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Graduate Certificate of Health Economics

Postgraduate coursework

Get an introduction to the economic principles that shape healthcare systems and take your first steps towards a leadership position to drive real change.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Learn from academics who are leaders in the field

One of the largest health economics schools in Australia

Flexible online study available

Key facts

Duration

1 year part-time

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Get an introduction to the economic principles that shape healthcare systems with the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics. Explore microeconomics, economic evaluation and resource allocation in healthcare contexts, then learn how to harness data to become a confident decision maker. Premium online study is available for this flexible course that can be used as both a preview and pathway to the masters degree.

Ready to take your first steps towards a leadership position that can drive real change in healthcare?

The Graduate Certificate of Health Economics is designed for clinical and non-clinical health professionals who want to improve healthcare systems from the top down. It’s also suited to those from finance backgrounds looking to use their knowledge of economics to create healthier, happier communities. If you’re looking for a health economics program that’s well-established, renowned for its academic research and led by teachers at the very forefront of the field, this is the course to take your career forward.

The course features three core units from the Master of Health Economics. These key study areas provide a grounding in contemporary health economics principles and train you in the skills you will use every day in your career, such as:

  • economic evaluation
  • resource allocation
  • priority setting

These skills allow you to make evidence-based decisions that improve the way healthcare systems operate. Whether you’re preparing a cost-benefit analysis for a new medical device, or employing economic modelling to shape health insurance policies that impact thousands, you will have the skills to make confident, informed choices. You’ll also graduate with the ability to critically evaluate current research in economic policy, understand the complexities of healthcare financing and make influential contributions to health policy development and debate.

Throughout the course you will be guided by some of the brightest and most experienced health economics academics in the country. Our team is one of the largest in Australia and our academics are active contributors to the field. The insights gathered from their work and research feeds back into the course, ensuring content is fresh, authentic and relevant to the needs of the sector. We have academics embedded in many renowned healthcare organisations and institutes across diverse roles, ensuring you have access to a mentor who aligns with your interests and career aspirations.

The course can be completed in just one year of part-time study, with flexible online study available to those with busy work schedules. Graduate with exciting career options in Australia’s fast-growing health sector, as well as a clear pathway to Deakin's Master of Health Economics.

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Health Economics
Year

2024 course information

Deakin code
H504
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics students must attain 4 credit points.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Core units

Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)
  • Health Economics 1
  • Economic Evaluation 1
  • Trimester 2

  • Resource Allocation and Priority Setting
  • Plus one elective unit from the following list:

  • Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice
  • Health Economics in a Global Context
  • Economics for Managers
  • HSH717 is available in trimesters 1 and 3

    MPE781 is available in trimesters 1, 2 and 3

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online 

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online 

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online 

    Additional course information

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.

    Workload

    150 hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point (as per AQF Explanation)

    Full-time study in this course is equivalent to a full-time work commitment. Successful students typically spend about 150 hours in learning and assessment for each one credit point unit.

    Participation requirements

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Need help?

    Ask a question about studying at Deakin

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    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher
    • two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year as they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by four credit points of study for Graduate Certificates. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.

    Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Download the course flyer
    To learn more about Deakin's Public health courses, download our course guide. (PDF, 1.2MB)
    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    Pathways for credit are available for this course

    Students completing the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics can articulate into a higher award, Master of Health Economics (H704).

    Graduates of the course may also be eligible for RPL (Recognition of prior learning) into the following courses:
    Master of Public Health (H757)
    Master of Health Promotion (H759)
    Master of Health and Human Services Management (H756)

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    The health sector is Australia’s largest and fastest growing. With more jobs and an increased demand for skilled health professionals, you will have more opportunities to take your career forward.

    Use your specialised skills to confidently explore roles in:

    • pharmaceutical and health technology industries
    • health insurance
    • hospitals, community health organisations and healthcare management
    • international health organisations such as WHO, UNDP, OECD, the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank
    • government departments such as Health and Treasury and the Productivity Commission
    • non-government agencies, research institutes and think tanks
    • corporate consulting firms.

    In addition to the diverse career options this course leads to, graduates can access more professional development opportunities and industry experience by progress on to the Master of Health Economics.

    Professional recognition

    Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:

    • Australian Health Economics Society
    • Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand
    • International Health Economics Association