Master of Science (Epidemiology)

Course structure
 

The Master of Science (Epidemiology) is a 200-point course, made up of:
 

• Discipline core subjects (75 points)

• Discipline elective subjects (25–37.5 points)

• Professional skills subjects (25–50 points)

• A research project (50 points).
   

All students undertake a research project over two consecutive semesters.
 

You can select approved subjects from within the Master of Public Health, including subjects on ageing, gender and women’s health, global health, health economics and economic evaluation, health program evaluation, health social sciences, indigenous health and sexual health.
 

Students without a background in biology may select up to two approved relevant biology subjects.
 

Complete all of the following subjects:
 

• Epidemiology 1

• 12.5 pts
   

• Biostatistics

• 12.5 pts
   

• Epidemiology 2

• 12.5 pts
   

• Regression Methods in Health Research

• 12.5 pts
   

• Survival Analysis & Regression for Rates

• 12.5 pts
   

• Epidemiology in Practice

• 12.5 pts
   

Students must complete at least two of the following subjects:
 

• Health Promotion

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Health Program Evaluation 1

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Economic Evaluation 1

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Health Economics 1

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Genetic Epidemiology

• 12.5 pts
   

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Gender and Health

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Social Determinants of Health Inequality

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Health Policy

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Foundations of Public Health

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Qualitative Research in Public Health

• 12.5 pts
   

• Bioethics in Practice

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Infectious Diseases Modelling

• 12.5 pts
   

Select 2-4 of the following subjects:
 

Business skills
 

• Business Tools: Money People & Processes

• 12.5 pts
  ​​​​​​​

Communication skills
 

• Communication for Research Scientists

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Science Communication

• 12.5 pts
  
   

Science skills
​​​​​​​

• Ethics and Responsibility in Science

• 12.5 pts
   

• Systems Modelling and Simulation

• 12.5 pts
  
   

• Introduction to Programming

• 12.5 pts
   

• Introduction to Quantum Computing

• 12.5 pts
   

• Introduction to Statistical Computing

• 12.5 pts
   

• Science and Technology Internship

• 12.5 pts
  ​​​​​​​

Select one of the following options to complete a 50-point research project:
 

• Option 1
   

• Epidemiology Research Project Part 1

• 25 pts
   

• Epidemiology Research Project Part 2

• 25 pts
   

• Option 2
   

• Epidemiology Research Project Part 1

• 12.5 pts
   

• Epidemiology Research Project Part 2

• 37.5 pts
   

• Option 3
   

• Epidemiology Research Project Part 1

• 37.5 pts
   

• Epidemiology Research Project Part 2

• 12.5 pts

To be considered for entry, you must have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in any science discipline, with a weighted  average mark (WAM) of at least 65 per cent in the best 50 points in appropriate discipline studies at third year.
 

• TOEFL (internet-based): total score at of least 79 and scores of 21 for writing, 18 for speaking, 13 for reading and 13 for listening. To submit your scores when you apply, use our TOEFL Institution Code: 0974.
   

• IELTS: total score of at least 6.5 in the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no bands less than 6.0.

Supervision requirements
 

You do not need to contact a supervisor prior to applying.
 

About selection
 

• Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

• Where our entry requirements mention a minimum WAM and subject-specific requirements, please note that these refer to University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If your previous qualifications are not from the University of Melbourne, we will assess the results of subjects that are most relevant to the course you are applying for. We may make adjustments to your final WAM depending on the accreditation of your university/institution, subject grading/scales and pass marks.

• In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

• The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

• Quotas may be applied to the degree as a whole, or to an individual stream, and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research.

• Entry into the Master of Science (Epidemiology) is subject to the capacity of the relevant school to provide adequate supervision in the research project.

• Indicative first year fee AUD$48,128
   
• Indicative total course fee AUD$98,662

Epidemiologists are in high demand because of a national shortage.
 

Our graduates go on to work as epidemiologists, medical and health advisors, medical researchers, policy advisors, public health professionals.
 

Employers in this field include:
 

• Medical research institutes such as the Burnet Institute and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

• Government departments and international bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), along with non-profit organisations

• Biotechnology companies

• Pharmaceutical companies

• Research and general hospitals such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Alfred Health, Austin Health and the Epworth.

• Universities and public research institutions the CSIRO