Health Sciences

School of Public Health

Public Health Program

Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health

Master of Public Health

Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration

Master of Public Health

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is an internationally recognised degree which will enable you to work all over the world in a wide variety of public health settings. In Victoria we offer a collaboratively-delivered MPH through the Victorian Consortium for Public Health (VCPH) of four major universities, Deakin, La Trobe, Monash, and The University of Melbourne. Whilst teaching a common Part I, the universities offer their own specialised Part II, each reflecting the research and experience of their own staff.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students for the MPH are required to hold a degree or equivalent in a health sciences discipline. Students without a degree but with significant experience are welcome to apply.

Course Structure

The shared Consortium units (the first year of the teaching program) are taught at The University of Melbourne in Parkville.  La Trobe specific Part II units are generally taught at the La Trobe City Campus. Both Commonwealth Supported (HECS-HELP) are available. The Graduate Certificate (4 units) and Postgraduate Diploma (8 units) are not offered as an enrolment option however students who enrol but for various reasons cannot finish a Master of Public Health course may be eligible for a Graduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health.

Part I of the La Trobe MPH consists of four core units, see below, and up to four additional units depending on the student's prior learning and experience.

Part II also consists of 8 units and is undertaken at La Trobe in one of two modes - research mode (thesis + research methods + coursework) or practice mode (coursework subjects). Six specialist streams are available in the La Trobe MPH (plus one general stream).

Students with graduate-level study in a relevant area of public health or substantial health-related work experience may be entitled to credit for up to four units. Credits are awarded on a case by case basis by negotiation with the course coordinator.

Part I

The following eight units are taught jointly by the consortium (VCPH). Four are nominated as La Trobe core units.

For 2008 timetable, please refer to the Victorian Consortium For Public Health website :-

For MPH/VCPH 2008 Timetable

Students can either take their remaining Part I units from those presented by the Consortium, or from the Part II subjects offered by La Trobe. Students are advised to discuss their course plan with the course coordinator.

Part II

La Trobe Part II students have the choice of completing their MPH in either practice mode or research mode.

Practice Mode

The Public Health Practice mode provides opportunities to use and develop skills learned during Part I of the program. Undertaking the MPH Part II in the Practice Mode involves:

• Action Learning Project (PHE5ALP) equivalent to two semester length units; and

• between 5 and 9 electives depending on experience levels.

Research Mode

For people who wish to train as public health researchers, this pathway involves a focus on research methods in a variety of settings. A three unit (45 credit point) minor thesis provides an introduction to research and the beginnings of an acquaintance with research disciplines. The research mode provides a good preparation for those considering doctoral study in public health.

Students should enrol in 3 thesis units which results in a 45 credit point thesis.

Taking the Part II research mode will involve:

• at least two research methods units;

• a three-unit equivalent research project/minor thesis; and

• up to three electives from the specialty streams.

Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration

This is a two and a half year full-time double degree program delivered by the School of Public Health. The program is designed for professionals currently at work in a health services setting, who are seeking to expand their career pathways into senior management roles in both public and private sector organisations. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to hold a three-year undergraduate degree and have a minimum of four years' professional experience in the health system. Applicants are also required to submit a one-page statement of reasons for study and be supported by two referees. Applicants may be required to participate in an interview. Students who have completed one of the Graduate Certificates or the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management and are seeking to progress to the Masters require a B average.

Course Structure

 Students will need to enrol in three semesters of full-time study for the Master of Public Health (MPH), making a total of two years of full-time study and two semesters of full-time study for the Master of Health Administration (MHA). Part-time study is available for domestic students. In addition, MPH students are eligible for credit for appropriate prior learning and experience, up to four units (one semester equivalent).

A stand-alone MHA degree consists of 180 credit points and an MPH of 240 credit points. The double degree will require completion of 75% of both degrees. Students undertaking the double degree will be required to complete 9 units (135 credit points) from the existing MHA program, and 12 units (180 credit points) from the existing MPH program. The table below outlines compulsory units and elective units. This structure ensures that essential areas are covered, while allowing some flexibility for students to pursue personal and professional interests.

Master of Public Health units:

Master of Health Administration units:

Application Process

Entry into the Master of Public Health or the Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration programs is based on a combination of your existing qualifications and experience in public health, your professional involvement, and your personal statement outlining the reasons for applying.

Students wishing to apply for the La Trobe MPH program are required to complete an Application Form and post to:

Postgraduate Office,

School of Public Health,

La Trobe University,

BUNDOORA, VIC. 3086

For 2009 Master of Public Health applications:
Please note that the closing date for first round Commonwealth Supported Places is 31 October 2008.

Contact Details

Enquiries

Email: phe.postgrad@latrobe.edu.au

Course Coordinator

Master of Public Health

Dr Priscilla Robinson
Email: priscilla.robinson@latrobe.edu.au
Tel: 03 9479 5595 (Bundoora Campus) or 9285 5269 (City Campus)

Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration

Dr Priscilla Robinson
Tel: 03 9479 5595 (Bundoora Campus) or 9285 5269 (City Campus)
Email: priscilla.robinson@latrobe.edu.au

Professor Sandra Leggat
Tel: (03) 9479  1749
Email: s.leggat@latrobe.edu.au