University of Sydney

Graduate Certificate in Health Policy and Planning

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Gain practical expertise in health systems and policy making to advance or transition into strategic roles in health policy and planning.

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate in Health Policy and Planning at the University of Sydney develops an understanding of health systems, health economics and the processes used to develop and analyse health policy. The course is designed for professionals working in or seeking to move into health policy, health services and related areas.

The 24-credit-point course comprises 18 credit points of core study and six credit points of elective study. Core units cover health policy and health economics, health systems and financing and the analysis of health policy, with elective study allowing students to explore an additional area relevant to their professional interests.

Study is available part-time over one year, with face-to-face and online delivery options. Graduates may apply their knowledge across government health departments, health services, non-government organisations, advocacy, policy, strategy, regulation and related health-sector roles.

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
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Not available full-time
12 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
$4,437
More Information
Prices are calculated based on a total study load of 24 credit points.
Campus
Camperdown/Darlington
Intake
22nd February, 2027
2nd August, 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.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students must successfully complete 24 credit points, including:

  • 18 credit points of core units of study
  • 6 credit points of elective units of study or other postgraduate units of study, as approved by the course coordinator

Core units

  • Health Policy and Health Economics
  • Health Systems and Financing
  • Analysing Health Policy

Elective units

  • Bioethics, Law and Policy
  • Public Health Ethics
  • Medicines Policy, Economics and Ethics
  • Safety and Quality in Healthcare
  • Health and Security
  • Infection Prevention and Disease Control
  • Foundations of Health Research
  • Introductory Biostatistics
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research in Health
  • Qualitative Analysis and Writing in Health
  • Foundations of Global Health
  • Skills for Working in Global Health

Visit the University of Sydney website for the complete list of elective units.

Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires:

  • A bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and a minimum of 1 year of work experience in a health or policy-related field.
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in a health or policy-related field or pass a preliminary examination(s) as prescribed by the Faculty.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when your previous studies and/or work experience are recognised and counted towards your degree as credit.

The University may recognise prior learning by granting specific credit, non-specific credit, reduced volume of learning (RVL) or an enrolment exception request.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

There are many employment opportunities for health policy graduates to work in a range of organisations across different spheres. These include:

  • Commonwealth and state departments of health.
  • Area health services.
  • Local health service providers.
  • Non-government service providers.
  • Community and consumer-based advocacy groups.

Fees and CSP

Total indicative amount in 2027: $17,750 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Calculated fee per unit: $4,437

The indicative amount to complete this course in 2027 is based on the total course requirement of 24 credit points.

A student’s fees may vary depending on:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Students may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Sydney directly to confirm current fees.

Commonwealth Supported Places

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. In a CSP, the Australian Government contributes towards the cost of tuition and the student pays a student contribution amount.

Tuition fee information for CSPs in 2027 is currently not available.

Eligible CSP students may be able to defer their student contribution through HECS-HELP.

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible domestic full-fee-paying students with all or part of their tuition fees.