The Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The program can be undertaken full-time in one semester subject to availability of the relevant topics. It can also be undertaken part-time in two to four consecutive semesters.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification and have their candidature approved by the Faculty Board.

The Graduate Certificate articulates with the Master of Public Health program and credit is normally given for appropriate topics completed in the graduate certificates.

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to incorporate the principles of primary health care in order to reduce inequalities in health care access and health outcomes. 

Learning outcomes

Graduates will have the ability to:

  • analyse theoretical concepts relevant to the determinants of health and well-being;
  • understand the relevance of models of primary health care in a range of real world and workplace problems; and
  • appreciate the benefits of multi-disciplinary approaches in health and human services to promoting and improving health.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Core - Year 1 topics


9 units comprising

 PHCA8501  Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing  (9 units)

Elective - Year 1 topics 


Select 9 units from:

 PHCA8504  Social Determinants of Indigenous Health  (9 units) 
 PHCA8506  Program Planning and Evaluation in Public Health  (9 units) 
 PHCA8507  Health Promotion in Public Health  (4.5 units) 
 PHCA8510  Leadership and the New Public Health  (4.5 units)

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • the program must be completed within four consecutive semesters. A lesser period may be set for students granted credit for previous studies
  • no topic may be attempted more than twice.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in 18 units or more, or the award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.