Research

The School of Public Health can help you expand your knowledge and career options through innovative research in areas such as child health development, economic modelling, health impacts of climate change, community engagement, health technology assessment, health policy and evidence synthesis and review.

Group of people smiling at the camera

If you wish to progress professionally in the area of public health or a related field, whatever your disciplinary background, a higher degree by research at the School of Public Health provides the ideal foundation.

Our world-leading researchers can offer you access to a comprehensive research portfolio, with a particular emphasis on health services research, health policy analysis, child health development, health economics and evidence synthesis and review—each highlighted by the McKeon Review’s report into Australia’s health and medical research sector (2013) as strategic for population health research.

Some specific areas of focus include: evidence-based service provision and health program evaluation; preventive, clinical and occupational (chronic diseases) epidemiology; and the development of public health databases. This is in addition to the 2013-2015 NHMRC Strategic Plan National Priority Areas: Indigenous health; primary health care; healthy start for a healthy life; new and emerging health threats; and health in the Asia-Pacific region.

Our greatest research strengths

School of Public Health researchers undertake a range of research projects, covering a variety of areas. These include: child and adolescent healthsurgical and health systems innovationageing, frailty and mobilitytranslational health outcomesnutrition and metabolic health; and immunology and infection.

This has led to significant discoveries in many fields, including: the global burden of disease; early influences on health and women’s health; global health; and behavioural risk factors for cancer prevention.

Learn more about the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences’ research.

Advance within multiple research units and groups

Studying at the school will give you the opportunity to undertake research with a range of differently focused groups, including:

How to get started in research

If you’re keen to challenge yourself and potentially pursue a career in research, but aren’t sure where to start, consider applying for our Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours).

The honours degree enables you to research an area of personal interest, and develop the skills required for postgraduate study at a higher level (see below). You’ll undertake a research project, prepare a report for publication, and—in the process—acquire a potential point of difference in the eyes of employers. Find out more about applying for honours within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.


Postgraduate Public Health research degrees

The School of Public Health has a strong research record and can supervise students in the fields of women's and children's health, health services and health systems research, community-based research and environmental health, particularly communicable diseases and occupational health.

The school has expertise in research design and statistical analysis, epidemiology, clinical trials methodology, health services research, ethics in public health, public policy, health economics modelling, qualitative analysis, occupational health and safety, communicable diseases, and in teaching and thesis supervision, including cross-disciplinary supervision.

We offer three research degrees:

Master of Philosophy (Public Health)

The Master of Philosophy (Public Health) degree is conducted over two years of full-time study. It will train you in research methodology and techniques, and engage you in advanced, critical evaluation of public health literature and results.

Master of Clinical Science

The Master of Clinical Science is a two-year (full-time) research degree provides an introduction to clinically-based research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is our flagship research award and is the standard qualification for a research career or academic position. It is a stepping stone to a range of career opportunities and involves three – four years of research for a full-time candidate.

Research-project supervision

If you’re searching for a research project topic, we've put together a collection of currently available research projects suitable for students interested in undertaking supervised research within our school. You can find out more about them in our Student Research Project booklet and the Research Opportunities Guide.

Although the projects listed target our established research programs, we will also consider other research topics or projects.

Ready to take the next step?

You’ll find full admission requirements for each of these degrees in the University’s Graduate Centre Academic Program Rules.

For more information on how to apply for a higher degree by research or if you have any queries, visit the Adelaide Graduate Research School