Graduate Certificate in Public Health
PostgraduateUOQ-PBH-GCE2027
Course information for 2027 intake View information for 2026 course intake
Get to know the world of public health
Want to specialise in public health? This is a perfect taster course. Explore introductory subjects around public health practices, epidemiology, biostatistics and health promotion. Then use your newfound knowledge to pursue further study in a Masters Degree.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
About this degree
During this course you will:
- Benefit from a program that is evidence-based and comprehensive and reflects UQ's strong links with Australian and global health organisations.
- Choose to progress to the Graduate Diploma or Master of Public Health and transfer study credits across on completion of the program.
- Benefit from options to study online, on campus or a combination of both, so you can structure your study to suit your needs.
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a 6-month program which lets you explore patterns of health and disease and develop skills to help minimise the number of people affected by preventable illness, disease, injury or death.
You'll benefit from a program that is evidence-based, comprehensive, and reflects UQ's strong links with organisations such as AusAID, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and international ministries of health.
Core courses introduce topics and disciplines relevant to public health, including environmental health, health promotion, epidemiology, health systems, and biostatistics.
You can also choose to focus part of your program on an area of particular interest to your career goals. Some of the specialisations offered include nutrition, global health, indigenous health, health promotion and disease prevention and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Please note that select subjects and assessments may require in-person attendance. Please review the courses and program structure on the University's website for further details.
Recommended study pattern
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a 1 year course for a part-time student. Each year consists of 2 Study Periods, also known as semesters. The recommended study pattern consists of 1 core subject and 3 elective subjects, with 2 to be completed in your first study period and 2 in your second.
Award requirements
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of 4 subjects.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $4,770
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Postgrad study at UQ equips you with the mindset to master any challenge and every journey.
The University of Queensland (UQ) is ranked among the world’s top 50 universities and one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions.
UQ delivers for the public good through transformative education, pioneering research, and meaningful engagement with communities.
The University of Queensland has Australia’s most awarded teachers and graduates are highly sought after. UQ researchers work with government and industry – from discovery to commercialisation – to solve global challenges.
The UQ community includes 54,000+ students, 365,000+ alumni, and 450 international partners and the university is a member of Universitas 21, Group of Eight, Universities Australia, Worldwide Universities Network, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
Learn more about University of Queensland
Explore University of Queensland courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 6
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 6
How to apply
University of Queensland manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to University of Queensland who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
- to have completed post-secondary studies and have 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in a health care or public health setting.
Applications based on post-secondary study and work experience will be assessed individually.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant disciplines include: behavioural and social sciences, biomedical sciences, biostatistics, counselling, dentistry and oral health, development studies, environmental health, epidemiology, exercise and nutrition science, exercise and sport science, food science, health economics, health management, medicine and medical sciences, nursing, nutrition, occupational health and safety, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health and health sciences, science, sociology, speech therapy, and veterinary sciences.
All applicants must satisfy the UQ English language proficiency requirements for admission.
If you've completed previous study, you may be eligible to receive credit for – or exemption from – certain subjects in a UQ program.
Study method requirements
Please note that select subjects and assessments may require in-person attendance. Please review the courses and program structure on the University's website for further details.
Career opportunities
Possible future job titles:
- Health Promotion Coordinator
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker
- Public Health Medical Registrar
- Environmental Health Officer
- Research Associate
- Digital Health Coordinator
- Epidemiologist
- Primary Health Manager
- Policy and Research Officer.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2024.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Welfare Services Managers | Over $128K | Up 56.6% |
| Health Promotion Officers | N/A^ | Up 44% |
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $128K | Up 53.8% |