Business

Health

Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health

CRICOS 090242C

What is an MBA and Master of Public Health?

Torrens University's MBA and Master of Public Health combines our top-tier leadership training of our MBA with a deeper understanding of health issues and policies. Take advantage of Torrens University's top-ranked MBA program. Improve effective decision-making in a global context.

In this dual degree, you will further develop your cognitive, technical and creative skills to develop strong business acumen in the context of public health. This course will develop strong knowledge of both disciplines to critically analyse and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention, advocacy, leadership and management and epidemiology to undertake demanding management roles in government, allied health, aid and development, hospitals and health service departments.

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Learning outcomes

Master industry-standard business software to effectively analyse data.
Apply advanced business principles to solve complex problems.
Develop intervention strategies to detect and prevent diseases.
Analyse financial, legal, and economic aspects of health and health policy.

Top-ranked MBA school*

Our MBA program was ranked Tier-1 by CEO Magazine in 2023, putting it among the world's best.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

2 years full time, part-time options available

Start date

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.

*For more details on international student study options.

Future-proofed business

Our industry-integrated model means we have our finger on the pulse of the business world, giving participants access to the most up-to-date industry perspectives and practices.

Join Australia’s most progressive university

Industry leading and future-focused: we give you all the tools you need to create your own success.

Industry engagement

Our extensive network of industry partners lets you learn from business leaders, gain valuable insights and tackle practical problems.

Discover Public Health with current international student Joseph Que. Learn about his experience and journey with Torrens University Australia and hear from our Program Director Lisa Casanelia.

Career opportunities

Move up in your professional career and develop critical strategies to guide your business and employ dynamic leadership and health management skills. This course will help you critically analyse and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention, advocacy, leadership and management, and epidemiology to undertake demanding management roles in government, allied health, aid and development, hospitals and health service departments.

Potential career paths

Executive Director
Average salary: $87,248 - $207,520
General Manager
Average salary: $100,000 - $197,500
Entrepreneur
Average salary: $129,500
Health Policy Advisor
Average salary: $103,000 - $116,000

Learn more about careers in Business
Learn more about careers in Health

Subjects and units

This course comprises of 16 core subjects. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

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Year 1
Year 2

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Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Social, Behavioural and Cultural Factors in Public Health | PUBH6000

Students in this course explore the field and practice of public health. They learn to identify and analyse major social, behavioural, and cultural factors that affect population health outcomes, including social determinants of health (e.g. gender, socio-economic status and social capital), community capacity, resilience, age, race/ethnicity, the environment, and behavioural risks. Students consider medical, social and behavioural approaches to health promotion and public health interventions. Students also examine current and emerging theoretical and conceptual frameworks from the social behavioural and medical sciences. They apply these frameworks and other theories presented in the course to intervention strategies or program initiatives that address current public health priorities.
Health Policy and Advocacy | PUBH6001

Policy agenda-setting, implementation and evaluation are crucial to the improvement of the health of populations. Policymaking is not a straightforward process. Political ideologies and values, as well as power, coalition building and the media, play key roles in what becomes public policy. In this subject, students will learn about policy agenda-setting, development, implementation and evaluation as well as critical perspectives of policymaking. The subject introduces theories of policy making and applies knowledge of the policy process to public health problems. Students will analyse and critique issues in contemporary Australian health policy and the various stakeholders and partnerships formed in the policy process. They will examine the role of evidence and advocacy in policy agenda setting. Students will also learn about a range of advocacy strategies including media advocacy and community empowerment strategies for the development and implementation of policy.
Global and Environmental Health Issues | PUBH6002

This subject provides an overview of global and environmental factors that affect the health and safety of communities from the global to the local scale. It considers the ways in which globalisation has affected the social, economic and political determinants of health, including trends in communicable and non-communicable diseases at a global level, and the relationships between foreign policy, trade, security and development. The relationship between issues such as global health and foreign policy, trade, security and development are explored along with global health governance and financing mechanisms. Students also examine causal links between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on health, and the genetic, physiologic, and psychosocial factors that influence environmentally compromised health outcomes. This is applied to current solutions and considers new ways to address environmental threats, such as waste, water, air, vectors and global warming. Work health safety and environmental influences in the workplace and home are also explored.
Health Systems and Economics | PUBH6003

