Graduate Diploma of Public Health

In this innovative course, the origins and evolution of public health and the underlying principles of community-based and community-led public health will be explored. The social-ecological model of health forms the basis of the Graduate Diploma in Public Health and you will be introduced to complex adaptive systems thinking and how this influences the way we think about public health.

The course offers you the choice of two electives from a restricted set of non-public health units in order to complement your public health practice. This will allow you to develop multi- and trans-disciplinary synergies between public health and at least one other field of study.

Versatile career options

A public health course at CQUniversity, develops your skills and knowledge in complex adaptive systems thinking, social and environmental determinants of health, participatory and pragmatic approaches to public health issues, including strengths based as well as disease prevention.

Make a difference in the community

A postgraduate public health course from CQUniversity, prepares you to work in community-based and community-led health services and projects for government and non-government organisations. The graduate diploma and masters also prepare you for work in international humanitarian organisations. And, if you complete the project work major within the masters you will be well prepared for a career in research and or project management.

Flexible study options

If you choose to study online, you will benefit from the latest in learning technology that keeps you connected and supported throughout your studies. As an online student, there are no residential schools required for our postgraduate public health courses.

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must demonstrate the following:

• A completed Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) equivalent Bachelor degree, or higher equivalent qualification; OR
• Current registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA) and a letter of employment demonstrating a minimum 3 years employment in a setting which requires the use of nursing skills*.

*Letters of employment must be presented on a company letterhead and be signed and dated by a delegated authority. Please ensure that the letter contains your full name, position title, duties performed, hours per week, and length of service.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

• A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
• An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
• Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years full tie with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

• An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
• An Occupational English Test with Grade of C in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

If you are an International student, visit our International students webpage for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers. This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

You can also work on projects for government and non-government organisations relating to a number of health fields including health promotion and health administration.

⁺estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

• Select your course
• Check entry requirements.
• Check your eligibility for credit.
• Apply online
• Obtain certified documents.
• Submit your application and documents.