Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health SciencesMelbourne School of Population Health

Graduate Coursework Programs

Epidemiology

A shortage in graduates with sound Epidemiology theory and skills has been identified by the Australian Government and other employer groups, and internationally. Our Epidemiology coursework programs provide a solid foundation in epidemiological, analytical and critical appraisal skills used in clinical and epidemiological practice and health research. Graduates who complete Epidemiology specialisations with us consistently achieve good employment outcomes (epidemiologist in government department, health researcher, field project managers etc).

Students wishing to specialise in Epidemiology have three options: 

Master of Epidemiology
Master of Science - Epidemiology
Master of Public Health (combined Epidemiology & Biostatistics specialisation)


Master of Epidemiology

Suitable For:
  • Students who already have a clinical, health or public health, or statistics background and and wish to focus on building up key theory and skills to augment research and practical skills, or to allow graduates to move into new areas of epidemiological research or practice.
  • Students who wish to investigate and describe the causes and spread of disease and develop the means for prevention or control.
Entry Requirements:
  • An honours degree in a relevant discipline with at least H2B (70%) in the major, or equivalent, OR
  • a medical degree, OR
  • a postgraduate diploma in Epidemiology with at least a H2B (70%) average, or equivalent, OR
  • a degree in a relevant discipline with an least a H2B (70%) average in the major, and at least 2 years relevant documented full-time work experience.
Structure
  • 100 point program consisting of 8 subjects (6 core subjects plus 2 epidemiology electives or research project).
Research Option:
 Optional (25 points)
Study Mode: This course is taught in face-to-face teaching mode in either semester-long, half semester or 5 day intensive teaching blocks. One elective is available in distance mode.
Length/Mode: 2 years part time / 1 year full time
Fee Payment: Fees
Mid-Year Entry: Not normally. Only students who are exempt from semester 1 core subjects may apply for mid-year entry.
Articulation:
 n/a
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For detailed course information, visit the Course and Subject Handbook



Master of Science - Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the scientific method used to track population health, to find causes of disease (and health) and to identify ways to prevent disease.  It is often called the basic science of public health, but its principles extend to clinical research and practice.  The Master of Science - Epidemiology is taught by the Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic (MEGA) Epidemiology but administered by the Melbourne Graduate School of Science.  The Centre for MEGA Epidemiology has particular research strengths in genetic epidemiology, respiratory disease, cancer, infectious disease and the development of biostatistical methods.  
Suitable For:
  • The Master of Science (MSc) - Epidemiology program has been created to offer graduates a new pathway into a research or other science-based career and/or PhD studies.
  • MSc - Epidemiology graduates can also transition to a PhD in the School of Population Health
Structure

Students undertaking the Master of Science - Epidemiology program will complete 200 points comprising:

  • 75 points of Discipline subjects;
  • 25-50 points of Elective Discipline subjects;
  • 25-50 points of Professional Tools subjects; and
  • a 50 point Research Project
Entry Requirements:
 Bachelor degree with a major in an appropriate discipline with at least an H3 (65%) average in the major or equivalent.

As part of their degree studies, applicants must have completed an appropriate mathematics or statistics subject.  Candidates who have not completed any mathematics or statistics subjects at university level will be required to sit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit these results as part of their application.
Research Option:
 Compulsory Research Project (50 points)
Study Mode: Predominently classroom, some electives may be offered in distance or block mode.
Length/Mode: This is a 2 year full-time course, and is available part-time.
Fee Payment: Students applying for the Master of Science may be eligible for financial support; including Scholarships, Commonwealth Supported Places etc.
Mid-Year Entry: Only available to those students completing the 150 point program.
Articulation:
 n/a
How to Apply: Students MUST apply directly to the Melbourne Graduate School of Science
For detailed course information, visit the Course and Subject Handbook

For more information, please contact the the Academic Programs Office.


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