Research rural and agricultural health
Flexible online study while you work
Build skills through a regional intensive
Why choose agricultural health and medicine at Deakin
Improve the social, physical and mental health of agricultural communities across Australia with Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine. This course provides students an insight into the physical, occupational and mental health issues encountered by people living and working within the agricultural industry. You will explore what influences higher rates of morbidity and mortality in rural and remote Australia, and what determines successful health policies and safety intervention programs.
By understanding these issues, along with learning the impact of poor health on agribusiness, agricultural production and sustainability, you will be placed to make a significant difference in Australia’s agricultural communities.
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Specialised industry focus
Study agricultural health and medicine and build skills to support farming communities and rural health outcomes.
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Flexible postgraduate study
Fit your course around your work and home life, letting you upskill without putting your career on hold.
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Advance your career options
Strengthen your expertise to take on roles across agriculture, health and medicine in regional and rural settings, or progress to further research studies.
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Learn from sector experts
Be taught by experienced academics with strong links to rural communities.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build specialist capability to improve health, safety and wellbeing in rural and agricultural communities, strengthening your contribution across health services, research, health promotion, policy, agriculture and sustainability.
Rural health professional
Apply specialist knowledge of agricultural health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability to strengthen your practice across rural and remote health, research, policy and health promotion.
- 7m
Australians live in regional and remote areas
- 13.7
Agriculture industry fatalities per 100k workers
Professional areas
- Rural and agricultural health
- Health service provision
- Health promotion and management
- Rural research
- Work health and safety
- Rural policy and sustainability
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine?
Explore the intersection of agriculture, health and safety, equipping you with the knowledge to address health risks and improve wellbeing in agricultural environments.
Applied health research skills
Understand rural health challenges
Examine the physical, environmental and social factors that influence health outcomes in agricultural communities and learn to manage safety and risk.
Agricultural health and safety foundations
Gain an understanding of the unique health challenges in agricultural settings and how to manage risks across diverse environments.
Apply evidence in real contexts
Build skills to translate research and policy into practical solutions that support safer and healthier agricultural practices.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
The course structure is highly flexible and permits you to commence your studies with either HMF701 in Trimester 1 or HMF702 in Trimester 2 and then undertake 2 credit points from the course-grouped electives in the coursework stream.
2 credit points from:
Public Health electives
Health Promotion electives
Nursing electives
* Or alternatively you may choose any 700-level units provided the units are relevant to the field of Agricultural Health and Medicine and you have written approval from your course director.
Professional recognition
This course is currently accredited as at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students to be recognised as an AgriSafeTM practitioner is subject to meeting the requirements of AgriSafeTM . Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
All places offered to International students in this course are offered as off campus students. Deakin University is making no undertaking that an offer of on campus study may be made in the future. Should students wish to change to on campus mode in the future, they will be assessed in accordance with Deakin University admission guidelines at that time. Deakin University is not obligated to provide any students with a COE (confirmation of enrolment) to facilitate a student visa application.
Deakin University offers many off campus units which may include a compulsory on campus component or residential. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they understand the visa options available to them to allow for them to be in Australia and on campus to complete these requirements.
This program includes a compulsory week long on-campus intensive component held at a Deakin University campus. Students are required to obtain a visitor visa to undertake these compulsory intensive classes. Students are unable to apply for a student visa for this course.
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 8-10 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. You will also be expected to attend the National Centre for Farmer Health, Deakin centre, affiliated industry or other physical site - see individual unit descriptions for full details.
Compulsory attendance is required at a face to face intensive workshop.
International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Not applicable
Students may undertake a research stream consisting of two units, HSH731 Minor Research Project A and HSH732 Minor Research Project B, covering research integrity specifically. The units enable students to improve their knowledge and skills in research planning, conduct, and presentation of findings relative to public health. Students conduct research-based tasks and make a significant contribution to a research-based project in their relevant field of study.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Some attendance is required at the National Centre for Farmer Health, Deakin centre, affiliated industry or other physical site.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply the general principles of agricultural health and medicine in the professional environment. |
| Demonstrate verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills using discipline-specific language and lay-terms necessary to explain and justify decisions to consumers, communities and professional colleagues. |
| Demonstrate knowledge and skills regarding the latest technological developments including social media; and select and use appropriate technologies to conduct research; and provide information to people in agricultural settings. |
| Critically evaluate policy, promotional and scholarly materials, research data, and farming environments; to make recommendations to influence and/or improve the health, wellbeing and safety of Australian agricultural communities. |
| Display flexibility and independence in applying an advanced body of knowledge, within the field of agricultural health and medicine, to solve problems regarding health, wellbeing and safety within agricultural communities. |
| Establish and maintain a lifelong commitment to applying research knowledge and principles in an evidence-based collaborative approach to agricultural health and medicine, demonstrated through reflective practice and leadership. |
| Establish and maintain collaborative, professional and respectful relationships when working in a team to achieve a common goal and take a leadership role when appropriate. |
| Apply knowledge of cultural, social and broader international matters in the field of agricultural health and medicine and act in a responsive manner to regional and rural issues. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H522
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$15,300
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical 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. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted for up to two credit points. Students must submit a completed Recognition of prior learning application form and contact the course director.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to further postgraduate coursework programs.