Public Health Project Part 1 (POPH90327)

The Public Health Capstone is the culminating experience of the Master of Public Health (Melbourne Online version), providing students with the opportunity to apply and integrate their learning in a real-world context. The capstone offers two distinct pathways: 

1. Research Pathway – Designed for students intending to pursue a PhD, this pathway involves undertaking a structured research project that meets PhD entry requirements. Students will conduct a literature review, develop a research question and aims, apply appropriate research methodologies, and generate findings suitable for potential publication. Research projects may include a qualitative or quantitative study, a systematic or narrative review, or the development of a research protocol.
2. Project Pathway – Geared towards students seeking to apply their skills in professional practice, this pathway focuses on projects relevant to public health organisations, quality improvement, and internal reporting. Students will complete a literature review, define project aims, and undertake activities such as data analysis, policy evaluation, a small-scale health program evaluation, or the development of an implementation plan or internal report. 

Both pathways provide students with an opportunity to engage in independent inquiry, develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, and contribute meaningfully to the field of public health. 

This subject is the first part of a two-subject sequence, taught over two consecutive study periods.  Students are required to enrol in POPH90327 Public Health Project Part 1 (12.5 credit points) and POPH90328 Public Health Project Part 2 (12.5 credit points), consecutively, for a total enrolment of 25 credit points.  

Intended learning outcomes

POPH90327 Public Health Project Part 1 is a continuing subject and shares the same Intended Learning Outcomes as POPH90328 Public Health Project Part 2.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• critically review, appraise and synthesise existing literature in a specific area;
• formulate a project aim, to identify and articulate the public health problem, and the gaps in the existing evidence base or practice;
• conduct or evaluate evidence in a specific area and summarise, analyse and interpret project findings;
• design and justify an appropriate approach to answer the project aim;
• communicate project findings effectively and appropriately in oral and written form to an audience;
• articulate ethical issues / considerations within their chosen project topic; and
• reflect on the project process undertaken and the opportunity for future improvements.

Generic skills

• project management;
• initiative, autonomy and organization;
• critical analysis, creative problem solving and innovation;
• working with others and in teams; and
• developing professional networks.