Master of Public Health

Master of Public Health – What to Expect

Take the next step in your health career with the Master of Public Health at James Cook University. This degree equips graduates to address pressing public health challenges, particularly relevant to tropical Australia and the Asia-Pacific, with a strong focus on improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities. You will develop an in-depth understanding of complex public health issues, grow as a public health leader and learn how to design and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent disease and promote safe, healthy environments in tropical, rural, remote and Indigenous contexts.

This course is designed in line with the core competencies  of public health as defined by the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions in Australia (CAPHIA). As a result, the knowledge and skills you develop will be aligned with current industry standards.

The 1.5-year program includes five core subjects:

• Tropical Public Health
• Public Health Management, Leadership, Planning and Policy
• Epidemiology for Public Health
• Biostatistics for Public Health
• Communicable Disease Control

You can tailor your studies through a wide range of electives including health promotion, environmental or workplace health, emerging global health threats, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. You may also choose to undertake a research project, conducting an in-depth investigation into a contemporary public health issue and producing a high-quality dissertation.

A key strength of the program is the opportunity to specialise through majors that align with emerging workforce needs and global health priorities.

View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Public Health.

Majors

Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine

By completing the Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine major, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of prehospital and retrieval emergency care, and gain specialist skills for a rewarding career across a range of emergency medical settings. You will build expertise in both prehospital and secondary retrieval scenarios, aligned with Australian and international healthcare standards. Graduates are equipped with the skills to manage patient transport in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters across domestic and international contexts.

Lifestyle Medicine

By completing the Lifestyle Medicine major, you will develop the knowledge and skills to prevent and manage lifestyle-related disease and apply these approaches across clinical, public health and community contexts. You will build expertise in addressing key behavioural risk factors, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and substance use. You will be equipped to support individuals and communities in adopting sustainable, health-promoting behaviours, with a strong emphasis on preventive care and long-term health outcomes.

Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance

By completing the Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance major, you will develop the knowledge and skills to deliver coordinated, evidence-informed responses in emergency situations, including natural disasters, conflict settings and population displacement. You will build expertise in responding across diverse Australian and global contexts and be equipped to operate effectively in complex, resource-constrained environments.

JCU Master of Public Health graduates are equipped with specialist public health skills and are employed in a wide range of settings.

You could find employment in state and commonwealth government organisations, health care settings, community settings, non-profit and international organisations both within and beyond the health sector.

Roles can involve work that focuses on the protection of the health of the population, prevention of poor health outcomes and promotion of health and wellbeing.

You can also complete the Master of Public Health as a joint degree with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the Master of Public Health- Master of Global Development.

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Learn more about fees and financial support

Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.

Master of Public Health applicants must also complete and upload the following forms and documentary evidence with their application:

• Current AHPRA Registration (if applicable)
• Degree Testamur
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement or Letter of Motivation.