Study public health

Gain an introduction to contemporary public health issues and learn practical techniques for analysing public health problems with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the University of Newcastle. You will develop an understanding of the patterns and causes of disease within populations through evidence-based interventions and learn about the current Burden of Disease in Australia, the region and globally.

You’ll also explore the biological, social and environmental causes of these patterns of disease and how economic and political processes, health systems and organisations will determine the effectiveness of public health responses. This program approach will facilitate graduates’ access to work and further study opportunities, enhanced by our exclusively designed public health career support program.

Why study with us?

  • Tailored course selection – a variety of directed courses to choose from.
  • Learn from some of the best in the field our academic staff comprise award winning educators, experienced public health practitioners, health promotion professionals, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and researchers.
  • Study online at your own pace – the University of Newcastle’s advanced online learning system will allow you to achieve your Graduate Certificate in Public Health at a time that suits you.
  • Pathway into the Masters program the Graduate Certificate can be used as credit into the Master of Public Health.
  • Be in demand - 1700 new Health Diagnostic and Promotion Progressionals needed with 21.9% projected employment growth by 2026 (Labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
  • Save up to 60% with a commonwealth-supported place.

Woman receiving vaccination

World top 200 ? for Public Health
$1938 ? median weekly income for Health Diagnostic & Promotion Professionals before tax
93.2% ? of our graduates found employment four months after graduating

What you will study

Core courses you will study include:

  • Introduction to Public Health
  • Foundations of Health Promotion
  • Fundamentals of Epidemiology

Be a part of our exclusive ‘Public Health Career Support Program’

We partner with renowned career coaching experts to bring you a program tailored exclusively for our public health students. Unlike generic career skills workshops offered elsewhere, our sessions are designed with a sharp focus on public health. You'll gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, values, and aspirations, helping you build a career that aligns perfectly with your public health degree.

Our engaging workshops will open doors to a wide range of career possibilities within the field of public health. By participating, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your future career path.

Our program isn't just about knowledge, it's about empowering you with the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in today's dynamic job market. Your degree will shine brighter with the practical insights you'll gain with our program.

Read more

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Certificate in Public Health might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, you will have the foundational knowledge to prepare you to work across a range of public health areas including:

  • Public health units
  • Local Health Districts
  • State and Commonwealth departments
  • Non-government organisations
  • International health, development and humanitarian agencies

You also have the option of undertaking further study by enrolling in the Master of Public Health.

Professional recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for membership with the Public Health Association of Australia.

Application info

Applying for Graduate Certificate in Public Health

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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

  • Minimum of a three-year undergraduate degree in a field related to public health such as medicine, biomedical/medical science, nursing, allied health, dentistry, psychology, veterinary science, education, law, engineering, business, commerce, science and arts.
  • Applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree in a non-related field should possess a minimum of one year's work experience in a related field.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates