Deakin University
Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Explore evidence-based strategies for preventing and managing diabetes and complete the course equipped to empower patients to lead healthier lives.

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 attain four credit points of core units.
Core units
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (zero credit points)
- Pathophysiology of Diabetes (one credit point)
- Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts (one credit point)
- Management of Diabetes (one credit point)
- Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education (one credit point)
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
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning that exceeds the course's standard entrance requirements and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students must complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University or four credit points, whichever is greater. For certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
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 tuition fee in 2025: $13,900 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated tuition fees are based on a full-time study load of four credit points.
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.