Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
Course overview
Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Public Health introduces key concepts and approaches used to improve the health and wellbeing of communities locally and globally. In Australia, over half a million new jobs are projected in the health care and social assistance sector over the next decade, creating strong demand for skilled graduates.
Build a foundation in public health practice, health systems and data-informed decision-making while learning to apply evidence to modern health challenges. Designed for professionals and graduates from a wide range of backgrounds, this course offers flexible, part-time study and is a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Master of Public Health. As the #1 Victorian university for health student support, Deakin provides a supportive learning environment as you continue building your expertise.
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 Public Health
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H547
- 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
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Public Health 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 electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
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
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, 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.
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
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: healthcare, community sector, communications, education, humanitarian sector, creative arts, and 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
$22,600 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time 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.
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.
Deakin alumni discount
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
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:
Master of Health Promotion (H759)
Master of Health Economics (H704)
Master of Health Management (H756)
Career outcomes
The healthcare and social assistance sector is Australia’s largest and fastest growing sector, with 301,000 new jobs projected to be created by November 2026*. The Graduate Certificate of Public Health will prepare you to meet this demand and to be in a strong position to pursue roles in:
- global organisations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- advocacy roles within organisations focused on cancer, tobacco, drugs, reproductive health, environmental health, obesity, food security, violence and HIV.
- population health and screening
- federal, state, and local government health departments and services.
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.
*2021 Employment Outlook – for the five years to November 2026. Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
Professional recognition
All students will receive a two-year membership to the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) while studying.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| Communicate public health evidence, issues and solutions in an effective and coherent manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to locate, interpret and transmit knowledge, data and ideas. |
| Critically evaluate public health evidence, theory and solutions. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability applicable to public health professional practice. |
| Collaborate and communicate effectively with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Apply ethically appropriate research and practice skills to the appraisal of public health related issues and generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
