Key facts
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6. More information is available at www.ielts.org
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
Online
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The role of public health professionals has never been more important. Study the Graduate Certificate of Public Health to take the first steps towards a leadership role in this vital field. Develop practical skills in public health practice, epidemiology and biostatistics, and explore evidence-based strategies that address modern health challenges, locally and internationally.
Want to get a taste for postgraduate study while boosting your career prospects in a field you are passionate about?
If you want to become a leading voice in public health, this course will give you the tools to make it happen. It is ideal for both clinical and non-clinical health professionals, as well as graduates from other disciplines who are passionate about improving the health of individuals, communities and populations.
The Graduate Certificate of Public Health focuses on evidence-based action that drives positive change across health systems. You will use the latest research to form strategies that tackle global health issues. Then bring your ideas to life by creating initiatives for policy change and interventions. Your initiatives will address disease prevention from a big-picture angle and promote the conditions that optimise population health.
This course features three core units from the Master of Public Health:
- Principles and Practice of Public Health
- Epidemiology 1
- Biostatistics 1
These units give you a grounding in the strategies and practical techniques employed by public health professionals, with a particular focus on preventative measures and health equity. You will also be trained in key soft skills, such as problem solving, collaboration and leadership, ensuring you graduate with well-rounded capabilities. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the option of enhancing your skills by continuing on to the Graduate Diploma of Public Health or the Master of Public Health.
Your learning will be shaped by Deakin’s world-class health research. You will have direct access to the research produced by the Institute for Health Transformation, which is led by internationally recognised researchers. Close links with cutting-edge research will allow you to gain critical insights for your current role and throughout your career.
The Graduate Certificate of Public Health can be completed online, at your own pace. This mode of study is a popular choice for students who are working in the health industry while studying. Use our premium online learning platform to fit your degree around your life and achieve your career goals on your schedule.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Public Health
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- H547
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- 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 Public Health students must attain 4 credit points. Three are core units (these are compulsory) and one unit may be selected from a list of electives.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Core units
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
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
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, workshops, and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
The course requires a part-time commitment, with a substantive load of learning activities and study time. Although the course is designed for working health professionals, students will on average spend 150 hours per unit credit point over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities.
Participation requirements
See individual unit descriptions for full details.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which 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. 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 tuition fees.
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.
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.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Students will be eligible to apply for credit for this course.
Students completing the Graduate Certificate of Public Health can articulate into a higher award, the Master of Public Health (H757)
Graduates of the course may also be eligible for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) into the following courses:
H759 - Master of Health Promotion
H704 - Master of Health Economics
H756 - Master of Health and Human Services Management
Careers
Career outcomes
The health industry is the largest and fastest-growing employment industry in Australia*. On top of this, the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly increased the demand for public health practitioners. A postgraduate degree in public health puts you in a strong position to take advantage of this demand. Graduates can enjoy a broad range of career options and use their leadership skills to progress to senior positions.
Public health practitioners have the skills and experience to work in international organisations such as the:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- the non-government sector (for example, organisations focused on cancer, tobacco, drugs, reproductive health, obesity, food security, violence and HIV)
- the government sector
- local councils.
The course can also be used as a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Public Health or the Master of Public Health. Continue your studies to develop more advanced skills, build industry experience and grow your professional network.
* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021
Professional recognition
All students will receive a two-year membership to the Public Health Association of Australia while studying.
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply knowledge of public health theory, policy, surveillance, disease control and prevention, research principles, and recent public health developments in Australia and globally to practice and scholarship. |
| Communication | Communicate public health evidence, issues and solutions in an effective and coherent manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to locate, interpret and transmit knowledge, data and ideas. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate public health evidence, theory and solutions. |
| Problem solving | Use appropriate analytical and research methods to identify and interpret public health problems and propose appropriate solutions to prevent disease and injury and protect and improve health. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability applicable to public health professional practice. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate and communicate effectively with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethically appropriate research and practice skills to the appraisal of public health related issues and generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses. |