The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The program can be undertaken on a part-time basis 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 Public Health 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

At completion of the course, students will have:

knowledge:

  • of the implications of a social determinants approach for understanding population health in Australia and internationally.

skills:

  • to critically analyse relationships between the social determinants of health and well-being, and health inequities using relevant theoretical approaches.

application of knowledge and skills:

  • to apply principles and concepts related to the social determinants of health in improving public health practice.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health 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

 PHCA9501  Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing  (4.5 units)
 PHCA9514  Action on Social Determinants of Health  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

Select 9 units from:

 PHCA9504  Critical Practice in Indigenous Health  (4.5 units)
 PHCA9506  Program Planning and Evaluation in Public Health  (9 units) 
 PHCA9507  Health Promotion in Public Health  (4.5 units) 
 PHCA9510  Leadership and the New Public Health  (4.5 units)

Other option topics may be selected in consultation with the Course Co-ordinator.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • the program must be completed within four consecutive semesters.
  • 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.