This subject explores the organisation of health systems, the financial and other resourcing requirements for planning and delivering effective public health programs, strategies and interventions, and the development and application of effective policies across a range of sectors that affect the health of populations. It introduces the discipline of economics as it applies to public health. Topics covered include health systems thinking and frameworks, the role of government in prevention and health promotion, models and debates regarding public health funding and investment, demand for public health programs, implications for equity, delivery, governance of public health programs and services, and economic analyses applied to public health systems and activities. Students consider current issues such as estimating expenditure on public health, “best buys” in public health, and the role of economic tools such as price subsidisation and commodity taxation in public health.
Financial Management | FINA6017

This subject is focused on how to use accounting and financial information for decision-making purposes. It is designed for the leader/manager who will be using, rather than producing accounting and financial information. This subject also addresses the various types of financial decisions that leaders must make, and the strategies necessary to anticipate the alternatives, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each and recognise the tradeoffs inherent in each alternative. The objective of this subject is for students to learn how to apply accounting and finance theory and principles to the analysis of important business problems, further developing their skills at using numerical analysis and research to support a line of argument.
Marketing | MKTG6002

21st Century professionals who aspire to hold a leadership position must have a clear understanding and appreciation of the importance of marketing. This subject is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of marketing theories and the practical application of marketing concepts and marketing strategies in various contexts including profit and not-for-profit organisations, including government. This subject equips students with marketing strategy formulation and the use of strategic marketing mix elements in developing and maintaining a market orientation and assessing organisational performance in relation to ethical and socially acceptable business practices.
Economic Principles and Decision Making | ECON6000

The 21st century business professional operates in an increasingly complex, competitive, turbulent and international environment and, as such, professionals must leverage sound economic reasoning to evaluate and resolve business problems in real time. This subject integrates concepts of managerial economics into a more research and analysis based structure, where students make managerial decisions based on their findings. Students also learn to identify and understand the limits of decision-making in general, and to understand the role that risk and uncertainty play in affecting decision outcomes. This unit introduces students briefly to quantitative data analysis to enhance their skills in both qualitative and quantitative reasoning.
Dynamic Leadership | MGMT6000

Being an effective and genuine leader in a dynamic era requires an understanding of leadership concepts, how leaders think and act, and how various management styles impact situations and relationships within an organisation. Being a dynamic leader also demands a strong set of competencies such as motivating self and others, leading creativity in an organisation, cultural intelligence, and navigating ambiguity. This subject provides students with a foundation of leadership theory, styles and approaches, and an opportunity for students to access and build on their own leadership styles throughout the course, developing their personal sense of social justice in the workplace as they progress their course. As such, the subject introduces students to reflexive research methodologies and the concept of the lived experience as a research method.

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Influencing and Making Decisions | MGMT6002

Being a leader in a dynamic era requires educated judgement and decision-making skills. How do leaders collect the most pertinent and important information to make decisions that impact human and financial capital? On what basis are decisions made? This subject engages students in the nuances of data collection, how to filter data and how to use it most effectively in decision-making. Students will apply decision-making theory and behavioural economics to their own decisions and case studies to acquire situational based leadership, judgement, influencing and decision-making skills. The subject further develops student’s quantitative research skills.
Managing People and Teams | MGMT6009

Understanding organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments and how they impact on the role and legitimacy of the management function is the core of this subject. This subject helps individuals understand the constraints they face as managers and emerging leaders and how they can develop strategies to leverage advantages and overcome constraints and barriers in their organisations. The subject also focusses on developing some of the advanced communication skills necessary in management and leadership roles, and the ability of the individual to influence others. The subject introduces students to the concept of naturally occurring data and qualitative analysis. This subject also focuses on the development of knowledge and skills to enable students to identify, analyse and make effective decisions to resolve people-related issues in organisations, facilitate employee development, and develop and sustain effective teams in complex, diverse, and increasingly global operating environments.
Leadership and Effecting Change in Public Health | PUBH6004

