Why study the Graduate Diploma in Public Health with UTS Online?
Top 100 University globally1
Australia’s leading young university2
Top 10 in Australia for graduate employability3
5-star rated for student retention4
1QS World University Rankings, 2027 2Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2026 3Times Higher Education Graduate Employability Rankings, 2026. 4Good Universities Guide, 2026
Health outcomes are shaped long before care begins
Where people live, the systems they access, the policies that affect them and the social and cultural conditions around them can all influence who stays well, who faces greater risk and where health inequities persist. Public health means understanding those forces and using evidence to decide where change can make the greatest difference.
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health builds broad capability across epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, research, Indigenous public health and social perspectives. Designed for professionals from health and other disciplines, the eight-subject course helps you interpret evidence, understand population health needs and contribute to more informed and equitable public health responses, while providing a pathway into the Master of Public Health.
Who is this course for?
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health is designed for professionals who want to build broader public health capability and better understand the complex factors shaping health across communities and populations.
Whether you already work in health or are bringing experience from another field, the course can help you strengthen your analytical, research and evidence-informed capability for public health practice. A healthcare background is not mandatory, provided you meet the course entry requirements.
This course may suit professionals looking to:
- Build practical capability in public health and population health
- Build broad capability across public health and population health
- Strengthen epidemiology, research and health data capability
- Better understand health inequities and the social determinants of health
- Contribute to health promotion, policy, programs or community initiatives
- Create a pathway into the Master of Public Health
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health comprises eight online subjects totalling 48 credit points, building broad capability across public health practice, epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research, health promotion and population health.
Complete all four subjects:
- Foundations in Public Health (3CP)
- Indigenous Public Health (3CP)
- Social Perspectives in Public Health (6CP)
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (6CP)
- Fundamentals of Biostatistics (3CP)
- Fundamentals of Qualitative Research (3CP)
- Health Promotion (6CP)
- Plus three approved elective subjects (18CP) from the Master of Public Health core or elective subject list
CP = credit points. Subject descriptions and learning outcomes are available via the subject links on this page. Subject availability, sequencing and course structures are subject to change.
Flexible course options
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or prefer to start with a shorter qualification, begin with the Graduate Certificate in Public Health and continue into the Graduate Diploma in Public Health or Master of Public Health when you’re ready.
Learning outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health helps you understand complex population health challenges, interpret evidence and contribute to informed, equitable and culturally responsive public health practice.
Develop and implement public health strategies
Apply public health principles and research to design and evaluate interventions that improve population health outcomes. Use evidence-based approaches to address complex health challenges across diverse communities.
Use data and research to inform public health practice
Analyse epidemiological data, health trends and policy frameworks to support decision-making. Strengthen your ability to assess health risks, evaluate public health programs and drive data-informed solutions.
Promote health equity and ethical practice
Advocate for culturally responsive, inclusive and socially just health policies and programs. Apply ethical considerations to public health initiatives, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all communities.
Collaborate to improve community and global health
Work effectively with government agencies, healthcare professionals and community organisations to strengthen health systems. Contribute to multidisciplinary efforts that drive sustainable public health outcomes.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health builds capability relevant across public health programs, population health, health promotion, policy, research and community health.
Depending on your professional background and experience, graduates may explore opportunities such as:
- Public Health Coordinator
- Health Promotion Officer
- Public Health Project Officer
- Population Health Officer
- Public Health Policy Officer
Course information
Currently, this course is only accepting applications from Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian Bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent
OR
- A minimum of 1 year’s full-time (or equivalent part-time) relevant professional work experience in health or public health, AND a general capacity to undertake tertiary education, demonstrated by successful completion of hospital or college certificates and professional or staff development
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate professional work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming professional work experience (Australian residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor, on company letterhead, confirming the applicant’s professional work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
16.7%
Employment increase by 2033
The Health Care and Social Assistance sector's share of total employment in Australia is projected to increase from 15.2% in 2023 to 16.7% by 2033, indicating robust growth and demand for public health management professionals.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
950,000+
New jobs in 5 Years
Total employment in Australia is projected to grow by around 950,000 people (6.6%) over the next five years, with significant contributions from the health sector, highlighting expanding opportunities for public health graduates.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
High demand
for health promotion officers
Health Promotion Officers develop and implement strategies to improve public health outcomes. An estimated 5,100 HPOs are employed in Australia, with demand growing due to increasing community wellness challenges and a focus on preventative health.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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Jan
2027 -
Mar
2027 -
May
2027 -
Jul
2027 -
Aug
2027 -
Oct
2027
Meet our Course Director
“The UTS Online Public Health courses are designed to empower you with the analytical and practical skills needed to tackle real-world health challenges. Our innovative curriculum bridges theory and practice, preparing you to drive ethical change and promote health equity in diverse communities.”
