Master of Public Health - Master of Business Administration

The Master of Public Health - Master of Business Administration at James Cook University is a unique dual degree designed for ambitious students seeking to combine advanced public health expertise with strong business and management capabilities. Spanning two years of full-time study in Townsville, this postgraduate programme addresses health and management challenges relevant to local, regional, and global contexts. Students typically complete a structured sequence of units across both disciplines, earning credit points as they progress through core and elective subjects.

The course structure balances in-depth public health subjects, such as epidemiology, health promotion, and policy, with essential business foundations in strategy, leadership, finance, and organisational behaviour. Interdisciplinary learning is encouraged through integrated units and a possible capstone project that connects theory to practical solutions in real-world health settings. Many students undertake work-integrated learning, collaborating with industry partners in the health and business sectors across Australia, supporting the development of practical and analytical skills vital for leadership roles.

By the end of the programme, graduates will have acquired advanced knowledge in health systems, critical appraisal of health interventions, business problem-solving, and cross-sectoral management. The Master of Public Health - Master of Business Administration at James Cook University suits those aiming to progress into leadership roles in healthcare organisations, government agencies, NGOs, or corporations with health interests. This dual qualification is also well-suited to those wishing to work in policy making, hospital management, consultancy, or program evaluation within the Australian context or internationally.

Australian qualifications are structured with units of study contributing to a set number of credit points for the award. Students who hold an Australian student visa can typically work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and may be eligible for post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). As course details can change, prospective students are encouraged to confirm the most up-to-date requirements on the official James Cook University course page.

• Health service manager or director in hospitals and community health organisations
• Health policy adviser in government departments and consultancies
• Program coordinator or project manager in NGOs or international development agencies
• Public health consultant for private and public sector clients
• Business strategist for healthcare startups or corporate health initiatives
• Leadership roles within Australian health and allied industries