Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program

Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details

Play a vital role in improving the health of global communities. This degree brings together epidemiology, data, policy and medical service design to provide an international perspective on the health and illnesses of populations. 

 

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Faculty
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
Award
Master of Global Health
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration (Full Time)
1 Year(s)

Overview

Become a work-ready, robust and flexible global health leader, ready to work across many settings and jurisdictions. The Master of Global Health will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to overcome a broad range of highly complex population health issues in local and global settings.

Gain confidence in your skills and learn to lead and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Learn from our experienced multidisciplinary team of research active academics who work across the Asia-Pacific and sub-Saharan African regions and beyond. You’ll graduate with a firm understanding of global health issues, advanced disciplinary knowledge and technical capacities, as well as the passion to drive solutions in global health.

With an underpinning in public health, this program examines:

  • disease control
  • comparative analysis of global health systems
  • health promotion and health policy
  • power and politics in global health
  • key global health debates and philosophy
  • issues around globalisation and health, decolonisation, health and human rights, the environment, urban expansion, health equity and population growth

Key features

  • Research extension options
    The Master of Global Health (Extension) gives you the opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills in public health research through additional research methodology courses and/or an advanced research project. Opportunities are also available to progress from a coursework master’s degree that includes a research component to enrolment in a PhD.
  • Dual degree options
    Make the most of your studies by completing two master’s degrees within 1.7 years. You can combine this degree with the master’s programs in health leadership and management, public health or infectious diseases intelligence. Studying two programs concurrently enhances your career prospects and gives you the opportunity to combine knowledge and skills from two related disciplines.
  • Industry relevant program
    This program was designed to be relevant to the workplace, with many opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practice. One such opportunity is our internship program, where you’ll gain practical experience in relevant health organisations. We offer a range of domestic and international internship placements in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.
  • Flexible delivery
    Complete your study from anywhere in the world. 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. Our online learning spaces facilitate collaborative learning so you can connect with fellow students and course convenors in real-time.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Gain international connections through the PLuS Alliance
The PLuS Alliance combines the strengths of three leading research universities – Arizona State University, King’s College London and UNSW – to solve global challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to take online courses with Arizona State University to bring a global perspective to your education. Moving away from the traditional classroom, this degree will immerse you in a global learning environment, where you’ll study alongside students from Australia, the United States and around the world. 

Join a sector-leading population health community
Join a community that’s playing a key role in enhancing population health and healthcare systems. This program is delivered by the School of Population Health – a dynamic, international community of staff, alumni, practitioners and students. Our multi-disciplinary teaching and research staff have research and practitioner experience in local, national and international settings. Research and collaboration opportunities are available for students in our internationally recognised research centres and institutes. You will be part of a community involved in translating ground-breaking research into disease prevention and response strategies and informing health policy.

Build your professional network
Join an engaged cohort of like-minded students and a successful alumni community. Our graduates currently hold leadership roles in public and private services spanning ministries/departments of health, local health districts, public service roles relevant to social determinants of health, non-government organisations across Australia and around the world, in addition to graduates who bring population health expertise to their clinical work. 

 

Program Code
9048
CRICOS Code
068957G
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48
Indicative Enrolments
71

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Entry requirements

For entry into this program, you must have one of the following:

  • A three-year undergraduate degree, plus, an honours or postgraduate degree, in a field relevant to public health or health management.

OR

  • A three-year undergraduate degree in a field relevant to public health or health management, plus, two years full-time professional or volunteer experience. This may also include equivalent professional experience acquired as part of a degree of four or more years duration (e.g., MBBS, BMed, MD).

In exceptional circumstances, applicants with extensive relevant professional work experience (e.g., hospital-trained nurses, paramedics, Aboriginal health workers) may be considered. A minimum of five years full-time relevant professional experience is required and an interview with the School of Population Health may be conducted.

Relevant fields

Examples of relevant fields include, but are not restricted to:

  • medicine
  • nursing 
  • allied health
  • health sciences
  • biomedical sciences
  • dentistry
  • sociology
  • behavioural and social sciences
  • psychology
  • marketing
  • human services
  • emergency services
  • environmental health
  • veterinary science
  • health administration
  • business
  • management
  • engineering 
  • law 
  • science 
  • mathematics and statistics
  • economics
  • policy studies
  • development studies.

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.

Find out more

 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For entry into this program, you must have one of the following:

  • A three-year undergraduate degree, plus, an honours or postgraduate degree, in a field relevant to public health or health management.

OR

  • A three-year undergraduate degree in a field relevant to public health or health management, plus, two years full-time professional or volunteer experience. This may also include equivalent professional experience acquired as part of a degree of four or more years duration (e.g., MBBS, BMed, MD).

In exceptional circumstances, applicants with extensive relevant professional work experience (e.g., hospital-trained nurses, paramedics, Aboriginal health workers) may be considered. A minimum of five years full-time relevant professional experience is required and an interview with the School of Population Health may be conducted.

Relevant fields

Examples of relevant fields include, but are not restricted to:

  • medicine
  • nursing 
  • allied health
  • health sciences
  • biomedical sciences
  • dentistry
  • sociology
  • behavioural and social sciences
  • psychology
  • marketing
  • human services
  • emergency services
  • environmental health
  • veterinary science
  • health administration
  • business
  • management
  • engineering 
  • law 
  • science 
  • mathematics and statistics
  • economics
  • policy studies
  • development studies.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to global health education. With an underpinning in public health, this program examines:

  • disease control
  • comparative analysis of global health systems 
  • health promotion
  • health policy across a wide range of populations and countries.

In addition, the program examines power and politics in global health, key global health debates and philosophy. It addresses issues around globalisation and health, decolonisation, health and human rights, the environment, urban expansion and population growth.

Full program structure

The Master of Global Health can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years part-time. The program is made up of eight courses total, including:

  • four core courses
  • four elective courses

Future careers

There’s strong demand for global health professionals in the public and private health sectors, both within Australia and internationally. Our graduates typically find work through a range of employers, including bilateral and multilateral international aid organisations, UN-based organisations, civil society and NGOs, private foundations, health departments, academia and development-based organisations.

The Master of Global Health 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.

Our alumni

“My degree has given me a greater understanding of how to empower and encourage people to have agency over their own health, which I believe is key for public health and health promotion. It has taught me how to critically evaluate evidence-based research and how to interpret data relating to epidemiology. It is my hope that I will be able to use all that I have learnt to make a difference in the health of individuals living in developing countries.”

Rachel Karsten

UNSW Graduate

“UNSW appealed to me because of the flexible studying options for those working full-time like myself and the variety of sub-specialisations that allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests. The most important thing I’ve learned is how wide the scope of public health is, and how many different sectors play a role in its delivery. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to learn alongside students from all over the world and from such a variety of professional backgrounds.”

Dr Manoshayini Sooriyakumaran

UNSW Graduate

How to apply

Applications for domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Postgraduate.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2024 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$9,000*

2024 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$9,000*

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.

Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$36,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$36,000*

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$54,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$55,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The diverse experiences of other students became a resource for my own learning.
Rachel Karsten

Rachel Karsten

UNSW Graduate

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