Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Build foundational skills in health economics with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Health Economics. Develop the ability to apply economic principles and evidence to support decision-making in healthcare systems and policy.
You will explore key areas including economic evaluation, resource allocation and priority setting, while developing the analytical skills to assess healthcare interventions and inform policy decisions. Study core units from Deakin’s Master of Health Economics and learn from one of the largest health economics teams in Australia, with course content shaped by active research and industry practice. Designed for busy professionals, the course can be completed in one year of part-time study, with flexible online and on-campus study options for domestic students and fully online study for international students. It also provides a pathway to further study in the Master of Health Economics.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Health Economics
- Year
2027 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
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Plus one elective unit from the following list:
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
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 or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum 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)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Health Outcomes Research, Health Technology Assessment, Allied Health, Health Services, Aged Care or Youth Services, Management, Commerce, Policy.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
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
$15,300 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
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 Management (H756)
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:
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Analyse the implications of healthcare service delivery from an economic perspective, including implications for efficiency and access. |
| Communicate health economic issues, including methods and results of economic appraisal, demand and supply of health care, socio-economic influences on health and the rationale for government intervention using written reports, oral presentation and digital communication technologies to specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Locate and critically evaluate digital sources of health and health systems data to make health policy recommendations. |
| Critically evaluate applied economic frameworks used in health economics to analyse the effects of economic policies on health services and community health, with an emphasis on cost, outcomes, efficiency, and access to health care. |
| Independently analyse and propose solutions to contemporary health problems from an economic perspective. |
| Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning and professionalism. |
| Collaborate and communicate effectively with others to complete tasks and solve problems. |
| Apply the principles of health economics and evidence-based economic evaluation to the strengthening of health systems, including universal coverage. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
