GraduateNursing & Health Sciences

Graduate Diploma in Public Health

Australian Catholic University, Multi-campus (7 campuses, 5 states), Australia

About this program

ACU’s Graduate Diploma in Public Health equips graduates with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in public health to improve population health and well-being. The course prepares graduates to practice with a community, national or global focus, and with an ethical, social justice perspective. On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge across major subject areas within public health; analyse and utilise best available evidence to support public health action; and demonstrate skills needed to critique and implement a range of public health interventions. Articulation from this course into the Master of Public Health program is available. Volunteer experience There are no mandatory requirements for volunteer experience Professional recognition Our Master of Public Health suite of courses including the Graduate Diploma in public health, have been designed around the Foundation Competencies for Master of Public Health Graduates in Australia and the requirements of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (for medical practitioners specialising in public health). Other international competency and practice standards and conceptual frameworks have also informed the Master of Public Health curriculum design. Careers A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of Public Health programs in Australia. According to a recent public health workforce study, these opportunities are typically within the public or not-for-profit sector; however, one-quarter of postgraduate public health graduates are employed in the private sector. Approximately half of all postgraduate public health graduates are employed within the health sector, with others finding opportunities within education, government and services sectors. Managerial, analytical and program-/project-based roles are common destinations for postgraduate public health graduates. For many health practitioners, particularly medical practitioners or registered nurses, a postgraduate public health degree expands their career opportunities within their existing field (eg different roles or modes of practice).

Cost & duration

Duration1 yr
Tuition (international)A$32,100
Application feeA$0

English test scores

IELTS6 overall
PTE50 overall

Verified acu.edu.au

Course structure

1 term of coursework

  • Completion requirements To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 80 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings (Part A) Exit points A student who has successfully completed the following requirements may exit from the course with that qualification:GCPHEA: Graduate Certificate in Public Health (completed a minimum 40 credit points) Core / specified units include: HLSC641: Introduction to Health Sciences Research
  • PUBH611: Health Promotion
  • PUBH631: Disease Prevention and Management
  • PUBH632: Public Health Law and Policy
  • PUBH602: Foundations of Public Health
  • PUBH603: Biostatistics and Epidemiology
  • PUBH604: Indigenous Health
  • PUBH605: Australian Health Care Systems

Career & PR pathway

Occupations this degree typically leads to, and their skilled-migration list status

Registered Nurse (Aged Care)ANZSCO 254412

Primary outcomeMLTSSLCSOL

On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186. Needs registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, assessed against ANMAC's standards.

Assessed by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Registered Nurse (Medical)ANZSCO 254418

Primary outcomeMLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via ANMAC assessment and NMBA registration. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Registered Nurse (Mental Health)ANZSCO 254422

MLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via ANMAC assessment and NMBA registration. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Registered Nurse (Community Health)ANZSCO 254414

MLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via ANMAC assessment and NMBA registration. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Nurse PractitionerANZSCO 254411

MLTSSLCSOL

On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186. Requires advanced NMBA endorsement on top of standard registration.

Assessed by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

MidwifeANZSCO 254111

MLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via ANMAC assessment and NMBA registration. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

PhysiotherapistANZSCO 252511

MLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via an Australian Physiotherapy Council assessment. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Australian Physiotherapy Council

Occupational TherapistANZSCO 252411

MLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via an Occupational Therapy Council assessment. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Occupational Therapy Council of Australia

DietitianANZSCO 251111

MLTSSLCSOL

On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, via a Dietitians Australia assessment. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.

Assessed by Dietitians Australia

List membership changes over time and does not guarantee an invitation. See the skilled occupation lists guide and the points calculator before relying on this for a visa decision.

Admissions

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have either:a. a Bachelor degree (or higher) in health (or related field);ORb. a Bachelor degree (or higher) or equivalent, and two years professional experience in health (or related field);ORc. successfully completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Health.Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Applicants with higher education study You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average. If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe. You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for.

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