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  3. Public Health Leadership and Policy

Public Health Leadership and Policy (POPH90218)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville) and Online

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - On Campus
Semester 1 - Online
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This compulsory subject in the Master of Public Health equips students with the practical skills essential for effective leadership in the public health workforce. Public Health Leadership and Policy introduces key theories and models of leadership, program implementation, and policy change, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Learning is enriched through case studies of public health significance, expert-led lectures, interactive skill-building sessions, and small-group projects. Students will work collaboratively on major public health initiatives, including an Indigenous health project, to apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Discuss and reflect on how effective leadership and management occurs across public health organisations with particular reference to communication, advocacy, emotional intelligence; decision making human rights, equity and ethical approaches;
  • Apply the fundamental project management functions of planning, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, risk management, regulatory oversight and stakeholder management in public health and health care organisations;
  • Accomplish creative and authentic solutions to real-world challenges for public health issues by working in an effective and diverse team;
  • Apply knowledge of Indigenous culture and values to public health leadership in collaborative and complex settings; and
  • Reflect on the theories and practice of leadership in relation to their own personal and professional experience in order to encourage future investment in student's leadership capabilities.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in:

  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Written communication
  • Oral communication
  • Finding, evaluating and using relevant information
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork and working with others

 

Last updated: 6 November 2025