Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Get an introduction to the economic principles that shape healthcare systems with the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics. Explore microeconomics, economic evaluation and resource allocation in healthcare contexts, then learn how to harness data to become a confident decision maker. Premium online study is available for this flexible course that can be used as both a preview and pathway to the masters degree.
Ready to take your first steps towards a leadership position that can drive real change in healthcare?
The Graduate Certificate of Health Economics is designed for clinical and non-clinical health professionals who want to improve healthcare systems from the top down. It’s also suited to those from finance backgrounds looking to use their knowledge of economics to create healthier, happier communities. If you’re looking for a health economics program that’s well-established, renowned for its academic research and led by teachers at the very forefront of the field, this is the course to take your career forward.
The course features three core units from the Master of Health Economics. These key study areas provide a grounding in contemporary health economics principles and train you in the skills you will use every day in your career, such as:
- economic evaluation
- resource allocation
- priority setting
These skills allow you to make evidence-based decisions that improve the way healthcare systems operate. Whether you’re preparing a cost-benefit analysis for a new medical device, or employing economic modelling to shape health insurance policies that impact thousands, you will have the skills to make confident, informed choices. You’ll also graduate with the ability to critically evaluate current research in economic policy, understand the complexities of healthcare financing and make influential contributions to health policy development and debate.
Throughout the course you will be guided by some of the brightest and most experienced health economics academics in the country. Our team is one of the largest in Australia and our academics are active contributors to the field. The insights gathered from their work and research feeds back into the course, ensuring content is fresh, authentic and relevant to the needs of the sector. We have academics embedded in many renowned healthcare organisations and institutes across diverse roles, ensuring you have access to a mentor who aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
The course can be completed in just one year of part-time study, with flexible online study available to those with busy work schedules. Graduate with exciting career options in Australia’s fast-growing health sector, as well as a clear pathway to Deakin's Master of Health Economics.
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 Health Economics
- Year
2026 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
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Economics, 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
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point 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.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Plus one elective unit from the following list:
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.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
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)
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:
- 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$20,700 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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
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.
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)
Career outcomes
The health sector is Australia’s largest and fastest growing. With more jobs and an increased demand for skilled health professionals, you will have more opportunities to take your career forward.
Use your specialised skills to confidently explore roles in:
- pharmaceutical and health technology industries
- health insurance
- hospitals, community health organisations and healthcare management
- international health organisations such as WHO, UNDP, OECD, the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank
- government departments such as Health and Treasury and the Productivity Commission
- non-government agencies, research institutes and think tanks
- corporate consulting firms.
In addition to the diverse career options this course leads to, graduates can access more professional development opportunities and industry experience by progress on to the Master of Health Economics.
Professional recognition
Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:
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 | Analyse the implications of healthcare service delivery from an economic perspective, including implications for efficiency and access. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | Locate and critically evaluate digital sources of health and health systems data to make health policy recommendations. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | Independently analyse and propose solutions to contemporary health problems from an economic perspective. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning and professionalism. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate and communicate effectively with others to complete tasks and solve problems. |
| Global citizenship | Apply the principles of health economics and evidence-based economic evaluation to the strengthening of health systems, including universal coverage. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
