Why study the Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease with UTS Online?
Above world standard for Excellence in Research in Australia for Public Health & Health Services1
Top 100 University Globally2
Top Performing Young University3
5 stars for excellence across 8 categories4
1ERA 4/5, 2024. 2QS World University Rankings, 2025. 3THE Young University Rankings, 2024. 4QS Stars Rating 2021–2024
Develop the foundations to influence public health
UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is designed for professionals who want to develop a fundamental understanding of epidemiology and population health, and learn to critically evaluate public health approaches to communicable disease control.
Delivered 100% online, you will gain immediately applicable skills to make a greater impact in your current role and prepare for future health challenges. Informed by leading academics and researchers, this course is delivered by the UTS School of Public Health, and will provide you with a high calibre education at the forefront of public health.
Who is this course for?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is designed for professionals who are passionate about creating positive change for population and community health, and are looking to advance their skills to improve the quality of public health programs at a local, national or global level.
Students of this course have backgrounds in varying industries and may be specialists in fields such as:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Optometry
- Sociology
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise science
- Biomedical science
- Data analytics
- Communication
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease comprises four online subjects (24 credit points (CP) in total).
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Foundations in Public Health + Indigenous Public Health
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology
- Communicable Disease
- Fundamentals of Biostatistics + Fundamentals of Qualitative Research
Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide.
Flexible course options
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is made up of 4 subjects (24 credit points (CP) in total).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease may qualify to advance to the Graduate Diploma in Public Health, and onto the Master of Public Health.
UTS Online also provides alternative Graduate Certificate specialisation pathways, offering the opportunity to study a Graduate Certificate in Public Health or a Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics.
Graduate Certificate
4 Subjects | 8 Months
Or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+4 Subjects | 16 Months
Or continue studying
Master
+4 Subjects | 24 Months
Graduate with a Master's degree
For more information, download the course guide or speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Learning outcomes
Understand and manage communicable disease threats
Gain foundational knowledge of infectious disease transmission, surveillance and control. Apply epidemiological principles to assess and mitigate public health risks in diverse settings.
Use data-driven strategies for disease prevention and response
Analyse health data and trends to support disease prevention, outbreak response and health system preparedness. Develop evidence-based interventions to manage and reduce communicable disease impact.
Champion public health ethics and global health equity
Apply ethical frameworks and culturally responsive approaches to communicable disease prevention and management. Advocate for policies and programs that promote equitable access to healthcare and disease prevention resources.
Collaborate across sectors to strengthen public health systems
Engage with healthcare professionals, policymakers and community organisations to develop and implement public health strategies. Strengthen multidisciplinary approaches to communicable disease control and prevention.
Course information
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.
Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but who have extensive relevant work experience in a healthcare or human services field may also be considered eligible.
Alternative admissions pathways may be available. Learn More
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.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease prepares professionals to address the prevention and management of communicable diseases. This course provides expertise in epidemiology, disease surveillance and outbreak response.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Communicable Disease Control Officer
- Public Health Surveillance Officer
- Epidemiology Assistant
- Health Program Coordinator
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)
Global health challenge opportunities
Public health graduates play key roles in tackling health crises, with 63% of global health employers reporting a growing need for communicable disease experts.
(WHO)
Increased demand for disease prevention experts
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Australia’s investment in public health, with funding for communicable disease prevention increasing by 37% from 2019 to 2023.
(AIHW)
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
2025 -
Mar
2025 -
May
2025 -
Jul
2025 -
Sep
2025 -
Oct
2025
Meet our Course Director
Dr. Daniel Demant is a dedicated public health researcher and educator with expertise in epidemiology, health equity and applied social sciences. His research focuses on addressing health disparities within LGBTQ+ communities and developing strategies for meaningful change. With extensive experience in curriculum development, Daniel has led postgraduate and undergraduate public health programs, driving innovation in teaching and learning. He serves as Chair of the UTS Medical Research Ethics Committee, ensuring the integrity of health-related research and is a board member of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia, contributing to the advancement of public health education. Prior to academia, Daniel worked in the nonprofit health sector, developing award-winning health education programs in HIV prevention and substance use.
"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, School of Public Health
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“Knowing that I've got the research behind me through the Master's course is going to give me a lot more confidence when I step into a room where decisions need to be made.”
Joel G, UTS Online Student
“Participating in the course has given me more opportunities at my workplace and has led to me being offered a new role. I absolutely love the flexibility of learning online. Being able to join evening classes; really adaptable to my lifestyle”
Kim M, UTS Online Student
“The flexibility to be able to do it any time, anywhere, just made completing the Masters so much easier.”
Bianca N, UTS Online Student
“I'm really impressed by how the course was structured and the way that I could connect with my peers. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to connect what I was learning, all of the theory to my professional world.”
Sonia D, UTS Online Student
“To be able to connect with these industry experts and also so many different students from so many different industries really allowed you to get stuck in and just explore what else is out there.”
Lauren S, UTS Online Student
Frequently asked questions
No, a background in healthcare is not required to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease. This program is open to professionals from various industries who are passionate about public health and wish to develop a fundamental understanding of epidemiology and population health and learn to critically evaluate public health approaches to communicable disease control.
Yes, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, you have the opportunity to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Public Health and subsequently the Master of Public Health, allowing for further specialisation and advanced expertise.
At UTS Online, your success is our priority, and that doesn't change when you study remotely. We're committed to providing you with a comprehensive range of student support services, guiding you from enrolment right through to graduation.
As a UTS student, you'll enjoy access to an array of support services, including:
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Your own dedicated Student Success Advisor, available to answer any course-related questions you may have to keep you on track
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UTS Career Hub for work experience and networking opportunities
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Assignment writing and academic support from teachers & lecturers
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Public speaking and peer learning support
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Confidential medical and mental health services.
Connect with us to learn more about how we support your success while studying for a Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease at UTS Online.
Assignments in our subjects are authentic, relevant and often grounded in your personal clinical context. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to clinical reports, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will not be required to complete exams or group assignments to graduate the Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease.
When studying the Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease, your online study experience includes:
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Modules focused on epidemiology and communicable disease management
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Resources for real-world case studies and analytics tools
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Flexible, user-friendly learning designed for working professionals
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
For practical tips on balancing your studies with work and life, click here to learn how to achieve your goals. Remember, our team is just an email or call away to support you every step of the way.
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