Why study the Graduate Certificate 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
Look beyond the individual. Understand what shapes health
Health is shaped by far more than what happens inside a healthcare setting. Social conditions, culture, policy, access, environment and inequity can all influence why some communities experience better health than others. Public health looks beyond the individual to understand those patterns and what can be done about them.
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health builds practical capability across public health practice, Indigenous public health, social perspectives and epidemiology. Designed for working professionals from health and other disciplines, the four-subject course helps you understand population health, interpret evidence and consider more equitable approaches to improving health, while providing a pathway to further study in public health.
Who is this course for?
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health is designed for professionals who want to better understand the factors shaping health across communities and populations and build capability to contribute to public health practice.
Whether you already work in health or are bringing experience from another field, the course can help you develop a stronger understanding of population health, health equity and evidence-informed decision-making.
This course may suit professionals looking to:
- Build practical capability in public health and population health
- Understand how social, cultural and structural factors influence health
- Strengthen their ability to interpret epidemiological evidence
- Build greater awareness of Indigenous public health and health equity
- Create a pathway into further postgraduate public health study
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health comprises four online subjects totalling 24 credit points, building practical capability across public health, Indigenous public health, social perspectives, epidemiology and evidence-informed practice.
Complete all four subjects:
- Foundations in Public Health + Indigenous Public Health (3CP + 3CP)
- Social Perspectives in Public Health (6CP)
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (6CP)
- Plus one approved elective subject (6CP) 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 Certificate in Public Health helps you understand the factors shaping health across populations, interpret evidence and contribute to ethical, equitable and culturally responsive public health practice.
Develop and implement public health strategies
Gain foundational knowledge of public health frameworks, policies and practices. Develop the skills to analyse contemporary health issues and apply evidence-based approaches to improving population health.
Use data and research to inform public health practice
Learn to assess health risks, interpret epidemiological data and evaluate public health trends. Strengthen your ability to use research and data to inform health programs and policies.
Promote health equity and ethical practice
Develop the skills to advocate for culturally responsive, inclusive and ethical public health initiatives. Apply principles of social justice to address health inequalities and improve community wellbeing.
Collaborate to improve community and global health
Refine your communication and collaboration skills to engage with stakeholders in public health settings. Work effectively with healthcare providers, policymakers and community organisations to implement sustainable health solutions.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health builds capability relevant across public health programs, health promotion, community health, policy and research.
Depending on your professional background and experience, graduates may explore opportunities such as:
- Public Health Project Officer
- Health Promotion Officer
- Community Health Officer
- Policy Development Assistant
- Public Health Research Assistant
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 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 Certificate in Public Health is a postgraduate qualification designed to build foundational capability in population and community health.
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health develops knowledge across public health frameworks, social and cultural perspectives, epidemiology, health equity and evidence-informed public health practice.
Public health focuses on improving and protecting the health of populations and communities rather than treating individual patients.
It includes areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, policy, research, health equity and the design and evaluation of programs that address health challenges at a local, national or global level.
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health is designed for professionals who want to build foundational public health capability or transition into population and community health work.
It can suit people from a wide range of backgrounds, including nursing, psychology, optometry, sociology, physiotherapy, exercise science, biomedical science, data analytics and communication.
No. A healthcare background is not required.
The course is designed for professionals from a range of disciplines who want to build public health capability, subject to the current 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 foundational capability in public health strategy, epidemiology, social and cultural perspectives, health equity and evidence-informed decision-making.
The course is designed to help you analyse contemporary health issues, interpret public health data and research, understand how social factors influence health, and contribute to programs and policies that improve population and community health.
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health comprises four subjects totalling 24 credit points.
You’ll complete:
• Foundations in Public Health + Indigenous Public Health
• Social Perspectives in Public Health
• Fundamentals of Epidemiology
• Six credit points from approved Master of Public Health core or elective study
This structure gives you a foundation in public health while allowing some flexibility in your fourth subject.
Yes. Fundamentals of Epidemiology is one of the core subjects in the Graduate Certificate.
You’ll build foundational capability in understanding patterns of health and disease, assessing health risks, interpreting epidemiological evidence and using data to inform public health decisions.
Yes. The course develops foundational skills in interpreting epidemiological data, assessing health risks, evaluating public health trends and using research to inform programs and policies.
These skills are designed to help you make evidence-informed decisions and contribute more effectively to public health initiatives.
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health can be completed in a minimum of eight months.
The course comprises four online subjects totalling 24 credit points.
Yes. The course is designed for professionals who want to complete postgraduate study alongside existing work and personal commitments.
You’ll study one subject at a time through structured online learning, allowing you to focus on one area of public health at a time and connect what you learn with 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 Certificate in Public Health provides 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.
Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health provides a pathway into the Master of Public Health.
The Graduate Certificate comprises four subjects totalling 24 credit points. If you successfully complete it and receive full credit towards the 12-subject master’s degree, you will have eight additional subjects remaining, subject to current UTS credit rules.
You can also continue first to the Graduate Diploma in Public Health and then progress to the master’s.
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a four-subject postgraduate qualification that builds a foundation in public health, social perspectives and epidemiology.
The Master of Public Health is a 12-subject degree that develops broader and deeper capability across areas such as global health, disease prevention, biostatistics, health promotion, research and advanced public health practice, with options to tailor study through Data Analytics, Leadership or Flexible pathways.
The Graduate Certificate can be completed as a standalone qualification or used as a pathway into the master’s.
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 Certificate in Public Health can help you build foundational capability for public health, health promotion, community health and policy-related work.
Career directions identified by UTS Online include:
• Public Health Assistant
• Health Promotion Officer in entry-level roles
• Community Health Support Worker
• Policy Development Assistant
Career outcomes will depend on your previous experience, professional goals and the requirements of individual employers.
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 a shorter postgraduate qualification, it can provide a focused way to build knowledge of population health, epidemiology, health equity and evidence-informed practice without initially committing to a full master’s degree.
It can also provide a pathway into the Graduate Diploma in Public Health and Master of Public Health if you decide to continue your studies.
The current indicative tuition fee for the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health is $14,493 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 Certificate 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 Certificate 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 Certificate 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 Certificate 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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