Study in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Wellington
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is an internationally-recognised qualification in its field. It will deepen your understanding of public health and give you research experience.
The supervised nature of the degree enables you to work in close association with active researchers. You will develop research skills that may be applied to public health policy, practice, or research settings.
The prerequisite for the MPH is any undergraduate degree with a B average or better overall. All admissions to the programme are subject to the approval of the programme co-ordinator.
An MPH can be completed in two academic years of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. You will complete eight 15-point Public Health papers (120 points) in the first year. Subject to meeting progression criteria, you then have the option of either completing a thesis (120 points) or undertaking a dissertation (60 points) and four additional 15-point Public Health papers.
Candidates who have already completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or equivalent may credit those papers towards the MPH.
Research areas and topics
Read about the huge number of researchers contributing to the advancement of health goals in Aotearoa New Zealand, and beyond, here:
Research in Public Health at University of Otago
View Campus-specific research themes:
- Christchurch campus (Department of Population Health; University of Otago, Christchurch)
- Dunedin campus (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine; Dunedin School of Medicine)
- Wellington campus (Department of Public Health; University of Otago, Wellington)
Programme structure
| Points required | 240 points |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full-time |
| Start date | Students can start any term (February, April, July, September) |
| Prerequisite | An undergraduate degree with a B average or better in any subject |
| Structure | Two options: |
Thesis option
- Completion of the Public Health taught papers (120 points)
- Plus a thesis (120 points)
Coursework option
- Completion of the Public Health taught papers (180 points)
- Plus a dissertation (60 points)
Students must complete the following papers as part of the MPH:
- PUBH 712 Hauora Māori
- PUBH 711 Principles of Epidemiology
- PUBH 713 Society, Health and Health Promotion
- PUBH 714 Public Policy and Health Systems
Plus one of:
- PUBH 721 Methods for Epidemiological Research
- PUBH 723 Survey Methods
- PUBH 724 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
- PUBH 725 Applied Biostatistics 1 – Fundamentals
- PUBH 726 Applied Biostatistics 2 – Regression Methods
- PUBH 741 Hauora Māori - Policy Practice and Research
Or an equivalent research paper(s) approved by the Public Health Academic Committee.
Full regulations for the Master of Public Health degree can be found on the qualification page:
Hear from past students
Masters' scholarships
General information for masters' students
English language requirement
If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency. Entry into the Master of Public Health requires an IELTS of 6.5, with not section less than 6, before an application for the programme will be considered.
If you are an overseas student wishing to enrol in the Master of Public Health, you should contact the University's International Office in the first instance:
Enquire about studying at Otago for International students
How to apply to enrol
There are two steps involved in enrolling in the MPH programme:
- An internal department process to assess your eligibility and to approve the proposed topic of study for your dissertation or thesis. Please contact your nearest department for further information.
- The online application and enrolment process with the University. This involves registration, payment of fees, and course approval. (We will guide you through this process if you are deemed eligible in step 1.)
Harakeke programme
Postgraduate study in public heath is underpinned by the harakeke programme. It ensures Māori values, content, public health action, and support are integral for all involved in the programme. The programme includes a compulsory paper in hauora Māori; a paper in hauora Māori policy, practice, and research; hauora content in many other papers; strong Māori teaching team support to Māori students; and Māori support to Māori students.
