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Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education

Postgraduate coursework

Discover evidence-based approaches to diabetes prevention and management, and graduate from the course ready to help patients lead healthier lives.

Key facts

Duration

1 year part-time

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Take an active role in addressing the world’s fastest growing chronic condition with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education – the longest-running course of its kind in Australia. Discover evidence-based approaches to diabetes prevention and management, and graduate from the course ready to help patients lead healthier lives.

Want to be a key support for individuals and families affected by diabetes?

There are currently 1.7 million Australians with diabetes, and a further 2 million at high risk of developing the condition^. Diabetes has a substantial physical and emotional impact on the wellbeing of those affected, and it places increasing demand on the economy, workforce and healthcare system. With a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education your specialist skills will be valued in both diabetes prevention and empowering those already with diabetes to self-manage their condition more effectively. Graduates have a vital role in promoting the health of current and future generations.

Start by exploring the complex nature of diabetes, including the causes and progression of the condition, as well as its social and psychological effects. Then, discover ways to treat, manage and prevent it through evidence-based approaches, particularly around diet, medication and lifestyle changes. Graduate from the course with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to deliver engaging, tailored diabetes education with maximum impact.

Practical learning experiences bring the theory to life and provide authentic environments where you can develop your skills and build important professional networks. In recent times, Deakin students have had access to placements in specialist diabetes services such as paediatric clinics, remote Aboriginal health services and tertiary hospitals. Students can also participate in a three-day workshop with some of the most respected educators and researchers in the field to learn about innovative approaches to diabetes education and management.

The benefits of joining the first and longest-running postgraduate diabetes course in Australia extend beyond our industry connections. Our academic staff are actively involved in research and clinical practice. And through Deakin’s long-standing partnerships with Victoria’s major health services, we’ve established The Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – a leading research centre that focuses on patient experience, safety and health workforce. Diabetes research led by our team feeds into the course.

Hoping to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)? This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and is the first step towards becoming a CDE. Visit adea.com.au for more information.

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
H520
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

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education students must attain 4 credit points. All four 1 credit point units are core units (these are compulsory).

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Core units

Each unit below is delivered online, allowing you the freedom to fit learning around your work, family and lifestyle. These units are broken down into easily-manageable weekly activities and takes approximately 10 weeks to complete in addition to assessment tasks.

Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Pathophysiology of Diabetes
  • Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts
  • Trimester 2

  • Management of Diabetes
  • Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education
  • 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.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Note for international students: This course is 100% online and international students enrolled in the course will not be eligible for an international student visa

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing clinical requirements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Students undertaking clinical placement require a police check, working with children check and evidence of immunisations.

    Workload

    As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 10-15 hours every week studying for each unit in your course, undertaking various learning tasks, interacting with others and completing assessment tasks. An optional three day workshop is scheduled during Trimester 2 and is delivered on campus at Burwood (Melbourne).

    Participation requirements

    The units of the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education are delivered online. A three day on-campus workshop is optional. Students seeking credentialing with the ADEA must complete a 40-hour clinical placement while enrolled in the course.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/health-and-wellbeing/disability-support

    Work experience

    Australian students seeking ADEA credentialing must successfully complete a 40 hour clinical practicum (while enrolled in the course), organised by academic staff.

    Placements are optional and subject to availability.

    International students are advised to refer to the professional bodies in their home country and are not able to seek credentialing with the ADEA or undertake clinical placement in Australia.

    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.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Non-academic requirements

    Applicants for the course must be appropriately qualified and currently registered professionals with a health science background, including registered nurses, midwives, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and optometrists. In order to undertake the placement component of this course students must be one of the ADEA listed CDE eligible professions, with current registration to practice as such (e.g. AHPRA).

    If you hold a tertiary health related degree in another area (for example in psychology, social work etc) you are still able to undertake and complete your Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education at Deakin, but you may not be eligible to complete the pathway to become a become a credentialled diabetes educator. For further information, please visit the ADEA Become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator website.

    Admissions information

    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

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Graduates of the course may progress to another Deakin postgraduate level courses as appropriate to their level of knowledge and skills. Students may elect to apply and request credit transfer for their studies into a Graduate Diploma or Masters in their relevant professional areas, for example, Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition, Master of Public Health Nutrition, Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion or Master of Health Science (Health Promotion) or Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology providing that the entry criteria are met.

    Recognition of prior learning arrangements are also available in recognition of an applicants' prior studies and to facilitate educational progress and professional development.

    Normal University regulation and guidelines pertain to students applying for Recognition of prior learning within this program. In all cases credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy. Recognition of prior learning is not usually provided for HND701 The Pathophysiology of Diabetes, HND732 Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts or HND702 Management of Diabetes due to the specificity of the course content.

    The Advance Diabetes Management Modules (PDU) DO NOT confer Recognition of prior learning for this course or the units within this course.

    Please obtain further clarification by contacting a Student Adviser in Student Central enquire.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    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.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education (4 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
    • is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
    • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.

    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 provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs. Students may elect to apply and request credit transfer for their studies into a Graduate Diploma or Masters in their relevant professional areas, providing the entry criteria are met.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Your understanding of diabetes, prevention strategies and management approaches will be highly sought-after in:

    • public hospitals
    • community health centres
    • primary care
    • private practices
    • government and non-government organisations
    • universities
    • health funds
    • pharmaceutical companies.

    If you continue the pathway to becoming become a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE)*, your opportunities will open up even further. As a CDE, you may be eligible for a provider number from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This helps eligible clients to receive rebates for the services you provide.

    *Subject to additional requirements. Visit adea.com.au for details

    Professional recognition

    This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and is the first step on the path towards becoming a Credentialed Diabetes Educator.

    Course learning outcomes

    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 diabetes-specific knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice to diverse clients, populations and clinical setting.
    Communication Communicate complex knowledge and ideas to clients and their families, health professionals, and the wider diabetes community, demonstrating understanding of person-centred care, empathy, appropriate language and methods to promote active engagement and empowerment.
    Digital literacy Utilise and evaluate digital technologies to facilitate learning and teaching and support diabetes self-management.
    Critical thinking Critically identify, analyse, evaluate and apply research knowledge and skills for all aspects of diabetes education and care.
    Problem Solving Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and skills to adapt diabetes education and management plans to specific client needs and in varied contexts.
    Self-management Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner and diabetes educator within their scope of practice.
    Teamwork Apply the principles of collaborative, interdisciplinary practice for working in partnership with health professionals and clients to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.
    Global citizenship Demonstrate understanding and respect for all cultures, diverse populations and perspectives and promote inclusivity and equity.