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. 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

An undergraduate degree plus an honours in a relevant field of study, OR
Postgraduate degree in a relevant field of study.
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 Cases)

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.

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 to our postgraduate coursework degrees based on your interest in public health and relevant educational and/or professional experience.

English Language Requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency depending on your educational background and citizenship.
Evidence can be provided via English language tests and university English courses, 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. There's strong demand in Australia and globally for professionals with specialised interdisciplinary skills in public health and infectious diseases. 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, and is made up of 16 courses totalling 96 Units of Credit (UOC).

What specialisations are available within the Master of Public Health (Extension)?

You can tailor your degree through a broad program of study or a focused public health specialisation. UNSW offers four specialisations: Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing, Epidemiology, Health Economic Evaluation, and Public Security.

What are the fees for this program in 2026?

For domestic students, Commonwealth Supported Places are available with an indicative first year CSP fee of $9,500 and an indicative fee to complete the degree of $19,000. For domestic full-fee paying students, the indicative first year fee is $39,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $76,000. For international students, the indicative first year full fee is $60,500 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $126,000.

Can I study this program online or part-time?

Yes. This degree provides flexible learning options so you can complete the degree according to your needs and commitments. Courses can be taken online or face-to-face, full-time or part-time. The online learning spaces facilitate collaborative learning so you can connect with fellow students and course convenors in real-time.

Does the program include any practical work experience?

Yes. The program is designed to be relevant to the workplace, with 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.

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/Infectious Diseases Intelligence (Extension)

About This Course

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students