Health

Graduate Diploma of Public Health

CRICOS 097406J

What is a Graduate Diploma of Public Health?

The Graduate Diploma of Public Health provides advanced knowledge to health professionals to improve population health and wellbeing. It places emphasis on the social determinants of health, equipping you to address inequalities for the most vulnerable populations in Australia and across the world. Upon completion, you have the option to progress your career in Public Health or continue onto the Master of Public Health.

This graduate diploma will equip you with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges. You’ll gain understanding of current global and environmental health issues, health policy, systems and economics, along with social, behavioural and cultural determinants of health. The course develops skills such as planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs, health promotion and disease prevention strategies, advocacy, statistics and epidemiology and analytical and communication skills.

More

Learning outcomes

Identify and analyse the major issues that affect the health of populations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of policy and management to promote health and welfare.
Identify and describe environmental risk factors that affect the health and safety of a population.
Demonstrate a commitment to the ethical practice of public health, and the principles of access and equity.
Apply local and global public health awareness to public health challenges.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online

Campus locations*

Online, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1 year full time, 2 years part time

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

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.

Discover Public Health with current international student Joseph Que. Learn about his experience and journey with Torrens University Australia and hear from our Program Director Lisa Casanelia.

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.

Potential career paths

Health Policy Advisor
Average salary: $103,000 - $116,000
Senior Project Manager
Average salary: $118,000 - $190,000
Health Promotion Officer
Average salary: $80,769 - $99,500
Health Services Worker
Average salary: $65,000 - $109,000

Learn more about careers in Health

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

<

Core
Specialisations

>

Requirements

These five core subjects must be completed. Additionally you're required to select three specialisations from the specialisations tab.

Core subjects

Social, Behavioural and Cultural Factors in Public Health | PUBH6000

Students 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.
Health Systems and Economics | PUBH6003

This subject explores the organisation of health systems, the financial and other resourcing requirements for planning and delivering effective public health programs, strategies and interventions, and the development and application of effective policies across a range of sectors that affect the health of populations. It introduces the discipline of economics as it applies to public health. Topics covered include health systems thinking and frameworks, the role of government in prevention and health promotion, models and debates regarding public health funding and investment, demand for public health programs, implications for equity, delivery, governance of public health programs and services, and economic analyses applied to public health systems and activities. Students consider current issues such as estimating expenditure on public health, “best buys” in public health, and the role of economic tools such as price subsidisation and commodity taxation in public health.
Global and Environmental Health Issues | PUBH6002

This subject provides an overview of global and environmental factors that affect the health and safety of communities from the global to the local scale. 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 relationships between foreign policy, trade, security and development. The relationship 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, and 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. Work health safety and environmental influences in the workplace and home are also explored.
Epidemiology | PUBH6005

Epidemiology is the study of patterns of health, ill-health, and factors that affect health in populations. It focuses on the incidence, prevalence, distribution, impact and determinants of disease, injury and disability. Traditionally, epidemiology focused largely on infectious diseases, often using epidemiological methods to determine the causes and sources of outbreaks of diseases. It has, however, increasingly broadened to include all health and disease states and both risk factors and protective factors. Epidemiological methods are also used to assess the health status and trends of populations to determine priorities, and to implement and evaluate programs designed to improve health. Students in this course examine concepts including incidence, prevalence and causation. They also learn about the role of epidemiology in prevention and screening, as well as its role in disease surveillance and response. Students identify key sources of data and learn how to use basic epidemiological measures and draw appropriate inferences. Through this subject, students gain a deeper understanding of the strengths, limitations and appropriate uses of various research designs and methodologies in health research. They will learn to assess levels of evidence to make recommendations for evidence based policy. Students will develop an appreciation of the role and potential of epidemiology in public health research, policy and advocacy.
Health Promotion and Community Health | PUBH6206

Building 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.

Requirements

Choose three specialisations subjects below.

Specialisation subjects

Digital Health and Informatics | DHI401

Digital 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.
Biostatistics |STAT6200

Analysing data is one of the central activities in the public health industry. Learn how to investigate basic statistics and concepts used in public health research and practice to interpret results in journals and government reports. A practice-based approach to statistical analysis – using specialised software – will enable you to apply basic analyses to public health data.
Design Thinking | DTH501

Design Thinking is an approach to innovation that involves identifying ‘problems’ or issues in a particular context, considering those who have a stake in these problems/issues and then designing a range of possible solutions that are tested and refined in practice. In this subject, students will explore the concepts and processes of Design Thinking, including the origins of Design Thinking and Integrative Thinking, and outline their use across a specific discipline and context. Following these general processes, students will then use Design Thinking to identify and justify an issue within their own professional context. Through this Design Thinking process, students will engage in reflection and analysis of their own professional skills, knowledge and judgement, and ultimately arrive at an advanced understanding of their role as both an innovator and leader.
Health Policy and Advocacy | PUBH6001

Policy agenda-setting, implementation and evaluation are crucial to the improvement of the health of populations. Policymaking is not a straightforward process. Political ideologies and values, as well as power, coalition building and the media, play key roles in what becomes public policy. In this subject, students will learn about policy agenda-setting, development, implementation and evaluation as well as critical perspectives of policymaking. The subject introduces theories of policy making and applies knowledge of the policy process to public health problems. Students will analyse and critique issues in contemporary Australian health policy and the various stakeholders and partnerships formed in the policy process. They will examine the role of evidence and advocacy in policy agenda setting. Students will also learn about a range of advocacy strategies including media advocacy and community empowerment strategies for the development and implementation of policy.
Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation | PUBH6007

This subject focuses on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, the role of program theory in the planning and implementation of programs and how to write a program and evaluation plan. Implementation of programs including stakeholder engagement and program management processes is also explored. Students learn about evaluation of programs, including process, impact and outcome evaluation, along with the principles and resources required to make evaluation successful. Reporting and dissemination of evaluation findings are also discussed.

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. 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.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

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:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent; AND

Combination of formal (below AQF7) or non-formal qualifications and seven years of relevant experience in a health professional role.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

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.

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

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.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent; AND

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

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.
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 Future Student Advisors.
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 Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

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 Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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 Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
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 Future Student 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.

View all FAQs

Graduate Diploma of Public Health