Graduate Diploma in Public Health

Course information for - 2025 entry
International
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 1 locations
  • Melbourne

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
089310F
Fees (first year)*
$26728
Start dates
February 2025, July 2025, February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

ACU’s Graduate Diploma in Public Health equips graduates with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in public health to improve population health and well-being. The course prepares graduates to practice with a community, national or global focus, and with an ethical, social justice perspective.

On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge across major subject areas within public health; analyse and utilise best available evidence to support public health action; and demonstrate skills needed to critique and implement a range of public health interventions.

Articulation from this course into the Master of Public Health program is available.

Careers

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of Public Health programs in Australia. According to a recent public health workforce study, these opportunities are typically within the public or not-for-profit sector; however, one-quarter of postgraduate public health graduates are employed in the private sector.

Approximately half of all postgraduate public health graduates are employed within the health sector, with others finding opportunities within education, government and services sectors.

Managerial, analytical and program-/project-based roles are common destinations for postgraduate public health graduates. For many health practitioners, particularly medical practitioners or registered nurses, a postgraduate public health degree expands their career opportunities within their existing field (eg different roles or modes of practice).

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH610History and Principles of Public Health10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH620Biostatistics10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH630Determinants of Health10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsHLSC641Introduction to Health Sciences Research

    ONLINE SCHEDULED

    10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH611Health Promotion10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH621Epidemiology10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH631Disease Prevention and Management10 cp
  • Specified Public Health UnitsPUBH632Public Health Law and Policy10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Graduate Diploma - AQF Level 8

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the following requirements may exit from the course with that qualification:

  • GCPHEA: Graduate Certificate in Public Health (40 credit points)


Additional course information

ACU’s Graduate Diploma in Public Health program is distinguished by:

  • Study options and flexibility to meet the needs of postgraduate students who are also working; for example, full-/part-time study, on-campus or online study mode, intensive unit teaching schedules (including weekends);
  • A curriculum designed with reference to Australian and international conceptual frameworks for public health;
  • A focus on illustrating theory with relevant, practical examples of established and emergent public health issues and contemporary social issues with substantial health impacts, such as family violence, homelessness and cyber-/workplace bullying;
  • Assessment tasks designed to simulate practice-relevant data, situations, problems or issues, with students assessed on their responses as public health practitioners;
  • An articulation option from this program into the ACU Master of Public Health. Successful completion of all units in this program allows articulation into second-year Master of Public Health studies, with a choice of completion via the Research Pathway (involving additional research training and preparation of a minor research thesis) or by Capstone Pathway (involving a practice-based project or other approved fieldwork/project/experience). Students articulating into the Master of Public Health from this program may also chose to undertake the Global Health & Advocacy specialisation;
  • Alignment of public health’s professional values with ACU’s Mission; for example, striving to achieve prevention of illness and improved, equitable health outcomes for all people (public health practice) with the pursuit of the dignity of the human person and the common good (ACU’s Mission).


Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:

a Bachelor degree (or higher) or  equivalent.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

International applicants

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:

a Bachelor degree (or higher) or equivalent.

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwis approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Further study

Graduate Diploma in Public Health students may articulate into the Master of Public Health program. Graduates may also progress to a research degree (eg ACU Master of Health Sciences Research).

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3341
  • Average first year fee: $26728
  • Estimate total cost: $26728

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

International applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.


 

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