Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Tackle health inequality and drive change in real-world public health practice.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor's degree or have relevant professional experience.

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Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2026 : $4,767 (CSP)

2026 : $15,100 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study a Graduate Certificate in Public Health?

Study the Graduate Certificate in Public Health at Flinders to gain practical skills and foundational knowledge in public health. Designed for newcomers and health professionals seeking to upskill, the course covers equity, prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, and social determinants of health, and provides a pathway to the Master of Public Health.

Build practical skills to improve population health

Learn to plan, implement, and evaluate public health initiatives that make a real difference.

Learn to plan, implement, and evaluate public health initiatives that make a real difference for communities, workplaces, and populations.

Formally recognises your expertise

Even if you already work in health, this qualification validates your experience, enhances your credibility, and opens pathways to leadership roles.

Even if you already work in health, this qualification validates your experience, enhances your credibility, and opens pathways to new opportunities and leadership roles.

Pathway to advanced study

Transition seamlessly into the Master of Public Health to extend your qualifications.

Study without pausing your career

Designed for busy professionals. The course is 100% online, with flexible delivery and no set class times so you can balance study, work and family commitments.

Up to 80% off fees

Government subsidies offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health comprises 18 units, offering a range of elective topics that allow you to tailor your learning to your interests. This flexibility helps build a strong foundation in public health practice and provides a pathway to further study in the Master of Public Health.

Course handbook

Topics

Select two topics from the following

Qualitative Research Methods
Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
First Nations Health and Wellbeing
Health Promotion in Public Health
Epidemiological Research Methods
Biostatistics

Topics

Select a further two topics from the following

Digital Health for Practitioners
Qualitative Research Methods
Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
First Nations Health and Wellbeing
Health Promotion in Public Health
Leadership and the New Public Health
Professional Practice in Public Health

Economic Evidence for Health Care Decision Making
Critical Perspectives on Global Health and Development
Epidemiological Research Methods
Biostatistics
Advanced Biostatistics
AI for Medicine and Public Health
Advanced Epidemiology
Evaluation in Public Health and Program Planning

Your career

Public health is a growing global priority, driving change across healthcare systems. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in public health policy, management, and practice.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$90,000^*

Expected salary
$85,000^*

Expected salary
$80,000^*

Expected salary
$78,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$90,000^*

Expected salary
$85,000^*

Expected salary
$80,000^*

Expected salary
$78,000^*

Potential employers

State and local government health departments
Public hospitals and community health services
Research organisations and universities
NGOs and health charities (Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia, Red Cross)
Primary Health Networks (PHNs)
Policy, health promotion and program evaluation teams within government or community sectors

Industry connections

Flinders University collaborates with leading health partners and research institutes, including the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing (iPOCT), the Poche SA+NT Centre for Indigenous Health, and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA).

These partnerships connect students and researchers with world-class expertise and real-world health innovation, driving improvements in care, policy, and community wellbeing across South Australia and beyond.

Flinders University is a future
you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment**

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows

Gain public health and leadership skills in just 6-months full-time or 12-months part-time.

Career growth - build confidence with practical, in-demand skills

Continue your learning with the public health alumni network

^{*THE World University Rankings 2023

**QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal}

Get inspired

If you're passionate about making positive change, explore Public Health at Flinders.

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.

Dr Amy Hickman
Senior Lecturer

See full profile

Dr Amy Hickman (she/her) is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health, teaching Health Promotion within the Master of Public Health. Her work focuses on equity, health communication, and inclusive teaching, with a strong interest in reflexivity, health literacy, and qualitative research.

Dr Joshua Trigg
Lecturer

See full profile

Dr Josh Trigg (he/him) is a Lecturer in Public Health with expertise in health risk behaviours, tobacco control, and alcohol consumption. His research explores attitudes and motivators that shape risk behaviours, as well as the effectiveness of health promotion messaging. He is particularly interested in tobacco and vaping cessation, wellbeing, and community-based approaches to public health.

Dr Liz Buckley
Senior Lecturer

See full profile

Dr Liz Buckley (she/her) is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health with expertise in cancer epidemiology, population health, and health services research. She specialises in using linked health data to examine cancer treatment, survival, and health economic disparities. Liz’s research has informed national cancer policy and screening practices. She is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Public Health.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

Applicants must normally hold a degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and have their candidature approved by the Dean (Education). Applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree but have relevant professional experience in the sector should provide employment experience information in their application.

Your pathway to a Masters

Flinders University offers staggered qualifications as you complete certain milestones. Finish 4 topics and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate. Complete a further 8 topics, and you will be awarded a Master of Public Health.

6-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion

1.5 year

Complete 12 topics to earn
Master of Public Health

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is Public Health?

Public health is the science and practice of preventing disease, promoting health, and improving wellbeing across entire populations.

Unlike clinical care, which focuses on treating individuals, public health takes a broader view, working to address the root causes of health issues through prevention, education, policy, and research.

Public health professionals strive to create healthier, more equitable communities by ensuring safe environments to live, learn, work, and play.

Can I study this course on campus?

Yes, students can choose to study undergraduate or postgraduate Public Health courses online or face to face.

Why should I consider a public health degree?

Public Health professionals:

• can experience job security and professional variety in their public health careers,
• have an ability to impact health directly at a community level,
• participate in advocacy to improve health, and
• have a worldwide impact by contributing to involvement in international health initiatives.

Discover our Top Reasons to Study Public Health

Can I specialise in a particular area of public health?

Yes. Public Health at Flinders is highly interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore areas such as epidemiology, health promotion, biostatistics, Indigenous health, environmental change, and leadership. The flexibility of the program supports a wide range of interests and professional goals.

Why study Public Health at Flinders University?

Flinders offers job-ready public health degrees taught by leading experts. Students gain practical experience through placements, fieldwork, and simulated activities, and build networks that support career success.

Flinders also offers a pathway into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program through a dedicated admissions sub-quota.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.