Program overview
The MPhil (Applied Epidemiology), colloquially known as the MAE program, is a two year research degree 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 completion of a research thesis.
The MAE program is Australia’s only Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), and achieved TEPHINET accreditation in 2018. The MAE aims to build a highly skilled epidemiology workforce and strengthen capacity to prepare, protect, and respond to communicable disease and other health threats in Australia and our region. The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) at the Australian National University (ANU) has run the MAE program since 1991 and 217 individuals have graduated since that time.
During the MAE, scholars spend the majority of their time in a field placement, typically a government health department or a research institute. While in their placements scholars complete at least 4 useful and important research projects to meet the core competencies of outbreak investigation, surveillance, epidemiological project and data analysis.
Learning in the field placements is supported by 3 coursework intensives at ANU (total of 6-8 weeks) where scholars complete relevant coursework. Scholars are also required to complete other course requirements including teaching, writing a peer review paper and presenting their work at a national or international conference.