Cheryl Seah

I have always been passionate about healthcare and understanding how health systems can better support underrepresented communities! I initially pursued a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, before completing a Master of Clinical Audiology. My decision to study audiology stemmed from my strong interest in healthcare. The University of Melbourne’s close proximity to the Eye & Ear Hospital, Cochlear Implant Clinic, as well as connections to Graeme Clark, the pioneer of the cochlear implant, made it an inspiring choice.

Throughout my studies in audiology, I found myself drawn to health promotion and outreach, particularly in supported disadvantaged and marginalised communities. This experience led me to public health, where I could have a broader impact on health equity and systemic change. Choosing to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Melbourne was a natural decision, not only because of my familiarity with the University but also because of the flexibility and breadth of specialisations available. With as many as eleven specialisations, I was able to tailor my MPH to focus on fields like epidemiology and health economics, while still incorporating my interests in health promotion.

The University of Melbourne also stood out because of its strong research focus and collaborations with leading health institutions. The opportunity to engage in evidence-based research and apply it to real-world health challenges was an exciting prospect. Ultimately, the University of Melbourne’s academic flexibility, strong research foundations, and commitment to public health innovation made it the ideal place for me to further my studies.

A particularly interesting aspect of the course has been understanding how data and policy interact in shaping public health outcomes. It has been eye-opening to see how statistics and economics can drive decisions in healthcare systems, which isn’t something I have thought much about before. At the same time, certain subjects, like epidemiology, have been challenging, but they have helped me develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills that can be valuable in any career.

The balance between theoretical and practical learning is a key strength of the program. While the coursework provides a strong theoretical foundation, there is also a significant emphasis on real-world application, particularly through case studies using actual data. One aspect I’m especially looking forward to is the capstone project, which offers choices such as professional placement or a research project. This allows students to gain hands-on experience tailored to their career aspirations, whether in academia, policy, or frontline public health work.

One of my favourite aspects of studying the Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne is the diverse and experienced teaching staff. The faculty brings together experts from various backgrounds and countries, offering unique insights into local and global public health challenges.

I also appreciate the wide range of student clubs and societies within and linked to the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. These groups provide opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, engage in professional development, and explore different areas of public health outside of the classroom.

I’m interested in a career in health promotion or policy, particularly in the audiology space or the broader public health sector. I’m also open to research in the future!

My Master of Public Health has provided opportunities to explore various career paths, from epidemiology to health economics, and I’m excited to further develop my skills through the MPH capstone options.

I’d say the University of Melbourne is an amazing place to study and its reputation speaks for itself. For international students, I’d recommend considering whether you plan to stay in Melbourne or return to your home country, as securing work in Australia can be more challenging. That said, Melbourne is a great place to build connections, and the University offers plenty of opportunities to explore different career paths.

For students hesitant about pursuing any program without a technical background, I’d say don’t let that stop you. Many subjects and courses are structured with the understanding not everyone has prior expertise, and the faculty provides strong support to help students develop the necessary skills.

My biggest piece of advice is to make the most of every opportunity. Join student clubs, attend networking events, and talk to alumni, current students, and professionals in your field of interest. The more people you connect with, the clearer your path will become :)!