Deakin University
Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Take an active role in addressing the world’s fastest growing chronic condition.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education course starts by exploring the complex nature of diabetes, including the causes and progression of the condition and its social and psychological effects. Then, discover ways to treat, manage and prevent it through evidence-based approaches, particularly regarding diet, medication and lifestyle changes. Graduate from the course with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to deliver engaging, tailored diabetes education with maximum impact.
This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and is the first step towards becoming a Credentialed Diabetes Educator.
The course's practical learning experiences bring the theory to life and provide authentic environments to develop your skills and build critical professional networks. Recently, Deakin students have had access to placements in specialist diabetes services such as paediatric clinics, remote Aboriginal health services and tertiary hospitals. Students can also participate in a three-day workshop with some of the most respected educators and researchers to learn about innovative approaches to diabetes education and management.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education, students must earn four credit points from core units.
Core units
- Pathophysiology of Diabetes
- Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts
- Management of Diabetes
- Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
- Other evidence of English language proficiency.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Your understanding of diabetes, prevention strategies and management approaches will be highly sought-after in:
- Public Hospitals
- Community Health Centres
- Primary Care
- Private Practices
- Government and non-government Organisations
- Universities
- Health Funds
- Pharmaceutical Companies
Learning outcomes
- Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice to diverse clients, populations and clinical settings.
- Communicate complex knowledge and ideas to clients and their families, health professionals and the wider diabetes community, demonstrating understanding of person-centred care, empathy, appropriate language and methods to promote active engagement and empowerment.
- Utilise and evaluate digital technologies to facilitate learning, teach and support diabetes self-management.
- Critically identify, analyse, evaluate and apply research knowledge and skills for all aspects of diabetes education and care.
- Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and skills to adapt diabetes education and management plans to specific client needs and in varied contexts.
- Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner and diabetes educator within their scope of practice.
- Apply the principles of collaborative, interdisciplinary practice to work with health professionals and clients to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.
- Demonstrate understanding and respect for all cultures, diverse populations and perspectives and promote inclusivity and equity.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $13,900 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four credit points (normally four units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
