Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
Campus	This course is only offered Online
Length	1 year part-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$13,900 AUD
Level	Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Deakin course code	H520
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Take an active role in addressing the world’s fastest growing chronic condition with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education – the longest-running course of its kind in Australia. Discover evidence-based approaches to diabetes prevention and management, and graduate from the course ready to help patients lead healthier lives.

Want to be a key support for individuals and families affected by diabetes?

There are currently 1.7 million Australians with diabetes, and a further 2 million at high risk of developing the condition^. Diabetes has a substantial physical and emotional impact on the wellbeing of those affected, and it places increasing demand on the economy, workforce and healthcare system. With a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education your specialist skills will be valued in both diabetes prevention and empowering those already with diabetes to self-manage their condition more effectively. Graduates have a vital role in promoting the health of current and future generations.

Start by exploring the complex nature of diabetes, including the causes and progression of the condition, as well as its social and psychological effects. Then, discover ways to treat, manage and prevent it through evidence-based approaches, particularly around diet, medication and lifestyle changes. Graduate from the course with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to deliver engaging, tailored diabetes education with maximum impact.

Practical learning experiences bring the theory to life and provide authentic environments where you can develop your skills and build important professional networks. In recent times, Deakin students have had access to placements in specialist diabetes services such as paediatric clinics, remote Aboriginal health services and tertiary hospitals. Students can also participate in a three-day workshop with some of the most respected educators and researchers in the field to learn about innovative approaches to diabetes education and management.

The benefits of joining the first and longest-running postgraduate diabetes course in Australia extend beyond our industry connections. Our academic staff are actively involved in research and clinical practice. And through Deakin’s long-standing partnerships with Victoria’s major health services, we’ve established The Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – a leading research centre that focuses on patient experience, safety and health workforce. Diabetes research led by our team feeds into the course.

Hoping to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)? This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and is the first step towards becoming a CDE. Visit adea.com.au for more information.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and is the first step on the path towards becoming a Credentialed Diabetes Educator.

Fees and charges

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.

Career opportunities

Your understanding of diabetes, prevention strategies and management approaches will be highly sought-after in:

public hospitals
community health centres
primary care
private practices
government and non-government organisations
universities
health funds
pharmaceutical companies.

If you continue the pathway to becoming become a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE)*, your opportunities will open up even further. As a CDE, you may be eligible for a provider number from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This helps eligible clients to receive rebates for the services you provide.

*Subject to additional requirements. Visit adea.com.au for details

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice to diverse clients, populations and clinical setting.
Communication	Communicate complex knowledge and ideas to clients and their families, health professionals, and the wider diabetes community, demonstrating understanding of person-centred care, empathy, appropriate language and methods to promote active engagement and empowerment.
Digital literacy	Utilise and evaluate digital technologies to facilitate learning and teaching and support diabetes self-management.
Critical thinking	Critically identify, analyse, evaluate and apply research knowledge and skills for all aspects of diabetes education and care.
Problem Solving	Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and skills to adapt diabetes education and management plans to specific client needs and in varied contexts.
Self-management	Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner and diabetes educator within their scope of practice.
Teamwork	Apply the principles of collaborative, interdisciplinary practice for working in partnership with health professionals and clients to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.
Global citizenship	Demonstrate understanding and respect for all cultures, diverse populations and perspectives and promote inclusivity and equity.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education, 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
4 credit points of core units.

Most units are equal to one credit point.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Course structure

Core units

Each unit below is delivered online, allowing you the freedom to fit learning around your work, family and lifestyle. These units are broken down into easily-manageable weekly activities and takes approximately 10 weeks to complete in addition to assessment tasks.

Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

HND701

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

HND732

Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts

Trimester 2

HND702

Management of Diabetes

HND731

Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education

Admission criteria

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.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline

Examples of related disciplines include, but not limited to: Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy, Exercise Physiology, Optometry, Podiatry, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner.

English language proficiency requirements

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) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Non-academic requirements

Applicants for the course must be appropriately qualified and currently registered professionals with a health science background, including registered nurses, midwives, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and optometrists.

Registration with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or accreditation with the relevant professional body (e.g. Dietitian Association of Australia; Exercise and Sports Science Australia) is required to attend the 40-hour professional placement.

If you hold a tertiary health related degree in another area (for example in psychology, social work etc) you are still able to undertake and complete your Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education at Deakin, but you may not be eligible to complete the pathway to become a become a credentialled diabetes educator. For further information, please visit the ADEA Become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator website.

Admissions information

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.

Pathways

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs. Students may elect to apply and request credit transfer for their studies into a Graduate Diploma or Masters in their relevant professional areas, providing the entry criteria are met.

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.

Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Normal University regulation and guidelines pertain to students applying for Recognition of prior learning within this program. In all cases credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy. Recognition of prior learning is not usually provided for HND701 The Pathophysiology of Diabetes, HND732 Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts or HND702 Management of Diabetes due to the specificity of the course content.

Please obtain further clarification by contacting a Student Adviser in Student Central enquire.

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing clinical requirements.

Workload

As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 10-15 hours every week studying for each unit in your course, undertaking various learning tasks, interacting with others and completing assessment tasks. An optional three day workshop is scheduled during Trimester 2 and is delivered on campus at Burwood (Melbourne).

Work experience

Australian students seeking ADEA credentialing must successfully complete a 40 hour clinical practicum (while enrolled in the course), organised by academic staff.

Placements are optional and subject to availability.

International students are advised to refer to the professional bodies in their home country and are not able to seek credentialing with the ADEA or undertake clinical placement in Australia.

Participation requirements

The units of the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education are delivered online. A three day on-campus workshop is optional. Students seeking credentialling with the ADEA must complete a 40-hour clinical placement while enrolled in the course.

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.

Mandatory student checks

Students undertaking clinical placement require a police check, working with children check and evidence of immunisations.