University of Newcastle

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Build a foundation in public health by exploring the factors that influence population health, disease prevention and health promotion through flexible online study.

Course overview

The University of Newcastle's Graduate Certificate in Public Health provides an introduction to the principles and practice of public health, equipping students with foundational knowledge to understand and respond to contemporary population health challenges. The course explores the biological, social, environmental and behavioural factors that influence health, while examining evidence-informed approaches to disease prevention, health promotion and improving health outcomes across communities.

Students complete core studies in public health, health promotion and epidemiology, with the opportunity to tailor their learning through elective study in a chosen area of interest. The program also includes access to the University's Public Health Career Support Program, which helps students explore career pathways, identify their strengths and gain insights into opportunities across the public health sector.

Delivered fully online, the Graduate Certificate provides a flexible option for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of public health. Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Public Health Association of Australia. The qualification also provides a pathway to the University of Newcastle's Master of Public Health, allowing students to continue developing advanced expertise in the field.

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

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,590
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 40 units (normally four courses) per semester or year.

From $1,234.10 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated CSP per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 40 units (normally four courses) per semester or year.
Intake
22nd February, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
4
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is delivered online and requires the completion of 40 units, including 30 units of core courses and 10 units of courses chosen from the course list. Each course is worth 10 units.

Core courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program:

  • Fundamentals of Epidemiology
  • Foundations of Health Promotion
  • Introduction to Public Health

Course List

Complete 10 units from the following courses to fulfil the requirements of this program:

  • Investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in the public health context
  • Quality and Safety in Health Care
  • Qualitative Methods in Health Research
  • Chronic Disease and Injury Control
  • Global Health

Entry requirements

Minimum of a three-year undergraduate degree in a field related to public health such as medicine, biomedical/medical science, nursing, allied health, dentistry, psychology, veterinary science, education, law, engineering, business, commerce, science and arts.

Applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree in a non-related field should possess a minimum of one year's work experience in a related field.

English language requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. The English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy contains further information regarding English language proficiency requirements. Contact the university for more details.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
  • IELTS Sub-Test Minimum: 6

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Contact the university for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University of Newcastle wants to help you fast-track your degree, recognising that your prior study is one way they can do that. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will have:

  • Critically evaluated public health issues and identified social, behavioural and environmental factors affecting health and illness.
  • Analysed population health data and generated appropriate health promotion interventions for key target population groups.
  • Assessed and evaluated effective and efficient approaches to public health programs for different health issues, among diverse population groups.

Career outcomes

Graduates can find work in areas such as:

  • Public health units
  • Local Health Districts
  • State and Commonwealth departments
  • Non-government organisations
  • International health, development and humanitarian agencies

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,936 (Commonwealth Supported Places)

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $14,360 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 40 units (normally four courses) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary depending on:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • 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.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the courses you're enrolled in.
  • Depending on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.