1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Professional Practice - Part 1
  4. Dates and times

Professional Practice - Part 1 (POPH90286) // Dates and times

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Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorSue Durham
    CoordinatorVivian Romero
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursStudents are expected to spend a minimum of 160 hours (20 days), working for the host organisation and approximately 10 contact hours, comprising pre-placement, during placement and after placement University supervisor/coordinator contact and attendance at: 1. a full-day generic capstone skills preparation seminar in week 1 of the 1st semester of enrolment, 2. half-day generic capstone completion skills seminar in week 9 of the 2nd semester of enrolment, 3. attendance at two 1.5 hour student discussion groups across the two semesters of enrollment, 4. attendance at 1 half day seminar for student verbal presentations in week 11 of the 2nd semester of enrolment.
    Total time commitment340 hours
    Teaching period 2 March 2026 to 31 May 2026
    Last self-enrol date13 March 2026
    Census date31 March 2026
    Last date to withdraw without fail 8 May 2026
    Assessment period ends26 June 2026

    Semester 1 contact information

    Professional Practice Unit
    Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
    mph-ppu@unimelb.edu.au

     

     



  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorSue Durham
    CoordinatorVivian Romero
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursStudents are expected to spend a minimum of 160 hours (20 days), working for the host organisation and approximately 10 contact hours, comprising pre-placement, during placement and after placement University supervisor/coordinator contact and attendance at: 1. a full-day generic capstone skills preparation seminar in week 1 of the 1st semester of enrolment, 2. half-day generic capstone completion skills seminar in week 9 of the 2nd semester of enrolment, 3. attendance at two 1.5 hour student discussion groups across the two semesters of enrollment, 4. attendance at 1 half day seminar for student verbal presentations in week 11 of the 2nd semester of enrolment.
    Total time commitment340 hours
    Teaching period27 July 2026 to 25 October 2026
    Last self-enrol date 7 August 2026
    Census date31 August 2026
    Last date to withdraw without fail25 September 2026
    Assessment period ends20 November 2026

    Semester 2 contact information

    Professional Practice Unit
    Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
    mph-ppu@unimelb.edu.au

     

     

Time commitment details

340 hours (applies to entire enrolment across Parts 1 and 2)

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

MPH Professional Practice Capstone Subject Part 1 and Part 2

  • The Master of Public Health Professional Practice capstone subject consists of two parts: Part 1 (POPH90286) and Part 2 (POPH90287).
  • Students complete Part 1 in either Semester 1 or Semester 2, followed by Part 2 in the consecutive semester, as part of a year-long placement.
  • In exceptional circumstances, students may be permitted to enrol in both parts concurrently and undertake an intensive placement within a single semester. This option is considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Students will receive an overall result for the subject following completion of Part 1 (POPH90286) and Part 2 (POPH90287)

Application process

  • There is an expression of interest process that Master of Public Health students will need to go through to be considered for the Professional Practice capstone subject.
  • Entry is competitive and selection is based on academic merit, subjects completed, relevant background and experience, and alignment of skills with available placements.
  • Some placements in specialised areas of Public Health may require prior completion of specific subjects, to be confirmed in consultation with the subject coordinator and supervisor
  • Capstone information sessions for MPH students are held twice a year, providing further details about the application process. 

Last updated: 6 December 2025