Key facts
Duration
Students are likely to undertake the GCAHM on a part-time basis over Trimesters 1 and 2 with the option of concluding elective units in Trimester 3. One core unit will run on campus in block mode – please refer to individual unit handbook entries for further details.
Locations
Some attendance is required at the National Centre for Farmer Health, Deakin centre, affiliated industry or other physical site.
Course overview
Improve the social, physical and mental health of agricultural communities across Australia with our Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine.
This course aims to allow students an insight into the physical and mental health issues encountered by people within the agricultural industry. You will explore what influences higher rates of morbidity and mortality in rural and remote Australia, and what influences 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.
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 Agricultural Health and Medicine
- Year
2026 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
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Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine, 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
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points 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.
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.
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
Some attendance is required at the National Centre for Farmer Health, Deakin centre, affiliated industry or other physical site.
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Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Enrolment and visa requirements
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.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
Compulsory attendance is required at a 5 day intensive workshop.
International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Not applicable
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)
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.
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.
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.
Research information
Students may undertake a research stream consisting of two units, HSH731 Minor Project A and HSH732 Minor 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.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to further postgraduate coursework programs.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine (GCAHM) opens a variety of exciting career paths by providing students with a strong foundation in agricultural health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability. After successful completion of this course you will have the academic, practical and research skills to work in a range of career paths spanning health service provision, rural research, health management, health promotion, agricultural productivity, sustainability and rural policy. The GCAHM provides an important opportunity to those who are currently, or plan to be, rural and remote professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing, health, health management, rural policy, WH&S and agriculture.
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.
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 | Apply the general principles of agricultural health and medicine in the professional environment. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
