Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking |
| Deakin course code | H516 |
| Course credit points | 4 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | Up to 1 year of part-time study. The course is only available to students on a part-time basis. |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| 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
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Fees and charges
Course overview
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.
Indicative student workload
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.
Career opportunities
Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking equips you with the digital tools, facilitation skills and practical approaches to analyse complexity and partner with communities to drive meaningful improvement in health and social systems that advances social justice. Designed for professionals working in healthcare, policy and community sectors, the course builds your capability to lead change, improve services and collaborate across organisational and disciplinary boundaries.
Apply your systems thinking expertise to:
- strengthen community and human services through deeper engagement and co-designed solutions
- lead innovative health promotion and wellbeing initiatives that address complex challenges
- drive improvement and innovation across hospitals and health services
- shape policy, planning and governance with a systems lens on equity and impact
- lead cross-sector collaboration and partnerships that create lasting change
- support organisational development and change through systems-informed strategy
- build sustainability and climate resilience across environmental and social programs.
This flexible part-time course is designed to complement the expertise you’ve already built, whether through hands-on industry experience or postgraduate study. It strengthens your ability to navigate complexity, lead change and apply systems thinking directly within your current role. For those interested in further study, it can also serve as a stepping stone toward advanced learning or research in health and social systems.
Participation requirements
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.
Course learning outcomes
| 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. |
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.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Systems Thinking, 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
Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HSH756 | Introduction to Systems Thinking |
| HSH736 | Community Consultation and Participation |
Trimester 2
| HSH757 | Systems Thinking for Health and Social Transformation |
| HSH769 | Leading Systems Change |
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.