you most interested in?

a) A general education in public health - which would give you the training you need to develop policy for, plan, deliver or manage health services aimed at protecting and preserving health.

In developed countries

In developing countries

b) Specialist areas in public health:

Clinical Epidemiology - which provides you with the skills and knowledge required to improve the quality, performance and outcomes of screening, diagnosis and clinical care in your own practice or in a team setting.

Biostatistics - which would enable you to use statistical methods in a health or medical context, such as for evaluating the benefits of a new treatment.

Health Policy - which provides training in the areas of formulating, planning, communicating, implementing and evaluating health policies.

Indigenous Health Promotion - which gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers/practitioners the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in assessing, promoting and improving Indigenous health at a community level.

Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion

Indigenous Health Promotion (Substance Use) - which aims to build the clinical, public health and academic capacity of Indigenous health professionals to work in the prevention and treatment of harm.

c) Doing research

d) Doing a short course for professional development

Individual units from Masters degree (see details within each degree)
Short courses open to the public

Are you a future leader in Public Health?

If so, then the degree of Doctor of Public Health is designed for you. Offering coursework, research and practical experience in the health system, it is especially for those who want to pursue a career in public health research or public health policy and management, with an emphasis on planning and evaluation. To enrol for the DrPH you will already have a record of success in tertiary education at Honours or Masters level and be committed to continuing performance at a high level. Please note that admission to this program for 2008 is not possible.

Need help?

If you need help with choosing a course contact Postgraduate Administration:

Phone: (02) 9351 5470
Email:

who can refer you to the appropriate program or course coordinator. We are committed to making this learning experience the best for you, and will provide you with expert advice to help you make your decision.

Make a general course enquiry

General Course Enquiry

Need help?

Phone: (02) 9351 5470
Email:

who can refer you to the appropriate program or course coordinator