Why Graduate Diploma in Public Health?
Advocate for healthy lives. Champion policy-driven approaches to enhance community wellbeing.
Become a practitioner dedicated to addressing significant health challenges. Discover the local and global reach of public health. Explore advanced concepts in epidemiology and biostatistics. Work with communities to manage local health problems. Respond to health challenges and protect the community through strategic action. Advance your career as a professional in the public health sector. Gain a competitive edge in sectors like government, community health and research institutions.
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Public Health provides a flexible pathway to a fulfilling career in the health sector. Study core courses that address a wide range of health issues on local, national and global scales. Personalise your studies by choosing from a range of electives in health.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrate professional skills and responsibilities in the field of public health. Tailor your studies in specific areas of interest aligned to your career goals. Discover areas like epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and social science research.
You’ll be ready to take advantage of new and enhanced career opportunities. As a public health professional, you can work in a range of areas like community health or government agencies. You might even shape public policy to control future disease outbreaks. As an Adelaide University graduate, you’ll be equipped with the specialised knowledge for career success.
Key features
Examine and design strategies to safeguard public health. - Explore the organisation and delivery of public health services.
- Gain insight into relevant social, cultural, economic and environmental factors.
- Customise your studies to align with your interests and career aspirations.
- Enjoy flexible study options including part-time study.
- Complete core courses and electives from the public health discipline.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Diploma in Public Health consists of two core courses in public health and six elective courses in relevant areas. Take a strong practical focus to your learning and craft a customised study plan.
You’ll choose from the following core courses:
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Global Public Health
- Public Health Evaluation and Economics
- Health Systems, Systems Thinking & Advocacy for Change
- Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Qualitative Research Methods in Health.
Create innovative solutions to current and future health problems. Investigate preventative health challenges and craft culturally sensitive policies. You could explore leadership in advocacy – focusing on learning practical skills such as communication, negotiation and diplomacy.
Broaden your knowledge further through specialised electives from a range of courses across the public health discipline.
You can explore the ethical tools used to evaluate contemporary and emerging challenges in modern health care and preventative health. Discover core concepts and principles in infectious disease epidemiology, prevention and control. Use real-world examples to design and apply a framework to evaluate public health intervention. Take a broad view of the impact of health technologies on the health of our population.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 6 to 42 units for Core courses, and
- 6 to 42 units for Electives
Complete 6 to 42 units comprising:
- 42 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Biostatistics (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Epidemiology (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Public Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation and Economics (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Systems, Systems Thinking and Advocacy for Change
|
Course code
PUBH5016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Occupational Health (UoA) (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5027
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program core - Please note PUBH5016 Health Systems, Systems Thinking & Advocacy for Change may be offered in either semester 1 or semester 2
Complete 6 to 42 units comprising:
- 6 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Ethical Challenges in Modern Health Care
|
Course code
PUBH5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
|
Course code
PUBH5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Making Healthy Public Policy
|
Course code
PUBH5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biostatistics
|
Course code
PUBH5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiological Research Methods
|
Course code
PUBH5020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
OL Health Technology Assessment (PG)
|
Course code
PUBH5022
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program electives - Please note that some electives may be offered in either semester 1 or semester 2
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Diploma in Public Health equips professionals to elevate their careers, positioning them within organisations committed to disease prevention, health promotion and the improvement of community wellbeing.
You could work in the following sectors:
- government
- hospitals and healthcare systems
- community health
- international health organisations
- research institutes
- non-profit organisations.
You might study disease patterns and work to control outbreaks. You could investigate and report on health issues, helping to inform the public and advocate for health improvements. Perhaps you’ll use creative strategies to engage communities, address health disparities and promote wellbeing.
Careers also include:
- Public health officer
- Ministerial adviser
- NGO worker
- Policy adviser
- Project manager.
You can also further your studies and progress to our master’s degree in public health.
Industry trends
In 2024, there have been nearly 12 million confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). While a range of public health measures were implemented, these will need to be revised for future health challenges. You can be at the forefront of creating policy-based strategies that benefit the overall wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities. You can work with organisations and healthcare services to protect the community through advocacy and strategic action. Begin your journey towards a rewarding career with Adelaide University.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
