Victoria University
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
Build foundational skills in epidemiology, biostatistics and public health practice through flexible online study.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health at Victoria University provides foundational knowledge and skills for careers in public health practice. You will explore the biological basis of health alongside the social, cultural, economic and political factors that influence health outcomes across populations.
Throughout the course, you will develop skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health practice and the analysis of health issues across diverse communities. You will also examine how public health programs are planned and implemented, how evidence is used to understand population health and how culture and society influence health inequalities.
Delivered 100% online through VU Online’s postgraduate Block Model, the course is designed for both recent graduates and professionals seeking to build or strengthen their public health knowledge. After completing the graduate certificate, you can continue into VU’s Master of Public Health.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
$592 (CSP)
What you will study
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, students are required to complete the following core units:
Core units
- Foundations of Public Health
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
- Public Health in Practice
- Culture and Society in Public Health
Entry requirements
To apply for the online Graduate Certificate in Public Health, you are required to have one of the following:
- Completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
- Five years of approved work experience.
Outcomes
Roles in public health are diverse and in high demand. They cover areas of health promotion, disease prevention and policy. Depending on your career goals and skill set, studying the Graduate Certificate in Public Health course with VU Online will open up numerous roles that may interest you.
Typical job titles:
- Public health officer
- Non-government organisation worker
- Community development officer
- Health promoter
- Public health researcher
- Health educator
- Program officer
- Project officer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Total cost for four units in 2026: $12,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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.
