Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
Course overview
Learn to apply business and management skills in a health context and step into a healthcare management role in the booming health sector. Gain valuable skills in leadership, analysis and management to influence positive change in healthcare systems with the Graduate Certificate of Health Management.
Do you dream of helping to improve healthcare delivery and contribute to healthier communities?
Healthcare professionals are responsible for oversight of billions of taxpayer dollars that fund the sector. That is a significant responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to make positive changes that benefit individuals, communities and countries. With a Graduate Certificate of Health Management, you will be able to make your mark in resource allocation and in the way healthcare organisations operate, evolve and deliver health services into the future.
During your Graduate Certificate of Health Management you will complete four credit points of study comprising 3 core units and 1 elective unit. You’ll cover key concepts like health economics, research literacy and the fundamental of health informatics, and develop core skills that allow you to make evidence-based decisions that improve the quality of health services.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Health Management you will have the option of enhancing your skills by continuing on to the Master of Health Management and will have already completed one quarter of the credit points from the masters course.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
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 Management
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H556
- 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
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Management, 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.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
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:
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2024 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2024 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult a Student Adviser at Student Central.
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 to the relevant unit guide.
Workload
In the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
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
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Health support worker/assistant, aged care and disability services and support workers, allied health science professional.
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 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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 and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year 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 you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
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.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
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
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
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.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Health Management (H656)
Master of Health Management (H756)
Career outcomes
The healthcare sector is projected to be Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing sector over the next five years. * With a Graduate Certificate of Health Management, you will have an important role to play in managing the new projects, services and jobs that emerge from this growth.
Your skills will help prepare you for future management and leadership roles across a variety of areas including:
- public health departments
- hospital management
- nursing home management
- clinic management
- medical practices
- mental health organisations
- community health centres
- rehabilitation centres
- skilled nursing facilities
* 2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Application of knowledge and skills in the selected stream of health and human services management that demonstrates creativity and initiative, evidenced through successful completion of a capstone assessment task. |
| Communication | Demonstrate communication skills to interpret, articulate and transmit information and interact professionally with clients and colleagues in a Health and Human Services context. |
| Digital literacy | Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to locate, interpret and transmit knowledge, data and ideas. |
| Critical thinking | Independently select and uses appropriate digital tools to disseminate accurate information. |
| Problem solving | Consistently identify multiple approaches to solving complex problems, demonstrating a high level of intellectual independence and autonomy. |
| Self-management | Consistently and autonomously demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional development including self-management. |
| Teamwork | Contribute and work effectively within a team environment demonstrating awareness of, and sensitivity to, difference amongst team members. |
| Global citizenship | Consistently and sensitively adapt practices to meet the cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds of all stakeholders. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
