Studying a Master of Public Health at UWA can provide you with the opportunity to travel the world, applying the theoretical knowledge and insights gained in your studies to address real-world health issues.
Hear from two UWA students on their experience and why studying a Master of Public Health at UWA is a catalyst for their personal and professional growth.
Emily Munro
Amongst Emily’s busy schedule with work four days a week, she also studies a Master of Public Health due to the practical options and flexibility it offers.
I am studying a Master of Public Health to pursue my passion for helping others at a population level. I love how we have access to so many opportunities for practical experiences, such as through practicum placements and field trips."Emily Munro, Master of Public Health student
Emily thought the field trip offered through the Public Health Field Trip unit “sounded fantastic and UWA was the only university to offer something like that.”
In November 2023, Emily travelled to Fiji to observe and assist people facing various health challenges. She describes her stay in the small village on the outskirts of Lautoka as “one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had on a personal and professional level” and would recommend this opportunity to anyone else studying or considering the course.
Emily expresses how important practical experiences are in preparing students for their future careers, and the Public Health Field Trip unit ticks this box.
My biggest learning from this trip is how connected culture is with health. The knowledge, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generations can help us to understand certain health behaviours on a much deeper level."
Grace Stanton
She finds the units offered at UWA to be interesting, enhancing her knowledge and skills in the public health field.
With six years of experience in the public health sector, Grace views her study as a mechanism for career development. She is faced with opportunities to network, enhance her knowledge and implement theoretical knowledge into practice in her own career.
Grace’s decision to study was solidified by UWA’s “academic connection to Telethon Kids Institute, which was an important consideration for [her] dissertation options.”
Taking the Public Health Field Trip unit gave Grace the opportunity to travel to Fiji for two weeks, where she was able “to inspire and motivate members of the community to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their families.”
The Public Health Field Trip is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a new culture and experience a unique community development approach to health promotion program development. I highly recommend the field trip, I cannot think of a better way to understand social, cultural, and environmental determinants of health and develop transferable community engagement and communication skills."Grace Stanton, Master of Public Health (with Specialisation) student
Grace formed invaluable relationships with community members during her time spent in the small Fijian village. She continues to stay connected with them and finds joy when she hears community members engaging in activities that have positive outcomes on their health.
Field trips have also taken public health students to Nepal and India.
Want to explore where studies in public health could take you? Check out our Master of Public Health and Master of Public Health with Specialisation for more details.
Interested in a career in public health? Join us online on Wednesday 7 August from 5.30-6.30pm AWST to find out everything you need to know about UWA's postgraduate course in public health including, practical learning, career outcomes, admission requirements, how to apply and more. Register now!
