What is a Graduate Certificate in Public Health?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health focuses on health and the prevention of illness, disease, injury and death. Covering topics such as social, cultural and behavioural factors in public health; health policy and advocacy; health systems and economics, and epidemiology, this course offers experienced health professionals both a standalone qualification and a pathway to the Graduate Diploma of Public Health or the Master of Public Health.
Learning outcomes
- Apply local and global public health awareness to public health challenges.
- Assess, analyse and communicate population health information to diverse audiences.
- Design and apply intervention strategies to detect, prevent and control diseases.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the ethical practice of public health, and the principles of access and equity.
This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.
* For more details on international student study options.
Career opportunities
Public Health professionals work in a range of roles in government, private, not-for-profit organisations and the university sector. The career opportunities are diverse and can be found in a range of employment settings. Upon completion of this course, you can progress your career in Public Health, or continue studying at graduate diploma or master level.
Career paths
- Environmental Health Manager
- Community Health and Health Promotion
- Government Health Department
- Non-governmental Health Agencies
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Future careers
- Policy Officer
- Development Officer
- Disease Researcher
- Health Service Administration
Subjects and units
Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.
International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements. For more information, visit Study in Australia.
International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.
1 Core subjects
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Social, Behavioural and Cultural Factors in Public Health | PUBH6000Students in this course explore the field and practice of public health. They learn to identify and analyse major social, behavioural, and cultural factors that affect population health outcomes, including social determinants of health (e.g. gender, socio-economic status and social capital), community capacity, resilience, age, race/ethnicity, the environment, and behavioural risks. Students consider medical, social and behavioural approaches to health promotion and public health interventions. Students also examine current and emerging theoretical and conceptual frameworks from the social behavioural and medical sciences. They apply these frameworks and other theories presented in the course to intervention strategies or program initiatives that address current public health priorities.
Specialisation subjects
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Health Systems and Economics | PUBH6003Explore fundamental topics relating to health systems and health economics as you delve further into the public health industry. Learn about various theoretical and conceptual frameworks of health systems, as well as financial and resourcing requirements – both of which are vital for the justification of planning and delivery of effective public health programs. You will be introduced to different strategies to facilitate successful navigation within health care systems in Australia and other countries around the world. Important issues, including the development of policies, the role of the government, public health funding and expenditure, and public health programs and services, will be closely examined to provide you with an overall picture of how health systems are organised on a local, national and global scale.
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Global and Environmental Health Issues | PUBH6002This course provides an overview of global health issues and of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of communities. It considers the ways in which globalisation has affected the social, economic and political determinants of health, including trends in communicable and non-communicable diseases at a global level, and the importance of risk communication for disease prevention and outbreak. The relationships between issues such as global health and foreign policy, trade, security and development are explored, along with global health governance and financing mechanisms. Students also examine causal links between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on health. They also explore the genetic, physiologic, and psychosocial factors that influence environmentally compromised health outcomes. This is applied to current solutions and considers new ways to address environmental threats, such as waste, water, air, vectors and global warming, as well as issues related to dealing with mass and social media during a public health crisis.
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Epidemiology | PUBH6005Gain significant insight into the public health industry by understanding the role of epidemiology in prevention and screening, and disease surveillance response. The key concepts of incidence, prevalence and causation in relation to this will be explored. You will learn how to interpret key sources of data and use basic epidemiological measures to draw appropriate inferences. Develop skills to help you identify the strengths, limitations and appropriate uses of various research designs and methodologies in health research. Then extend these skills by critiquing different study designs with respect to research question/hypothesis. Finally, bring together the knowledge and skills you have acquired by elaborating on the role and potential application of epidemiology in public health research, policy and advocacy.
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Digital Health and Informatics | DHI401Digital health (or e-health) competency is an essential part of employability in the health and well-being sector in the current world, and one that is mandatory for Australian health professionals. Develop your knowledge in this area by exploring the current and emerging information communication technologies (ICTs) in use within the Australian health sector, including national e-health records, tele-health, tele-medicine, m-health, mobile apps, wearable technologies, internet of things (IoT), AI and others. The strategic use of technologies and methods to protect the privacy and security of citizens (for example, permission blockchain), along with respective legal frameworks (policies and law), will also be examined. Learn how to identify basic applications of “health informatics” in the public health context, focusing on health surveillance methods in prevalence (for example, disease surveillance, mapping, contact tracing). The relevance of specific data sets and how these are synthesised using ICT tools and techniques will also be considered. Current methods will be evaluated, with an applied focus on how social media and technology tools (for example, GIS) are being used in public health surveillance. Lastly, you will consider how digital technology applies to your chosen profession (doctor, nurse, paramedic, allied health). You will also reflect on how technology augments public and population health skills and how health care ethics need to be coordinated across different health care professions.
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Health Promotion and Community Health | PUBH6206Building upon your knowledge of public health principles, the next focus will be on health promotion principles and the theories and concepts of community health. You will now learn how to apply health promotion principles, theoretical frameworks and strategies into health promotion intervention for diverse communities. A practical assessment of the health status of various communities will illustrate the value of health promotion interventions that integrates community capacity building and community empowerment. The concept of health emergency preparedness and response will also be explored in relation to health emergency planning in crisis situations. To conclude your journey into the public health industry, you will have opportunities to connect with the industry via workshops, case studies and detailed lectures.
Industry partners
Why study with us?
Choose your student type for entry requirements, fees and scholarships
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Domestic
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International
Fees: Domestic students
Scholarships: Domestic students
If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:
Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply: Domestic students
Fees: International students
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International fees
Check the International Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.
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Fee payment
Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.
Scholarships: International students
We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.
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Scholarship types
Admissions criteria and pathways: International students
Before you begin your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to Apply: International students
Frequently asked questions
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How do I apply for a course?Domestic students:
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in and submit your initial application form online to begin your journey at Torrens University Australia.
If you have any difficulty, please contact our Course and Careers Advisors, who can talk you through the process.
ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.
International students:If you are an international student hoping to begin your studies in Australia, study online, or transfer from another university, you may choose to do so through our Education Agents. Our agents are located throughout the world and will make sure the enrolment process runs smoothly. View the full list of International Education Agents. You can also apply online. For anything else, please contact our International team.
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What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs).
If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Course and Careers Advisors.
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.
To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Course and Careers Advisors.
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What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.
If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.
Please speak to our Course and Careers Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.
For more information, please visit Course credits.
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:
- Undertake study with an approved provider.
- Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:
- An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR
- A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR
- Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.
- Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.
- Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.
For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.
If you are still unsure, please contact our Course and Career Advisors who can talk you through the information.
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.
Domestic students
When you speak to our Course and Careers Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.
International students
Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.
For more details, explore our range of scholarships.
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