Graduate Certificate of Public Health
14 Feb 2022
30 May 2022
12 Sep 2022
This course is provided by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.
What is a Graduate Certificate in Public Health?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a postgraduate degree which focuses on health and the prevention of illness, disease, injury or 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 provides a pathway to further study at the graduate diploma or master level.
Designed to fit in with you
With all your learning materials online, you can tailor a schedule to fit your personal needs.
Learn from specialists in their field
Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.
A dedicated Success Coach
An ally to encourage, inspire and guide, your Success Coach will help you achieve your goals and create the right trajectory for your career.
Course overview
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 (ie. 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
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
Why study with us?
Choose your student type for entry requirements, fees and scholarships
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Domestic
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International
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.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:
How to apply: Domestic students
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.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
How to Apply: International students
Frequently asked questions
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What does admissions criteria mean?
Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.
To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.
All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.
To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.
If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
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What are course credits?
Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits
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What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?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.
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Am I a domestic or an international student?
Domestic students are Australian and Permanent Residents. International students are those who hold citizenship or Permanent Resident status of all other countries.
International students from countries whose first official language is one other than English need to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.
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How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?
Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.
Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.
Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
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How much are Torrens University Australia courses?
For a full list of tuition fees, visit Tuition Fees.
Remember, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your fees can be covered by FEE-HELP. You can find out more information on FEE-HELP on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
To get a FEE-HELP loan, you must:
- be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia, or
- be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements.
- be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans
- be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)
- submit the Request for FEE-HELP form to your provider by the census date
- not have already borrowed up to your HELP loan limit.
Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies.
If you are studying at a non-university, you will also need to meet the ‘pass rate’ requirements.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor and we can guide you through the process.
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Can I apply for FEE-HELP?
To be eligible for FEE-HELP you need to be an Australian citizen , and have a tax file number. You must also be studying at an approved higher education provider, such as Torrens University Australia.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
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How do I apply for FEE-HELP?
If you receive an offer from Torrens University Australia, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP. You will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form if you want to defer payment of some, or all, of your tuition fees. You will need to quote your tax file number or provide a Certificate of Application for a Tax File Number. The form must be completed before the due date.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to our Course and Careers Advisors and we can guide you through the process.
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Is there a FEE-HELP limit?
For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. The Australian Government publishes the HELP Loan limit on their website.
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition costs. Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. Note: Any loan fees that were applied to study prior to January 1, 2019 will not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.
Students repay the loan to the Australian Government through the tax system once a student reaches the minimum income threshold level for repayment, which for 2019-20 is $45,881.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or Contact Us and we can guide you through the process.
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What courses are available for FEE-HELP?To find out more, visit How to Apply.
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What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full-fee-paying students pay their tuition costs.
You must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan, such as Torrens University Australia.
A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs like accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and must be repaid once you start earning above a certain income threshold.
To find out more, visit the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.
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Is there anything I can do to prepare for Torrens University Australia?
There are lots of resources to help you prepare for university life. Attend one of our workshops or events and get some tips firsthand from our industry-focused lecturers and current students.
The events programs range in topic and delivery mode, so there should always be one to suit your needs. At any time you can contact one of our Course and Careers Advisors to talk through your career goals. They can guide you on what to expect and how you can get prepared earlier. If you know exactly which course you want to enrol in, you could take advantage of the early entry program.
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What is the Early Entry Program?
The Torrens University Australia Early Entry Program has been created to allow you to apply and secure your place for your chosen course before you finish your Year 12 exams.
To find out more, visit Early Entry Program or email enquiries@tua.edu.au or phone 1300 575 803.
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How do I apply?
Applying is easy and can be done online by filling out the apply form. If you have any difficulty, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor, 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 applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislative requirements, for example, requirements for student visas (this does not apply for online study outside of Australia).
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How will I know if my application has been processed?Our Course and Careers Advisors will help you through every step of the application process and provide you with updates. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email.
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I am having trouble with my application. Who can help?Our friendly Course and Careers Advisors are available to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Fill out the contact us form and one of them will reach out to you.
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What are pathways?
All Torrens University Australia courses have specific entry requirements, but we also offer multiple pathways into courses when you don’t meet those entry requirements.
There are different pathways for different courses. For example, we offer a range of diploma courses which pathway into bachelor degrees in Business, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Hospitality. We also have graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses which pathway into masters courses in Business, Global Project Management, Sports Management, Health, Education, Design and Hospitality.
For more information on different types of pathways available, visit study pathways.
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How can I pay for my course?
Payment information will be outlined in your offer letter but there are a couple of different options:
- Upfront payment via credit card, BPAY, cheque or overseas bank account transfer
- Full or partial payment via FEE-HELP Government Assistance (domestic students only)
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What are the key dates for 2021?To find out more, visit Key Dates.
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What are the semester and term dates?
Torrens University Australia has three main intakes each year, usually during February, June and September. There are also a range of accelerated intake dates available, meaning if you just miss the start date, you don’t have to wait until the next intake.
You can apply any time throughout the year for the next intake start date – or a future start date if you are planning ahead. Different semester dates apply for Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School as well as some of our other courses.
To find out more, visit key dates.
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