Health - as defined by the World Health Organisation is "A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". It is also one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction. Public Health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organised efforts of society.

In the field of Public Health you will learn about the range of social, environmental, biological and individual determinants of Health and how they can be changed to improve the health of individuals and the entire population. You will also learn about the appropriate measurement and monitoring of health and of strategies to lead change in a complex and diverse discipline.

Master of Public Health

Four semesters full time study (or equivalent part time). The program is also available by distance education This is a multidisciplinary health course designed for public health practitioners and others intending to develop skills and knowledge in public health. Students elect to enrol in one of the following streams before completing a research dissertation in their area of interest.

• Public Health
  Health professionals including doctors, health educators, health administrators, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, radiographers, audiologists, speech therapists, environmental health scientists and educators choose this stream to broaden individual knowledge, competence and skills.
• Health Administration
  Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for senior administrative and planning positions in hospitals and other health service areas. The program is for both health professionals intending to acquire management and administrative skills and non health professionals seeking a career in health administration.
• Health Promotion
  This stream emphasises the preventative measures for population health conditions that continue to have significant morbidity and mortality rates. It has been developed to advance knowledge and increase skills in the major principles pertaining to health promotion, current issues in health promotion and the process of planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs in various settings.

Master of Science (Public Health)
Two years full time study (or equivalent part time). It is available by distance education and some units are internet based This is a coursework and research program that provides opportunity to further develop content knowledge in one or more fields of health. Students apply that knowledge, combined with research and analytical skills, to a specific project of interest in a area of professional expertise.

Part-time study, external study and online learning is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia. In addition to standard academic entry requirements, international students must also meet English language requirements. International students should
contact the International Office for course enquiries and entry application.

International students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study full-time and there are also specific entry requirements that must be met. Please refer to www.international.curtin.edu.au or phone +61
8 9266 7331 for further information. Australian residents and international students studying outside Australia have the choice of full-time, part-time and external study.

The course is designed to accommodate students from varying backgrounds. Students study a combination of multidisciplinary core units and public health units which examine environmental health, health promotion, nutrition, occupational health and safety, epidemiology and biostatistics, health administration and evaluation. Those students who have studied and completed some of these units or their equivalent in previous courses may select appropriate options in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

The course provides individuals currently working in the health field with advanced course work in public health that is specifically designed to broaden their nowledge, competence and skills. The course attracts students who are health professionals including doctors, health educators, health administrators, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, dieticians, radiographers, audiologists, speech therapists, environmental health scientists and educators.