Master of Public Health (244CW) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Knowledge:

Upon completion of the Master of Public Health graduates will be able to:

• Discuss the public health conceptual foundations
• Identify current public health challenges in global, Indigenous Australian and non-Indigenous Australian communities
• Describe the ways in which biology, the environment, indigenous status, society and culture interact and determine health
• Outline the organisational structures of the Australian and international public health systems
• Identify the key population based public health strategies
• Explain the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and International Indigenous people's culture in public health practice.
• Comprehend the requirements in engaging respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds

Skills:

Upon completion of the Master of Public Health graduates will be able to:

• Apply theories of leadership and management in public health practice
• Demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team
• Analyse, appraise and synthesise public health research evidence to inform public health decision making
• Critically reflect on the influences on decision making in public health practice, including personal attitudes and beliefs
• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate a public health program
• Assess the health needs of a community in the context of the determinants of health and apply the findings to the development of public health strategies
• Use tools and techniques for planning and managing a public health project
• Communicate public health evidence for advocacy, and enagement using diverse media.

Application of knowledge and skills

Upon completion of the Master of Public Health graduates will be able to:

• Design and manage a detailed investigation of a public health issue in a substantial project, with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability;
• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of a public health specialisation or area to develop solutions to complex public health problems;
• Reflect on individual performance or processes undertaken in the management of a substantial public health project.

Academic distinction

• Have an in-depth knowledge of public health conceptual foundations and practice
• Be able to apply specialist public health knowledge and skills in a public health discipline
• Be able to examine issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives within public health
• Be able to think critically and creatively
• Be able to apply knowledge, information and research skills to solve complex problems
• Be effective written and oral communicators

Active citizenship

• Be engaged with contemporary local, national, global issues
• Have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment
• Be aware of social and cultural diversity in communities
• Be able to work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• Be respectful of Indigenous knowledge, culture and values
• Have the potential to be leaders in their profession
• Be equipped to make substantial contributions to society

Integrity and self-awareness

• Be motivated and organised, with an ability to set goals, manage time and prioritise
• Be able to work effectively both independently and in groups
• Be flexible and adaptable
• Be aware of their own limitations and able to reflect and learn from their mistakes
• Have empathy and concern for others and are able to manage their own well-being.
• The ability to respond constructively to appraisal, performance review or assessment
• The ability to manage uncertainty

Communication Skills

• Speak and write effectively in plain English
• Communicate in cross-cultural contexts
• Use appropriate, context-specific, functional and public health-related language so that it is understood by expert and non-expert audiences
• Use voice, body language and visual aids to present verbal messages clearly.
• Ask and answer questions confidently in expected areas of understanding.
• Self-edit to ensure accuracy of finished written work and incorporate feedback to improve performance
• Engage respectfully, positively and productively in meetings, presentations and other workplace contexts
• Confidently express informed opinions, developed arguments and justified positions
• Comprehend and critically examine and contrast the viewpoints of others both verbally and in text
• Produce high quality texts in the full range of genres used in public health (e.g. reports, essays, oral presentations) using appropriate vocabulary, tone, expression, grammar and structure
• Incorporate academic and professional source information effectively and accurately into verbal and written texts.