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
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 foundations
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
AUD
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.
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 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.
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.