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.

Career outcomes

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