Dr Daniel Demant
Course Director, Master of Public Health
Dr Daniel Demant is a public health researcher and educator with expertise in epidemiology, health equity and applied social sciences. His work spans health disparities, research ethics and public health curriculum development, informed by experience across university and nonprofit health settings. He leads the UTS Online Master of Public Health.
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“I thought completing one subject at a time would be much easier for me to juggle with my work. Everything was in one place. The broad coverage of what I studied has been really helpful, because I’m opening my progression up to those new paths.”
Audrey B, UTS Online Graduate
“I continued some friendships from fellow students and also continued the relationship with UTS.”
Ben G, UTS Online Graduate
Frequently asked questions
A Graduate Diploma in Public Health is a postgraduate qualification designed to build broader public health capability across population health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and evidence-informed practice.
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health develops practical skills for understanding public health challenges, interpreting data and research, designing and evaluating interventions, and contributing to programs and policies that improve health outcomes.
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health is designed for professionals who want to build specialist public health knowledge, transition into the sector or strengthen their ability to influence health programs, policy and practice.
It can suit healthcare professionals, policy and public health practitioners, researchers, government and NGO professionals, and people from broader fields such as social sciences, environmental health and health education.
No. A healthcare background is not required.
The course welcomes applicants from a range of professional backgrounds who want to build public health capability, subject to the current academic or professional entry requirements.
Yes. A bachelor’s degree is not the only entry pathway.
Current entry requirements allow applicants to be considered with either a completed Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, or at least one year of relevant professional work experience in health or public health together with demonstrated capacity to undertake tertiary study through previous hospital, college, professional or staff-development qualifications.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
You’ll build capability across public health strategy, epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, social and cultural perspectives, health equity and evidence-informed decision-making.
The course is designed to help you analyse population-health challenges, interpret research and health data, design and evaluate public health initiatives, and contribute to policies and programs that improve community and population health.
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health comprises eight subjects totalling 48 credit points.
You’ll complete:
• Foundations in Public Health + Indigenous Public Health
• Social Perspectives in Public Health
• Fundamentals of Epidemiology
• Fundamentals of Biostatistics + Fundamentals of Qualitative Research
• Health Promotion
• Three additional subjects from the Master of Public Health core or approved elective subjects
This structure builds a broad public health foundation while allowing some flexibility in your later subjects.
Yes. The Graduate Diploma includes both Fundamentals of Epidemiology and Fundamentals of Biostatistics + Fundamentals of Qualitative Research.
These subjects help you understand patterns of health and disease, assess risk, interpret public health data and research, and use evidence to support public health decisions.
Yes. The course develops your ability to apply public health principles and research to the design and evaluation of interventions and programs.
You’ll build skills in using evidence, data and research to identify health needs, assess risks, plan responses and evaluate whether public health initiatives are achieving their intended outcomes.
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health can be completed in a minimum of 16 months.
The course comprises eight online subjects totalling 48 credit points.
Yes. The course is designed for professionals who want to complete postgraduate study alongside existing work and personal commitments.
You’ll study online through structured weekly learning and engage with practical public health, research and data-focused activities that can be connected to contemporary population and community health challenges.
How you balance work, study and personal commitments will depend on your individual circumstances, so it is important to plan for the weekly study requirements of each subject.
Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health provides a pathway into the Master of Public Health.
The Graduate Diploma comprises eight subjects totalling 48 credit points. If you successfully complete it and receive full credit towards the 12-subject master’s degree, you will have four additional subjects remaining, subject to current UTS credit rules.
Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health can provide a pathway into the Graduate Diploma in Public Health.
The Graduate Certificate comprises four subjects. If those subjects are fully credited towards the eight-subject Graduate Diploma, you would have four additional subjects remaining, subject to current UTS credit rules.
The three qualifications form a staged public health study pathway.
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health comprises four subjects and builds a foundation in public health and epidemiology. The Graduate Diploma in Public Health comprises eight subjects and develops broader capability across areas such as biostatistics, health promotion and evidence-informed practice. The Master of Public Health comprises 12 subjects and adds further advanced study and pathway options.
Eligible completed subjects can count towards the next qualification, subject to current UTS credit rules.
You may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, if your previous study or professional experience meets the relevant UTS course requirements.
UTS assesses RPL after an offer of enrolment has been accepted. The amount of credit available depends on your individual circumstances and the evidence provided.
The Graduate Diploma in Public Health can support progression into public health programs, health promotion, policy, planning, research and community health roles.
Career directions identified by UTS Online include:
• Public Health Coordinator
• Health Promotion Officer
• Policy and Planning Assistant
• Community Health Worker
• Health Research Assistant
Career outcomes will depend on your previous experience, professional goals and the requirements of individual employers.
Public health professionals can work across government agencies, health services, community organisations, not-for-profit organisations, research settings, advocacy organisations and public health programs.
The Graduate Diploma develops transferable capability in data, research, health promotion, policy and program design that can be applied across a range of population and community health settings.
Whether the course is worthwhile depends on your professional goals, previous experience and the public health capability you want to build.
For professionals who want more depth than a Graduate Certificate but are not yet ready to commit to the full master’s degree, the Graduate Diploma provides a structured way to build broader capability across epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and evidence-informed public health practice.
It also provides a pathway into the Master of Public Health if you decide to continue your studies.
The current indicative tuition fee for the UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Healthis $28,985 in total, with an indicative fee of $3,623 per subject.
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Your total course fee may vary depending on your study plan, Recognition of Prior Learning and the fees applicable at the time of enrolment, so refer to the UTS Online fees page for the latest information.
Yes. FEE-HELP is available to eligible students studying the UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can help eligible full-fee-paying students cover some or all of their tuition fees.
Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current FEE-HELP information before enrolling.
UTS Online offers six intakes per year, giving you multiple opportunities to commence the Graduate Diploma in Public Health.
Intake dates can change from year to year, so refer to the course page for the next available intake and current application dates.
For a standard six-credit-point UTS Online subject, you should typically allow around 15–20 hours per week for study.
This can include working through weekly learning materials, completing readings and activities, participating in online discussions and preparing assessments. Your actual study time may vary depending on the subject, your previous experience and assessment deadlines.
UTS Online students generally study one subject at a time, helping you focus your study around your professional and personal commitments.
For more information, read our guide to study resources with an example study schedule.
Assessment in the UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health varies by subject and is designed to reflect practical, real-world public health, population health and prevention challenges.
Depending on the subject, assessments may include written assignments, public health or policy analyses, data interpretation tasks, online quizzes, presentations, proposals, research activities and portfolio-style work. Current course information states that there are no exams or group assignments required to graduate.
Refer to the individual subject information in the UTS Handbook for current assessment details.
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Public Health is delivered online through Canvas, with students studying one subject at a time through structured weekly modules. You’ll engage with practical activities, multimedia learning, peer discussions and assessments designed to connect your studies with real-world public health, population health and prevention challenges.
Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to support including:
• A dedicated Student Success Advisor
• Academic and assignment support
• UTS Career Hub resources and networking opportunities
• Peer learning and presentation support
• Confidential health and wellbeing services
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
Or read our tips for balancing postgraduate study with work and life: https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/blog/balancing-postgraduate-study-and-life-commitments-practical-tips-success
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