#36 in the world for public health
Top 5 provider in Australia for health degrees
Industry-connected learning
Why choose public health at Deakin
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.
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Apply public health in practice
Build job-ready skills through applied learning that prepares you to contribute to real public health challenges.
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Study a flexible online course
Complete your degree fully online while building skills to work in public health settings.
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Globally recognised public health degree
Study at a university ranked #36 in the world for public health.
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A leading health education provider
Study with a top 5 provider of health degrees in Australia.
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.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build a foundation for public health careers across government, advocacy, population health and global organisations, with a pathway to further study and broader career opportunities.
Policy analyst
Research and analyse policy issues, assess options and help shape evidence-informed public health policy across government and health organisations.
- 16%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $113k
Median annual earnings
Professional areas
- Global health organisations
- Government health departments and services
- Population health and screening
- Public health advocacy
“Deakin’s reputation for excellence in public health education, combined with its emphasis on practical learning, made it an easy choice.”
AbhinavPostgraduate public health student
Stories that start here
FAQs
Organisations like the WHO, UNICEF and other international agencies look for candidates with strong public health knowledge, research skills and experience in global health systems. Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Public Health and the full Master of Public Health provide the academic credentials and practical competencies that support applications to global health organisations. Building experience through fieldwork and research strengthens your profile further.
Postgraduate public health programs at Deakin cover epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, social determinants of health, global health systems, policy analysis and program evaluation. Students develop skills in health data interpretation, community health needs assessment and evidence-based intervention design. The curriculum prepares graduates for roles in government health agencies, international organisations, research institutes and the NGO sector.
Effective public health professionals combine analytical and epidemiological skills with communication, policy literacy and community engagement capabilities. The ability to interpret health data, design interventions, evaluate programs and work across complex systems is essential. Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Public Health develops these competencies in a flexible format suited to working health professionals seeking to expand their expertise.
As a Deakin student, you'll have access to dedicated career support throughout your studies and after you graduate. Deakin offers one-on-one career coaching, resume and job application feedback, interview preparation, networking opportunities, employer events, career workshops and access to an exclusive jobs and internships board. You can also access guidance on career planning, work-integrated learning and building your professional skills to help you transition confidently into employment.
*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 Public Health?
The Graduate Certificate of Public Health introduces the core concepts, tools and approaches used in public health. You will build foundational knowledge and skills that can be applied in a range of professional contexts, with the option to continue your studies at graduate diploma or masters level.
Foundations of public health practice
Understand public health systems
Learn how health systems operate, including policy, promotion and equity, and how to respond to modern public health challenges.
Develop analytical skills
Build your ability to interpret and apply health data, using evidence to inform decision-making.
Explore areas of interest
Choose an elective of either health promotion or health protection to begin shaping your interests.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Public Health, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. This course is available part-time only, with students typically studying one to two credit points each study period.
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
Professional recognition
All students will receive a two-year membership to the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) while studying.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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| 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. |
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$22,600
AUD
The estimated tuition 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 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.
Scholarships
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.
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.
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
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)