Course Overview

About This Course

Despite our improved understanding of the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases pose ongoing threats to global health security. The Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence takes a cross-sector approach to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Gain the advanced disciplinary knowledge and skills required to improve population health outcomes in the control of infectious diseases and health emergencies, across a range of contexts and settings. You'll graduate with an advanced understanding of the public health aspects of infectious disease surveillance and intelligence, outbreak investigation and response, and infection prevention and mitigation. This program is designed for professionals wanting to gain an advanced understanding of infectious diseases intelligence in the era of emerging disease threats, as well as management approaches for the identification, assessment, prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Pathway 1: Applicants must have both:
- (a) A three year undergraduate degree in any field of study, and
- (b) Two years of full-time professional or volunteer experience in a relevant field. The professional experience may include experience in health or public health services acquired as part of a degree of four or more years duration, e.g. MBBS, MD.
Pathway 2: Applicants must have at least one of the following:
- (a) An undergraduate degree plus an honours in a relevant field of study, or
- (b) Postgraduate degree in a relevant field of study.
Pathway 3 (Exceptional): In exceptional cases, you may be considered for entry if you have extensive professional experience in health or public health but don't hold a relevant degree. You must have at least five years of full-time, relevant experience. The School of Population Health may also invite you to attend an interview.
Relevant fields of professional experience include:
- Roles in health: such as allied health, medicine, nursing, oral health, public health, environmental health or psychology.
- Roles in health service provision or health management in human services: such as social work, community development, service navigation or case management.
- Roles that involve working specifically on health-related activities or portfolios: such as health-focused positions in emergency services, management, research, engineering, law, science, mathematics and statistics, economics, journalism or policy.
Relevant fields of study include: medicine, nursing, allied health, health sciences, biomedical sciences, dentistry, social sciences, social work, psychology, paramedicine, environmental health, health administration, policy studies or development studies.
Indigenous Alternative Entry Scheme: Aimed at redressing the imbalance of access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to population health programs, this scheme provides entry based on interest in public health and relevant educational and/or professional experience.
English language requirements: Evidence of English proficiency may be required depending on your educational background and citizenship.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

There's strong demand for infectious diseases professionals in the public and private health sectors, both within Australia and internationally. Our graduates typically find work across a range of employers, including ministries and departments of health, government organisations, NGOs, and primary care and community healthcare services. The areas you'll be able to work in include: government ministries and departments of health, international health organisations and NGOs, international aid agencies, military and first responder organisations, health education and advocacy, and research.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units5 units

Infectious Diseases Challenges: Epidemiology and Control

Core course covering epidemiology and control of infectious diseases challenges.

Outbreak Investigation and Intelligence

Core course covering outbreak investigation and intelligence approaches.

Bioterrorism and Health Intelligence

Core course covering bioterrorism and health intelligence.

Foundations of Epidemiology

Core course covering foundational epidemiology concepts.

Foundations of Biostatistics

Core course covering foundational biostatistics concepts.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence take to complete?

The Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years part-time. The program is made up of eight courses total, including five core courses and three elective courses.

What are the fees for the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence?

For domestic students, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available with a 2026 indicative first year CSP fee of $9,500 and a total CSP fee to complete the degree of $9,500. The 2026 indicative first year full fee for domestic students is $39,000 (total to complete: $39,000). For international students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $60,500, with an indicative fee to complete the degree of $61,500. Fees are subject to annual review.

Can I combine the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence with another master's degree?

Yes, you can complete dual degrees within 1.7 years of full-time study. The available combinations are: Master of Health Leadership and Management/Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence, Master of Public Health/Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence, and Master of Global Health/Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence. Dual degree options with a research extension are also available, completing two degrees with a research focus in two years of full-time study.

Is there an internship opportunity as part of this program?

Yes, the program includes an internship program where you'll gain practical experience in relevant health organisations. UNSW offers a range of domestic and international internship placements in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practice.

What are the available intake terms for the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence?

The Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence commences in Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3, offering multiple entry points throughout the year. The program is delivered at the Kensington campus and can also be completed online, providing flexible study options.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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