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
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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.
IMPORTANT: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s online courses. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions, it is suggested that you apply for a Visitor Visa to study for a short period in Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a Visitor Visa by the Australian Government.
Explore visa options, including Visitor Visas and other study pathways, on the Department of Home Affairs.
All places offered to international students in this course are only offered via online study mode. Deakin University is not obligated to provide any students with a COE (confirmation of enrolment) to facilitate a student visa application.
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.
Intensives Information:
Students must attend HSH736 Community Consultation and Participation on campus at Geelong Waterfront campus. International students who are completing the intensive are advised to obtain a visitor's visa to participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions. Student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s online courses.
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
$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.