The Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence (Extension) is a specialised postgraduate qualification designed to equip health professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills required to tackle infectious disease threats in an increasingly interconnected world. The program takes a multidisciplinary, cross-sector public health approach covering infectious disease surveillance and intelligence, outbreak investigation and response, infection prevention and mitigation, risk assessment, and emergency management. The Extension component adds a substantial research dimension — including advanced research methodology courses and an independent research project — that cultivates critical thinking, scientific communication, and the capacity for doctoral-level study. Graduates emerge as judgment-ready practitioners with a sophisticated understanding of epidemic patterns and the analytical tools to apply this knowledge for real-world public health impact across diverse settings and populations.

This degree is designed for health professionals and relevant stakeholders from any sector who wish to gain a deeper understanding of infectious diseases intelligence in the era of new and emerging disease threats, and to develop evidence-based management approaches for the identification, assessment, prevention, and control of infectious diseases. Graduates are equipped for professional practice across a broad spectrum of organisations including state and federal ministries and departments of health, government public health agencies, non-government and voluntary organisations, international bodies, and primary care and community healthcare services in both the public and private sectors. The research-extension pathway also prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to academic and translational research in the field.

Applicants are typically required to hold either: an undergraduate degree in a field relevant to public health or health management, combined with a minimum of two years of full-time professional or volunteer experience in a related field (this may include equivalent professional experience acquired as part of a degree of four or more years' duration); or an undergraduate degree plus an honours degree or a separate postgraduate qualification in a field relevant to public health or health management. Evidence to support the application must be submitted, including documentation of completed coursework and, where applicable, a statement of service from employers detailing duration of employment, position title, and roles and responsibilities. Evidence of professional registration may also be provided where relevant.

Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency. Standard requirements for domestic students include Australian Year 12 English or equivalent, while international applicants are typically required to provide results from an approved test such as IELTS (usually an overall band score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no component below 6.0), TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Applications for domestic students are generally submitted through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Postgraduate portal. Supporting documentation including a detailed curriculum vitae — covering employer details, job title, main duties, dates of employment, and whether positions were full-time or part-time — is a mandatory component of the application. The Extension pathway is competitive and selection is based on how well applicants meet the stated criteria, with Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available to eligible domestic students.