Graduate Certificate of Public Health

2022 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2022 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2022 course information
Award granted	Graduate Certificate of Public Health
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2022. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2022. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2022. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud Campus	Yes
Duration	Up to 1 year of part-time study. The course is only available to students on a part-time basis.
Deakin course code	H547
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
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

The role of public health professionals has never been more important. Study the Graduate Certificate of Public Health to take the first steps towards a leadership role in this vital field. Develop practical skills in public health practice, epidemiology and biostatistics, and explore evidence-based strategies that address modern health challenges, locally and internationally.

Want to get a taste for postgraduate study while boosting your career prospects in a field you are passionate about?

If you want to become a leading voice in public health, this course will give you the tools to make it happen. It is ideal for both clinical and non-clinical health professionals, as well as graduates from other disciplines who are passionate about improving the health of individuals, communities and populations.

The Graduate Certificate of Public Health focuses on evidence-based action that drives positive change across health systems. You will use the latest research to form strategies that tackle global health issues. Then bring your ideas to life by creating initiatives for policy change and interventions. Your initiatives will address disease prevention from a big-picture angle and promote the conditions that optimise population health.

This course features three core units from the Master of Public Health:

Principles and Practice of Public Health
Epidemiology 1
Biostatistics 1

These units give you a grounding in the strategies and practical techniques employed by public health professionals, with a particular focus on preventative measures and health equity. You will also be trained in key soft skills, such as problem solving, collaboration and leadership, ensuring you graduate with well-rounded capabilities. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the option of enhancing your skills by continuing on to the Graduate Diploma of Public Health or the Master of Public Health.

Your learning will be shaped by Deakin’s world-class health research. You will have direct access to the research produced by the Institute for Health Transformation, which is led by internationally recognised researchers. Close links with cutting-edge research will allow you to gain critical insights for your current role and throughout your career.

The Graduate Certificate of Public Health can be completed online, at your own pace. This mode of study is a popular choice for students who are working in the health industry while studying. Use our premium online learning platform to fit your degree around your life and achieve your career goals on your schedule.

Indicative student workload

As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, 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.

Professional recognition

All students will receive a two-year membership to the Public Health Association of Australia while studying.

Career opportunities

The health industry is the largest and fastest-growing employment industry in Australia*. On top of this, the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly increased the demand for public health practitioners. A postgraduate degree in public health puts you in a strong position to take advantage of this demand. Graduates can enjoy a broad range of career options and use their leadership skills to progress to senior positions.

Public health practitioners have the skills and experience to work in international organisations such as the:

World Health Organization (WHO)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

As well as:

the non-government sector (for example, organisations focused on cancer, tobacco, drugs, reproductive health, obesity, food security, violence and HIV)
the government sector
local councils.

The course can also be used as a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Public Health or the Master of Public Health. Continue your studies to develop more advanced skills, build industry experience and grow your professional network.

* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021

Participation requirements

See individual unit descriptions for full details.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.

Mandatory student checks

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.

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:
H759 - Master of Health Promotion
H704 - Master of Health Economics
H756 - Master of Health and Human Services Management

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as photocopying or travel.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	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.
Communication	Communicate public health evidence, issues and solutions in an effective and coherent manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Digital literacy	Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to locate, interpret and transmit knowledge, data and ideas.
Critical thinking	Critically evaluate public health evidence, theory and solutions.
Problem solving	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.
Self-management	Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability applicable to public health professional practice.
Teamwork	Collaborate and communicate effectively with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
Global citizenship	Apply ethically appropriate research and practice skills to the appraisal of public health related issues and generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Public Health students must attain 4 credit points. Three are core units (these are compulsory) and one unit may be selected from a list of electives.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).