Tackle health inequality through policy and systems change
Learn from leading health researchers
Study part-time online
Why choose determinants of health at Deakin
In Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Determinants of Health, you will develop the skills to understand and address the powerful forces shaping health. Examine how commercial, economic, political, social and environmental drivers influence health outcomes, inequalities and the wellbeing of communities and societies. Build a critical understanding of the structural drivers of health in Australia and globally, and learn to investigate them using policy analysis, business databases and government and United Nations data sources. You will also explore transformative approaches to policy, governance and systems change, equipping you with practical problem-solving and analytical skills to respond to complex health challenges.
Grounded in contemporary health issues, the course also draws on disciplines including law, economics, political science and sociology. You will learn from Deakin’s world-leading research expertise in the commercial and economic determinants of health and global health governance. This specialised course is relevant to professionals working across public health, government, policy, advocacy, ethical investment, sustainability and related sectors in Australia and internationally. Study online and part-time over one year, building contemporary skills while continuing your career.
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Gain pratical analytical skills
Use business, government and United Nations data sources to investigate structural drivers of health and support evidence-informed action.
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Study around your commitments
Complete the course online and part time, with a structure designed for professionals in Australia and overseas.
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Learn from research leaders
Draw on Deakin’s world-leading expertise in the commercial and economic determinants of health, including its national and global networks.
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Take a multidisciplinary view
Examine how commercial, economic, political and social forces interact to shape health outcomes and inequalities.
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 examine and respond to the structural forces that shape health, with opportunities across public health, government, policy, advocacy, sustainability and related fields.
Policy analyst
Research and analyse policy issues, assess options and help shape evidence-informed public health policy across government and health organisations.
- 16%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $113k
Median annual earnings
Professional areas
- Policy analysis and advice
- Public health and health promotion
- Research and knowledge translation
- Advocacy
- Sustainability, environmental, social and governance
- Government and NGO projects
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 Determinants of Health?
Build the knowledge and practical skills to examine how commercial, economic, political and social forces shape health, then develop evidence-informed approaches for meaningful change.
Understand and influence health
Build your analytical foundation
Explore key theories, concepts and methods for understanding the structural determinants of individual, population and planetary health.
Examine the forces shaping health
Investigate how commercial, economic, political and social environments influence health outcomes and inequalities.
Develop strategies for change
Apply evidence, policy analysis and transformative approaches to address power, inequality and complex health challenges.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Determinants of Health, 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
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
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.
As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
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.
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 |
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| Apply theories and concepts associated with the determinants of health and deploy key frameworks and methods relating to the social, political, commercial, economic and environmental drivers of health outcomes. |
| Develop high-level oral and written communication and report writing skills, and interpret health and socio-economic data for diverse audiences using appropriate frameworks, methods and visual tools. |
| Use digital technologies and data environments to construct, visualise and communicate data and analysis on the determinants of health. |
| Critically evaluate, synthesise and present a range of disciplinary approaches to the determinants of health and apply relevant theories and frameworks to interrogate the structural drivers of health outcomes at domestic and global levels. |
| Identify evidence-based solutions to complex health and social problems by applying critical analysis and evaluation skills, and communicate recommendations and policy pathways to diverse audiences. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, and critical reflection, with a commitment to ethical practice, continuous learning and solution-focused approaches to complex health and social issues. |
| Work collaboratively and inclusively with individuals and groups from diverse disciplines, backgrounds and contexts, using theories, evidence and methods to develop shared approaches to understanding and addressing the various determinants of health. |
| Engage ethically with key health issues facing diverse communities in Australia and internationally, applying interdisciplinary approaches to explore Indigenous, multicultural and decolonised perspectives on understanding and addressing complex global health and social challenges; and propose and communicate evidence-based solutions that improve human and planetary health. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Determinants of Health
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H519
- 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
$15,900
- 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.
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.