Program Requirements
The Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology is undertaken in a field placement organisation, and requires candidates to complete intensive coursework subjects at three times during the program. This includes the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 60,000 words. The thesis comprises of four major pieces of work including analysis of a public health dataset, conduct of an epidemiological study, evaluation or establishment of a surveillance system, and investigation of an acute public health threat (usually an outbreak). In addition, the thesis should include a targeted literature review and evidence of written communication with lay audience, oral presentation at a conference, peer-reviewed publication or preparation of an advanced draft manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and providing training in the field of applied epidemiology.
All students will undergo an oral examination of the thesis at the conclusion of their program.
The Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
30 units must come from completion of the courses listed below:
POPH 8913 Analysis of Public Health Data (6 units)
POPH 8914 Issues in Applied Epidemiology (6 units)
POPH 8915 Research Design and Methods (6 units)
POPH 8916 Outbreak Investigation (6 units)
POPH 8917 Public Health Surveillance (6 units)
66 units must come from completion of the research component
POPH8902F Applied Epidemiology Thesis
Admission Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
Admission to a Master of Philosophy is also subject to supervisory capacity, availability of appropriate infrastructure and resources, and approval from the relevant Delegated Authority within the Academic College.
Applicants must:
- Present a relevant Bachelor Honours degree or international equivalent.
- With a minimum overall grade Second Class Honours - Upper (H2A)
- or an equivalent combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to the field of study.
- Provide:
- Original evidence of all relevant academic qualifications and graduation documentation (with English translation as appropriate);
- An up-to-date CV including academic qualifications, work experience and research publications;
- At least three referee reports.
- Supplementary Questions Form
- Satisfy an assessment of suitability which will be based on interview, supplementary questions form, CV and the referee reports.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students
Indicative fees
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $49,330.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
Fee Information
All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)
The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Exceptional research degrees at ANU
The Australian National University provides our MPhil candidates with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.
As an MPhil candidate you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Applied Epidemiology, also known as the MAE program, is a 22-month program that trains the public health leaders of the future. Through the MAE program, scholars undertake a work placement, a short period of intensive coursework, and complete a research thesis.
The MAE program is Australia’s only Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) and is accredited by and part of the international network of Field Training Programs in Epidemiology & Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET). The MAE aims to build a highly skilled epidemiology workforce and strengthen capacity to prepare for, protect from, and respond to communicable disease and other health threats in Australia and our region. Graduates of the MAE have gone on to hold senior positions in health departments in Australia and work for international organisations such as the World Health Organization and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health has run the MAE program since 1991. The program has been extremely successful, producing hundreds of graduates who have each investigated at least one outbreak, established or evaluated a surveillance system and conducted an impactful epidemiological research study. The MAE is committed to supporting Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Scholars.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
The Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology is more than a degree and opens opportunities for graduates to work as epidemiologists for national and international health agencies, such as the World Health Organization. The program suits people who are interested in a career in public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and applied epidemiological research
Graduates have gone on to work in health departments at local, state, national and international levels, as well as in research institutions and academia in the areas of vaccine preventable diseases, food- and waterborne diseases, sexually transmissible infections, non-communicable diseases, Indigenous health and international health.
Learning Outcomes
respond to acute public health threats;
analysis of public health data sets;
design and conduct epidemiological research;
establish and evaluate public health surveillance systems;
identify, evaluate, and synthesise existing body of completed and recorded work;
provide training in the areas of applied epidemiology;
effectively communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences in both written and oral form.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this program.
Other Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this program.
Further Information
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Applied Epidemiology, takes 22 months of full-time study and is conducted in English. The award is made on the basis of completion of a work placement, intensive coursework, and independent research resulting in a detailed thesis comprising original written work, normally of up to 60,000 words, that is independently assessed by no fewer than two external examiners of international standing. The program must be undertaken in a field placement organisation, which are often State, Territory or federal health departments or national research centres. Students come to the ANU during their degree for intensive coursework subjects at three times during the program.
All candidates are required to complete Research Integrity Training. In addition, candidates will also be able to participate in the College of Health and Medicine Career Development Framework and demonstrate broader skills in research training, teaching and learning, industry and innovation, policy and governance; and opportunities to develop other transferable skills.
More information on how to apply can be found at https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/anu-postgraduate-research-domestic-and-international-applications.
The Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) Scholarship provides funding for students in Australian placements through the field placements as a tax-free full time scholarship. There are a number of other scholarships available to ANU HDR candidates to assist with the cost of their studies.
You need to submit the supplementary questions as a supporting document in your application. Email the referee report form directly to your referees, and request they complete the form and email it to mae.nceph@anu.edu.au - typically in mid-August each year.
For questions specific to the application process, view FAQs (PDF, 168KB) and/or email the MAE Student Office: mae.nceph@anu.edu.au.
