Graduate Certificate of Health Economics

Learn from one of Australia’s leading health economics teams

I am a domestic student ?Domestic students are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Domestic International
I am a domestic student ?Domestic students are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Domestic International

Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.

View entry requirements

Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.

View entry requirements
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Online
Duration 1 year part-time
Intakes Trimesters 1, 2, 3 View how to apply
Fees Commonwealth Support Places (CSP) available View fees and scholarships

Flexible online and on-campus study

Learn from one of Australia’s leading health economics teams

Top 5 provider in Australia for health degrees

Why choose health economics at Deakin

Build foundational skills in health economics with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Health Economics. Develop the ability to apply economic principles and evidence to support decision-making in healthcare systems and policy.

You will explore key areas including economic evaluation, resource allocation and priority setting, while developing the analytical skills to assess healthcare interventions and inform policy decisions. Study core units from Deakin’s Master of Health Economics and learn from one of the largest health economics teams in Australia, with course content shaped by active research and industry practice. Designed for busy professionals, the course can be completed in one year of part-time study, with flexible online and on-campus study options for domestic students and fully online study for international students. It also provides a pathway to further study in the Master of Health Economics.

  • Develop practical economics skills

    Build capability in economic evaluation, resource allocation and priority setting to support evidence-based healthcare decisions.

  • Learn from leading experts

    Study with one of Australia’s leading health economics teams, with course content informed by active research and industry practice.

  • Flexible study designed for professionals

    Complete the course in one year of part-time study, with online and on-campus options designed to fit around your commitments.

  • Pathway to further study

    Study core units from the Master of Health Economics and continue building your expertise through further postgraduate study.

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.

A smiling postgraduate student walks down stairs on the Burwood campus.

Get more from postgraduate study at Deakin

Learn from industry experts, build valuable professional connections and develop the expertise to progress your career or take it in a new direction.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Develop practical skills in economic evaluation, resource allocation and priority setting, and learn to make evidence-based decisions that improve healthcare. Use the graduate certificate to enhance your current role or take your first step towards a career in health economics.

Policy adviser

Use health economics principles and evidence to help inform health policy and planning. Analyse costs, outcomes and priorities to support better decisions across government, healthcare and community organisations.

  • $115k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 4.6/5

    Job satisfaction

Industries you may work in

  • Government and public policy
  • Pharmaceutical and health technology industries
  • International health organisations such as the WHO, UNDP and the World Bank Group
  • Non-government agencies, research institutes and think tanks
  • Corporate consulting firms
  • Health insurance

Key dates

Direct applications

Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026

Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

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 Health Economics?

Build foundational knowledge and analytical skills in health economics, focusing on how economic evidence informs healthcare decision-making and policy, with the option to continue your studies at masters level.

Build core health economics capability

Understand health economics principles

Learn how economic concepts, evaluation, resource allocation and priority setting influence healthcare systems and policy decisions.

Develop analytical skills

Build your ability to interpret evidence and assess the value and impact of healthcare interventions.

Tailor your studies

Choose electives in global heath economics, economic evaluation or business to align your studies with your interests and career goals.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics, 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

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
Health Economics 1
Economic Evaluation 1

Trimester 2

Resource Allocation and Priority Setting

Plus one elective unit from the following list:

Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice
Health Economics in a Global Context
Economics for Managers

Professional recognition

Deakin student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

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.

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.

150 hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point (as per AQF Explanation)

Full-time study in this course is equivalent to a full-time work commitment. Successful students typically spend about 150 hours in learning and assessment for each one credit point unit.

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.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
BurwoodMelbourne
Online

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

Analyse the implications of healthcare service delivery from an economic perspective, including implications for efficiency and access.

Communicate health economic issues, including methods and results of economic appraisal, demand and supply of health care, socio-economic influences on health and the rationale for government intervention using written reports, oral presentation and digital communication technologies to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Locate and critically evaluate digital sources of health and health systems data to make health policy recommendations.

Critically evaluate applied economic frameworks used in health economics to analyse the effects of economic policies on health services and community health, with an emphasis on cost, outcomes, efficiency, and access to health care.

Independently analyse and propose solutions to contemporary health problems from an economic perspective.

Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning and professionalism.

Collaborate and communicate effectively with others to complete tasks and solve problems.

Apply the principles of health economics and evidence-based economic evaluation to the strengthening of health systems, including universal coverage.

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Health Economics
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
H504
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

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry 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)

Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Health Outcomes Research, Health Technology Assessment, Allied Health, Health Services, Aged Care or Youth Services, Management, Commerce, Policy.

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

Get credit for your experience

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.

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.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$5,958

- Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

The estimated tuition (student contribution) 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 student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.

Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.

Two Deakin students walking outside.

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.

Browse scholarships

Applications for 2027 are open

Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.

Key dates

Direct applications

Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026

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.

Apply through Deakin

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.

Pathways

Pathways for credit are available for this course

Students completing the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics can articulate into a higher award, Master of Health Economics (H704).

Graduates of the course may also be eligible for RPL (Recognition of prior learning) into the following courses:
Master of Public Health (H757)
Master of Health Promotion (H759)
Master of Health Management (H756)