Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Apply TodayRegister Your Interest
Duration
0.5 years full-time, 1 year part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2026
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CL46
First-year fee
$4,768 (2026 Indicative) (CSP)
$15,078 (2026 Indicative) (FFP)
This course offers Commonwealth Supported Places, meaning you may be eligible for significant fee savings.
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
Apply Today
a Public Health student holding an apple

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is ideal if you're working in a community-focused industry role, or are simply interested in expanding your knowledge on the societal factors that influence health outcomes and want to make a real difference in your community. 

This course will introduce you to the social-ecological model of health that forms the basis of community-based and community-led public health. This approach reflects contemporary trends in public health and provides the basis of innovative interventions for social change. 

You will explore the origins and evolution of public health and the underlying principles of community-based and community-led public health and be introduced to complex adaptive systems thinking and how this influences the way we think about public health. You will also have the opportunity to select one elective from other public health units to best meet your needs. 

Public health is a dynamic and broad discipline and completing the units in this degree will help you develop skills and knowledge in complex adaptive systems thinking, social and environmental determinants of health, participatory and pragmatic approaches to public health issues, including strengths-based as well as disease prevention.

Study Experience

Discover more about your postgraduate public health degree, offering flexible study options and significant fee savings for eligible students. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Authentic Learning Experiences
  • Commonwealth Supported
  • Experienced Teaching Team
  • Online or On Campus
  • Seamless Pathways
  • Study Full-time or Part-time

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health prepares graduates for work in community-based and community-led services and organisations. You can also work on projects for government and non-government organisations relating to a number of health fields including health promotion and health administration.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete four units (24 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (3 units)
  2. 2
    One elective unit

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Core Units

You will study the three units listed below.

Elective Units

You will choose one elective from the units listed below.

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. 

Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one academic year depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. For a graduate certificate, this is usually four units studied full-time over one term or part-time over two terms. The indicative fee should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.

Commonwealth Supported Places

With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2025, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.

HECS-HELP

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.

Related Courses

All Courses
All Courses

Bachelor of Public Health (Specialisation)

Online, On Campus

3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Bundaberg, Cairns, Melbourne, Online, Rockhampton, Townsville

Graduate Certificate in First Nations Public Health

On Campus, Online

0.5 years full-time, 1 year part-time

Melbourne, Online, Sydney

Master of Public Health

On Campus, Online

2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Melbourne, Online, Sydney