Graduate Diploma of Public Health
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Public Health |
| Deakin course code | H647 |
| Course credit points | 8 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 107523F Burwood (Melbourne) |
| 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
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Alternative exits
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Public Health builds your knowledge of public health and develops the practical skills to improve the health and wellbeing of communities locally and globally. In Australia, over half a million new jobs are projected in the health care and social assistance sector over the next decade, creating strong demand for skilled graduates.
Develop a strong foundation in public health practice, health systems and policy while learning to apply evidence to contemporary public health challenges. Build skills in data interpretation, health promotion and population health, preparing you to contribute to public health initiatives across diverse settings. Designed for professionals and graduates from a range of backgrounds, this course offers flexible online and on-campus study, and a pathway into the Master of Public Health. As the #1 university in Victoria for health student support, Deakin provides a supportive learning environment as you continue building your expertise.
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 lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. Details for individual units are available in the course structure.
Professional recognition
All students will receive a two-year membership to the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) 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 (PHAA) 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.
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
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
Alternative exits
| Graduate Certificate of Public Health (H547) |
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills to mindfully interpret, articulate and transmit public health information and practice to advise and educate diverse communities. |
| Collect, organise, assess and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas across a range of public health contexts to disseminate and transmit information into practice. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate effective self-management skills to address personal workloads and timeframes with a commitment to ethical practice, engaging in lifelong learning. |
| Demonstrate the ability to contribute and work effectively within a team environment across a range of disciples and backgrounds. |
| Engage in ethical and professional practice and research to generate appropriate and culturally sensitive responses to public health contexts. |
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 Diploma of Public Health you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Public Health includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit- point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HSH701 | Principles and Practice of Public Health |
| HSH702 | Contemporary Health Issues and Policies |
| HSH703 | Health Promotion |
| HSH728 | Health Equity and Human Rights |
| HSH744 | Epidemiology 1 |
| HSH746 | Biostatistics 1 |
| HSH770 | Health Protection |
and one of
| HSH725 | Research Literacy |
| HSH753 | Research Methods in Health and Social Development |
Note: Students wishing to continue their studies into the Master of Public Health and complete a minor or major project option are recommended to complete core unit HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements.
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.