Infectious diseases
Preventing and controlling infectious diseases
Despite our improved understanding of the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases pose ongoing threats to global health security. This study area explores infectious disease surveillance and intelligence, outbreak investigation and response, and infection prevention and mitigation.
Join a sector-leading population health community
This study area is delivered by UNSW's School of Population Health - a leader in academic excellence, global impact and social engagement. Our dynamic, international community of staff, alumni, practitioners and students are working together to enhance population health and healthcare systems.
Our teaching is strongly influenced by our research. Our staff bring expertise from multiple disciplines and have experience across local, national and global settings. Our students benefit from research and collaboration opportunities at our internationally recognised research centres and institutes. Our programs are designed to be relevant to the workplace, with many opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
The PLuS Alliance is a partnership between three leading research universities – Arizona State University, King’s College London and UNSW. This partnership was designed to solve global challenges and increase access to world-class higher education in high-need areas. Through the PLuS Alliance, you can take online courses with Arizona State University, giving you the opportunity to expand your professional network and bring a global perspective to your education.
Enhance your career prospects
A qualification in infectious diseases will prepare you to understand disease intelligence, identify epidemic patterns, investigate outbreaks and develop disease control strategies. You'll become a judgement-ready practitioner with the advanced disciplinary knowledge and skills required to control infectious diseases and health emergencies across a range of contexts and settings. There’s strong demand for infectious diseases professionals in the public and private health sectors, both within Australia and internationally. Our graduates typically find work across a range of employers, including ministries and departments of health, government organisations, NGOs, and primary care and community healthcare services.
Our programs
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You can study infectious diseases intelligence in the following postgraduate coursework programs:
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The Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence (Extension) includes a research component, which consists of additional research methodology courses and/or an advanced research project. Opportunities are available to progress from a coursework master’s degree that includes a research component to enrolment in a PhD.
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You can combine the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence with the master’s programs in health leadership and management, public health or global health. Studying two programs concurrently enhances your career prospects and gives you the opportunity to combine knowledge and skills from two related disciplines.
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Complete two master's degrees with a research focus. This option includes an extension component where you’ll complete additional electives including a research project or a research methodology course.
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Research is a fundamental part of our work at the School of Population Health, through which we address a number of key local, national and global public health issues. The School has a vibrant, thriving research culture and is a pipeline for research development from research students to post-doctoral researchers and senior research leaders, making us one of the leading research schools in Australia.
Our School offers excellent research programs to public health and health service researchers aimed at beginner, intermediate and experienced levels. Options are available for research-only degrees or combined coursework and research. We offer:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Professional Doctorate - UNSW Future Health Leaders Program
- Masters by Research:
Master of Public Health by Research
Indigenous Alternative Entry Scheme
The Indigenous Entry Scheme redresses the imbalance of access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to population health programs.