Public health leadership is more than a hierarchical position of power, it is the ability to advance public health goals and promote the well-being of communities. Leaders effect change within diverse teams, organisations, communities, professional disciplines and sectors. They influence policy and legislation through a range of strategies including advocacy and collaboration. Students will explore the differences between management and leadership and what makes an effective leader. Students will reflect upon their own values and experiences of leadership and analyse these in terms of seminal and contemporary theories. They explore leadership, power, ethics and values, accountability, effective governance, and the application of principles of social justice implicit in public health decisions and practice.
Management Perspectives | MGMT6012

Understanding organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments and how they impact on the role and legitimacy of the management function is the core of this unit. This unit helps individuals understand the constraints they face as managers and emerging leaders and how they can develop strategies to leverage advantages and overcome constraints and barriers in their organisations. The unit also focuses on developing some of the advanced communication skills necessary in management and leadership roles, and the ability of the individual to influence others. The course introduces students to the concept of naturally occurring data and qualitative analysis.

We recommend you complete this subject towards the beginning of your MBA. The unit challenges you to think differently about your organisational experiences, to look at them through a variety of lenses, and to explore different ways by which you can influence people within the organisation and have an impact through your function as a manager. A key skill underpinning this is the ability to receive and respond to feedback, to look at data in a number of different ways to find alternative meanings and create different patterns of behaviour. The book ‘Images of Organisation’ explores the notion of the organisation through a range of metaphors; by exploring these metaphors you can gain different insights into your organisation and start to play with different interpretations and understandings of how we experience the world.
Epidemiology | PUBH6005

Epidemiology is the study of patterns of health, ill-health, and factors that affect health in populations. It focuses on the incidence, prevalence, distribution, impact and determinants of disease, injury and disability. Traditionally, epidemiology focused largely on infectious diseases, often using epidemiological methods to determine the causes and sources of outbreaks of diseases. It has, however, increasingly broadened to include all health and disease states and both risk factors and protective factors. Epidemiological methods are also used to assess the health status and trends of populations to determine priorities, and to implement and evaluate programs designed to improve health. Students in this course examine concepts including incidence, prevalence and causation. They also learn about the role of epidemiology in prevention and screening, as well as its role in disease surveillance and response. Students identify key sources of data and learn how to use basic epidemiological measures and draw appropriate inferences. Through this subject, students gain a deeper understanding of the strengths, limitations and appropriate uses of various research designs and methodologies in health research. They will learn to assess levels of evidence to make recommendations for evidence based policy. Students will develop an appreciation of the role and potential of epidemiology in public health research, policy and advocacy.
Community Health and Disease Prevention | PUBH6006

This subject focuses on community health and on the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of disease prevention, covering a range of contemporary topics impacting communities. The course examines models and approaches for health promotion, the prevention of disease and disease surveillance. Students explore a range of strategies for promoting health and of building capacity when working with diverse communities. Students will learn about community empowerment, the settings approach to health promotion, mental health promotion, health literacy, social marketing, screening and surveillance, injury prevention, disability and chronic disease management, including in Indigenous Australian populations. The course will extend to an understanding of strategies to prepare for and respond to health emergency and crisis situations.
Strategic Management Capstone Project | MGMT6011

This subject explores sustainable approaches to managing the symbiotic relationship between organisations and their environments. Organisations are increasingly facing disruption and the basis for delivering products and services is rapidly changing. Sustaining performance requires careful management of business processes, fostering corporate competencies, and aligning the firm to its internal and external environment. The student will learn and then practice strategising through a number of theories and practical settings.
Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation | PUBH6007

This subject focuses on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, the role of program theory in the planning and implementation of programs and how to write a program and evaluation plan. Implementation of programs including stakeholder engagement and program management processes is also explored. Students learn about evaluation of programs, including process, impact and outcome evaluation, along with the principles and resources required to make evaluation successful. Reporting and dissemination of evaluation findings are also discussed.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

When you study with Torrens University Australia, you will benefit from our extensive network of industry partners. You’ll learn from industry professionals, gain invaluable insights and build key industry relationships.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about business, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of business scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the business industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7).

At least two years of professional experience.

OR

Applicants without formal qualifications at AQF7 or above may be considered for entry to the Graduate Certificate of Public Health on the basis of a combination of formal (below AQF7) or non-formal qualifications and seven years of relevant experience in a health professional role. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least two years of professional experience.

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

View all FAQs

Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health