Practical systems thinking intensive
Learn group model building and simulation modelling
Flexible part-time online study
Why choose systems thinking at Deakin
The Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking is designed for professionals who want to tackle complex health and social challenges through systems thinking, collaboration and evidence-informed decision-making. You will develop practical skills to analyse complexity, identify opportunities for community-led change and lead systems-focused approaches to advance social justice across health, community and policy settings.
Through online learning and a four-day intensive, you will explore system dynamics, participatory practice and systems transformation. You will gain hands-on experience in group model building (GMB), causal mapping and simulation modelling using tools including STICKE, Deakin’s custom-built systems thinking platform.
Using case studies in areas such as mental health, climate adaptation, family violence and social inclusion, you will apply systems thinking to contemporary challenges while strengthening leadership and collaborative practice skills.
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Develop practical systems thinking capability
Learn to analyse complexity, identify leverage points and advance social justice in health and social systems.
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Build hands-on facilitation and modelling skills
Gain experience in group model building (GMB), causal mapping and simulation modelling using tools including STICKE.
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Learn through collaborative and participatory practice
Explore approaches that centre community knowledge, participation and shared decision-making.
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Flexible study for working professionals
Study part-time online and attend a four-day intensive focused on systems transformation and collaborative problem solving.
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 on your expertise to lead change across health and social systems. Systems thinking can strengthen your impact in health services, policy, community programs, organisational development and cross-sector partnerships.
Health manager
Apply systems thinking to improve services, guide strategy and lead change across health and community organisations. Health managers coordinate people, resources and programs to improve service delivery and outcomes.
- $128k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Professional areas
- Health services
- Community and human services
- Health promotion and wellbeing
- Policy, planning and governance
- Organisational development and change
- Cross-sector partnerships
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
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 Systems Thinking?
You will develop practical systems thinking skills to help analyse complexity, strengthen collaboration and support systems change to advance social justice across health, community and policy settings. Through flexible online study and a hands-on intensive, you will learn to apply systems thinking approaches to contemporary health and social challenges.
Apply systems thinking to complex challenges
Explore systems thinking and transformation
Learn how systems thinking can be used to understand complexity, identify leverage points and support community-led change across health and social systems.
Build facilitation and modelling skills
Gain hands-on experience during a four-day intensive in group model building (GMB), causal mapping and simulation modelling using tools including STICKE.
Strengthen collaborative and participatory practice
Explore approaches that centre community knowledge, participation and shared decision-making across diverse settings and contexts.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking, 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
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.
As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. You will also be required to attend an on-campus four-day intensive learning experience in Geelong. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
You will be required to attend in person intensives live across consecutive days and will need to take time off work and other commitments to attend.
Intensive workshops are held on campus for the unit HSH736 Community Consultation and Participation across 4 days at the Geelong Waterfront campus.
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 |
|---|
| Apply systems thinking to analyse and address complex health and social challenges, with an emphasis on social determinants of health and the dynamics of organisational and community systems. |
| Using systems thinking as an interdisciplinary tool to navigate complex health and social systems data and communicate with diverse audiences. |
| Critically evaluate and use digital technologies, including specialised systems thinking software, to locate, analyse, and disseminate information. |
| Apply systems thinking to critically evaluate, synthesise and provide insights regarding complex information, theories, and data in health and social systems. |
| Identify innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex health and social problems by integrating systems thinking, leveraging diverse perspectives, and critically considering contextual factors such as power, equity, and social determinants. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, and critically reflective self-management by applying systems thinking to adapt to new and complex challenges, balancing professional responsibilities with a commitment to ethical practice and lifelong learning. |
| Work collaboratively and inclusively with individuals and groups from diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and contexts, using systems thinking to foster shared understanding and navigate complexity. |
| Engage ethically with diverse communities when applying systems thinking to explore multicultural approaches to understanding and addressing complex health and social challenges. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H516
- 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
$7,994
- 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.
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.
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 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.
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.