University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months (minimum)
Equips professionals with the critical skills to respond to global health threats through evidence-based strategies and innovative disease control methods.
Course overview
- Above world standard for Excellence in Research in Australia for Public Health and Health Services (1ERA 4/5, 2024)
- Top 100 University Globally (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- Top Performing Young University (THE Young University Rankings, 2024)
- Five stars for excellence across eight categories (QS Stars Rating 2021–2024)
UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is designed for professionals who want to develop a fundamental understanding of epidemiology and population health and learn to critically evaluate public health approaches to communicable disease control.
Delivered 100% online and part-time, you will gain immediately applicable skills to make a greater impact in your current role and prepare for future health challenges. Informed by leading academics and researchers, this course is delivered by the UTS School of Public Health and will provide you with a high-calibre education at the forefront of public health.
Who is this course for?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is designed for professionals who are passionate about creating positive change for population and community health and are looking to advance their skills to improve the quality of public health programs at a local, national or global level.
Students of this course have backgrounds in varying industries and may be specialists in fields such as:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Optometry
- Sociology
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise science
- Biomedical science
- Data Analytics
- Communication
Key facts
September, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
To earn the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease, students must complete 24 credit points or four core subjects.
Core subjects
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Foundations in Public Health + Indigenous Public Health
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology
- Communicable Disease
- Fundamentals of Biostatistics + Fundamentals of Qualitative Research
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised bachelor’s degree or an equivalent or higher qualification or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrate potential to pursue graduate studies.
Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but who have extensive relevant work experience in a healthcare or human services field may also be considered eligible.
Alternative admissions pathways may be available. Eligibility for admission does not guarantee a place offer.
English language requirements
The English proficiency requirement for local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper-based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet-based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited for online postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive a UTS enrolment offer and have undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn’t determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Understand and manage communicable disease threats.
Gain foundational knowledge of infectious disease transmission, surveillance and control. Apply epidemiological principles to assess and mitigate public health risks in diverse settings. - Use data-driven strategies for disease prevention and response
Analyse health data and trends to support disease prevention, outbreak response and health system preparedness. Develop evidence-based interventions to manage and reduce communicable disease impact. - Champion public health ethics and global health equity
Apply ethical frameworks and culturally responsive approaches to communicable disease prevention and management. Advocate for policies and programs that promote equitable access to healthcare and disease prevention resources. - Collaborate across sectors to strengthen public health systems
Engage with healthcare professionals, policymakers and community organisations to develop and implement public health strategies. Strengthen multidisciplinary approaches to communicable disease control and prevention.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease prepares professionals to address the prevention and management of communicable diseases. This course provides expertise in epidemiology, disease surveillance and outbreak response.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Communicable disease control officer
- Public health surveillance officer
- Epidemiology assistant
- Health program coordinator
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative tuition fee per six-credit-point subject in 2025: $3,318 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated total tuition fee in 2025: $13,272 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fees shown are subject to change. You may also be required to pay student amenities fees. Contact the university directly to confirm.
The fees shown are per unit. The number of units is listed below the fees. Together, they indicate the total costs for the course.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
