Graduate Diploma of Public Health

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2023 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of Public Health
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. 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)
Online	Yes
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	107523F Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course code	H647
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

With the recent COVID-19 global health crisis highlighting the need for qualified healthcare professionals, public health specialists have never been so important. Study the Graduate Diploma of Public Health to take the first step 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 dip your toes in postgraduate study while boosting your career prospects in public health?

If you aim to make a difference to the wellbeing of people and communities through the field of 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 Diploma 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.

The course focuses on improving existing health-promoting environments, identifying public health priorities, generating initiatives for policy and action, and developing strategies and interventions to ensure equity in the health system. It will provide you with:

an appreciation of the historical foundations of public health
a broad-based understanding of the determinants of health in populations
knowledge, skills and understanding of broad public health endeavours
knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and improve upon existing health-promoting environments
critical thinking skills around the promotion of health and prevention of disease
strategies to ensure equity in the health system and interventions to promote the health of disadvantaged groups.
an appreciation of the complex challenges in public health and the need for multidimensional solutions
skills necessary to generate and use research data.

The Graduate Diploma of Public Health features 8 core units from the Master of Public Health. 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 Master of Public Health and will have already completed half of the credit points from the masters.

Your learnings will be shaped by Deakin’s world-class health research. You will have direct access to the research produced by the Institute for Healthcare Transformation and the Centre for Population Health Research, both of which are led by internationally recognised researchers. Studying a course so closely connected to leading research gives you a distinct advantage. Draw on these insights during projects, in your current role and throughout your entire career.

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 one of the largest and fastest growing employment sectors in Australia*. A postgraduate degree in public health puts you in a position to take advantage of this demand. Graduates can broaden their career options and use their leadership skills to progress to senior positions.

Public health practitioners have the opportunity to work in international organisations such as:

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 at a federal or state level
local councils.

Some common public health jobs include:

Epidemiologist
Community health worker
Disease and infection investigator
Environmental health specialist
Global health professional
Occupational health and safety specialist
Urban planner
Health educator
Emergency preparedness and response coordinator
Public health policy coordinator
Research analyst
Public health physician

Visit the Public Health Association of Australia website for more information.
* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021

Participation requirements

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

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.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Public Health (H547)

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.

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 mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills in the area of public health that includes the understanding of recent developments, research principles, methods and professional practice
Communication	Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills to mindfully interpret, articulate and transmit public health information and practice to advise and educate diverse communities.
Digital literacy	Collect, organise, assess and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas across a range of public health contexts to disseminate and transmit information into practice.
Critical thinking	Evaluate evidence and appraise solutions to public health practice and care by critically reflecting on and generating complex ideas and concepts with consideration to diverse contexts.
Problem solving	Apply expert knowledge and skills using appropriate research methods to critically analyse, evaluate and develop authentic public health strategies and solutions to improve the health status and practice of communities.
Self-management	Demonstrate effective self-management skills to address personal workloads and timeframes with a commitment to ethical practice, engaging in lifelong learning
Teamwork	Demonstrate the ability to contribute and work effectively within a team environment across a range of disciples and backgrounds.
Global citizenship	Engage in ethical and professional practice and research to generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses to public health contexts.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Public Health students must attain 8 credit points, consisting of 8 core units (these are compulsory).

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).