Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology

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.

In 2024, this program is available to domestic students only

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:

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.