Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Public Health (Extension)/Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence enables you to specialise in both public health and infectious disease epidemiology, prevention and control and develop research skills in public health. The Master of Public Health is widely recognised as essential for a career in population health, including health promotion, primary health care, policy formulation, research, and management of health programs. This degree also includes a research project which will cultivate your critical thinking and communication skills as you explore contemporary public health issues. When combined with the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence, you will gain a sophisticated understanding and application across a complex body of multidisciplinary knowledge - including infectious diseases intelligence, policy design, implementation and evaluation. The program fosters judgment-ready practitioners who can contribute to improving population health and work across a range of contexts including ministries and departments of health, government and non-government and voluntary organisations, military and first responder organisations, primary care and community healthcare services in both public and private sectors.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Pathway 1:

A three year undergraduate degree in any field of study, AND
Two years of full-time professional or volunteer experience in a relevant field (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:

An undergraduate degree plus an honours in a relevant field of study, OR
A postgraduate degree in a relevant field of study

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

Pathway 3 (Exceptional):

At least five years of full-time, relevant experience in health or public health without a relevant degree
The School of Population Health may invite you to attend an interview

Indigenous Alternative Entry Scheme:

Available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 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 educational background and citizenship
Acceptable evidence includes: English language tests, UNSW Global's University English Entry Course, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are recognised as leaders in disease prevention and control, program and policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, health promotion, population health research and management of health programs. Many occupy key positions in health departments, population health units, universities and non-government organisations in Australia, the Western Pacific and Asian regions. This program can lead to a career in: government departments and ministries of health, public health networks, local area health services, universities and research institutes, international health policy and funding institutions, non-governmental agencies, mental health services, Indigenous health organisations, military and first responder organisations, health education and advocacy, and research.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units7 units

Health Promotion and Social Perspectives of Health

Core course

Foundations in Public Health and Health Care Systems

Core course

Infectious Diseases Challenges: Epidemiology and Control

Core course

Outbreak Investigation and Intelligence

Core course

Bioterrorism and Health Intelligence

Core course

Foundations of Epidemiology

Core course

Foundations of Biostatistics

Core course

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Master of Public Health (Extension)/Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence?

The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years part-time. It commences in Term 1, Term 2, or Term 3 and is made up of 16 courses totalling 96 Units of Credit.

What specialisations are available within this program?

Students can tailor their degree through a broad program of study or a focused public health specialisation. The four available specialisations are: Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing, Epidemiology, Health Economic Evaluation, and Public Security.

What are the indicative fees for this program?

For 2026, the indicative first year full fee is $60,500, with an indicative full fee to complete the degree of $126,000. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for eligible domestic students, with an indicative CSP first year fee of $9,500 and $19,000 to complete the degree.

Can I study this program online or part-time?

Yes. The program offers flexible learning options, allowing you to complete the degree entirely online or face-to-face (including blended), full-time or part-time. Online learning spaces facilitate collaborative learning so you can connect with fellow students and course convenors in real-time.

What internship and practical experience opportunities are available in this program?

The program includes an internship program where students gain practical experience in relevant health organisations. A range of domestic and international internship placements are available in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

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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Master of Public Health (Extension)/Infectious Diseases Intelligence

About This Course

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students