- Duration 8 months
part time - Subjects 4 subjects
(50 credit points) - Fees $4,248 per 12.5
credit point subject - Intakes August, October, January,
March, May, July
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Public Health online with the University of Melbourne?
Become a public health expert through research-led theory and practice
Our course is built on cutting-edge research and insights from top academics and clinical experts, ensuring students learn from leaders in their fields. It offers a rigorous foundation in public health theory and practice through four multidisciplinary subjects, essential for all areas of public health.
Learn from leaders in public health at Australia's #1 University1
Our experienced faculty are leaders in the field. Students benefit from their contemporary research and practical insights gained from real-world health sector experience. Students will gain a recognised qualification from Australia's top university.
1QS World University Rankings 2025
You're in control of your learning
Wherever you are, you can take charge of your learning experience. Whether this means engaging live or when it suits you, taking breaks or accelerating, connecting with others or running your own race, you're in control – of your work, study and life.
Course highlights
- Lead initiatives to drive health system transformation
- Embrace advanced technologies to enhance patient outcomes for more equitable and sustainable healthcare
- Develop innovative health solutions supported by cutting-edge research
- Advocate for and influence public health through strategies, policies and solutions.
Exploring your options? Learn more about studying the Master of Public Health online.
Learn from world-leading academics
Benefit from expert-led contemporary learning as you prepare for the next phase of your career. Engage with our world-leading academics whose expert opinions are sought after by government, shaping strategy and influencing policy.
Unlock exclusive access to the latest industry research from our world-class experts to amplify your impact in public health.
Download your course guide to meet the team responsible for the Graduate Certificate of Public Health course at Australia’s #1 university (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Career outcomes
Make your mark on a growing field that changes lives every day. The health workforce represents around 5% of Australia’s total employed workforce, growing by 37% between 2013 and 20222.
Experience an immediate and long-lasting impact on your career, with 40% of the curriculum dedicated to electives to give you the flexibility to align your course with your career goals.
This transformative qualification will help prepare you for a variety of roles, such as:
- Health Education and Development Leader
- Nursing Director/Team Lead
- Health Director
- Public Health Researcher
- NGO Manager
- Policy Adviser
- Government Adviser
- Industry/Professional Association Adviser.
Subjects of study
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health online from the University of Melbourne includes two compulsory core subjects plus your choice of two multidisciplinary electives.
This is a transformational qualification designed to equip health professionals to drive system transformation, develop innovative solutions and influence health policy.
arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information
Explore the determinants of health at individual, group, and population levels, with a focus on the health of Indigenous peoples in Australia and worldwide, as well as ethical frameworks that underpin public health practice.
Learn to conduct comprehensive health needs assessments for effective strategic planning and apply these methodologies to real-world scenarios through case studies.
Develop the knowledge and skills to analyse patterns and trends in disease occurrence across and within populations, design studies that effectively minimise bias, and understand the key characteristics of major sources of morbidity.
Explore the core principles of statistics, discovering essential tools for conducting basic statistical analyses on public health data sets and confidently interpreting research findings within a public health context.
Explore qualitative research in public health, including research design and qualitative methodologies, equipping you to design, plan, and critically evaluate this powerful tool to inform and enhance public health practices.
Explore theories and models of public health leadership and project management and gain practical skills related to critical public health initiatives, including those focused on Indigenous health.
You’re in control of your learning experience
- Choose how and where you study, with the ability to learn in real time or on demand
- Have more control over your learning with the ability to take breaks from study when needed
- Receive ongoing one-on-one support from application through to graduation
- Access resources and support systems designed to help you succeed
- Experience personalised interactions from expert educators who value your development
- Gain a competitive edge with a recognised qualification from Australia’s top university (QS, 2025).
Find out more about the online experience at the University of Melbourne.
Entry requirements
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree in public health or
- An undergraduate degree and at least two years appropriate full-time work experience (or equivalent) in a public health setting including work activities focused on health policy, health economics, health planning, epidemiology research, and more or
- An undergraduate degree and at least two years appropriate full-time work experience (or equivalent) in a professional healthcare setting including medical, nursing, AHPRA-registered allied health professional degrees (eg physiotherapist, pharmacist, chiropractor) or
- A masters degree (by research or coursework) or PhD in health or public health including medical degree, nursing degree, and AHPRA-registered allied health professional degrees.
arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per 12.5 credit point subject: $4,248*
FEE-HELP is a loan that can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan directly to the University. It enables you to borrow the amount of your tuition fees and then repay the loan once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level, or you can make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time.
For more information, including eligibility for FEE-HELP, download your course guide.
* Fees are subject to annual review by the university, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
Suraj's story
“The skills and exposure that I got during my study really helped me to stand where I am right now.”
Suraj
Master of Public Health Alumni
Enquire and receive your course guide
Discover more information on our courses, including:
- Entry requirements
- Career outcomes
- Subject descriptions
- Fees and FEE-HELP.
Explore related courses on campus
Prefer face-to-face learning? Discover a range of on-campus courses available in your area of interest.