Graduate Diploma of Public Health

With the recent COVID-19 global health crisis highlighting the need for qualified healthcare professionals, public health specialists have never been so important. Study the Graduate Diploma of Public Health to take the first step towards a leadership role in this vital field. Develop practical skills in public health practice, epidemiology and biostatistics, and explore evidence-based strategies that address modern health challenges, locally and internationally.

Want to dip your toes in postgraduate study while boosting your career prospects in public health?

If you aim to make a difference to the wellbeing of people and communities through the field of public health, this course will give you the tools to make it happen. It is ideal for both clinical and non-clinical health professionals, as well as graduates from other disciplines who are passionate about improving the health of individuals, communities and populations.

The Graduate Diploma of Public Health focuses on evidence-based action that drives positive change across health systems. You will use the latest research to form strategies that tackle global health issues. Then bring your ideas to life by creating initiatives for policy change and interventions. Your initiatives will address disease prevention from a big-picture angle and promote the conditions that optimise population health.

The course focuses on improving existing health-promoting environments, identifying public health priorities, generating initiatives for policy and action, and developing strategies and interventions to ensure equity in the health system. It will provide you with:

• an appreciation of the historical foundations of public health
• a broad-based understanding of the determinants of health in populations
• knowledge, skills and understanding of broad public health endeavours
• knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and improve upon existing health-promoting environments
• critical thinking skills around the promotion of health and prevention of disease
• strategies to ensure equity in the health system and interventions to promote the health of disadvantaged groups.
• an appreciation of the complex challenges in public health and the need for multidimensional solutions
• skills necessary to generate and use research data.

The Graduate Diploma of Public Health features 8 core units from the Master of Public Health. These units give you a grounding in the strategies and practical techniques employed by public health professionals, with a particular focus on preventative measures and health equity. You will also be trained in key soft skills, such as problem solving, collaboration and leadership, ensuring you graduate with well-rounded capabilities. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the option of enhancing your skills by continuing on to the Master of Public Health and will have already completed half of the credit points from the masters.

Your learnings will be shaped by Deakin's world-class health research. You will have direct access to the research produced by the Institute for Healthcare Transformation and the Centre for Population Health Research, both of which are led by internationally recognised researchers. Studying a course so closely connected to leading research gives you a distinct advantage. Draw on these insights during projects, in your current role and throughout your entire career.

The health industry is one of the largest and fastest growing employment sectors in Australia*. A postgraduate degree in public health puts you in a position to take advantage of this demand. Graduates can broaden their career options and use their leadership skills to progress to senior positions.

Public health practitioners have the opportunity to work in international organisations such as:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

As well as:

• the non-government sector (for example, organisations focused on cancer, tobacco, drugs, reproductive health, obesity, food security, violence and HIV)
• the government sector at a federal or state level
• local councils.

Some common public health jobs include:

• Epidemiologist
• Community health worker
• Disease and infection investigator
• Environmental health specialist
• Global health professional
• Occupational health and safety specialist
• Urban planner
• Health educator
• Emergency preparedness and response coordinator
• Public health policy coordinator
• Research analyst
• Public health physician

Visit the Public Health Association of Australia website for more information.
* Australian Government National Skills Commission Industry Employment Outlook 2021

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Public Health students must attain 8 credit points, consisting of 8 core units (these are compulsory).

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.