Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Public Health will have specialised knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of Public Health knowledge, including an understanding of the core areas of knowledge competencies of epidemiology, statistics, health systems and determinants of health that underpin the discipline of Public Health.

With an understanding of how local, national and international health systems are structured and operate, you'll be capable of planning and delivering effective programs to address our most challenging health issues.

You will focus on the socio-ecological model of public health that emphasises and analyses the important interactions between the social, biological, economic and environmental determinants of health. Throughout, there is opportunity for you to apply this analytical skill set to research, plan, implement and evaluate population-based interventions that protect and promote health.

This graduate certificate provides you the opportunity to focus on the area of public health that interests you. The diverse range of core and electives courses in areas such as nutrition, health promotion, environmental health, climate change, program planning and health services management, ensures you can tailor your studies to your own circumstances and aspirations.

Industry and expert connections

You will learn alongside other public health graduates and professionals in a multi-disciplinary class environment. There are a range of different opportunities you will have to interact with your student peers, even if you're working online, including in seminars and group assignments. You'll also learn collaboratively from some of Australia's leading public health academics.

From 2025, applicants are referred to the Master of Public Health (5263) or Master of Global Public Health (5725)

*** This program is available to continuing students only, and as an EXIT POINT ONLY from the Master of Public Health (5263) or Master of Global Public Health (5725).

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Healthcare Systems
• Epidemiology: Principles and Practices
• Environment and Population Health
• Social Determinants of Health

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

Complete 40 credit points for either of the following:

• 40 credit points from Master of Public Health (5263), or
• 40 credit points from Master of Global Public Health (5725)

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $5,500

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

This program is accessible to continuing students exiting either:

• the Master of Public Health (5263) after studying 40 credit points, OR
• the Master of Global Public Health (5725) after studying 40 credit points.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.