Pursue a rewarding new career possibilities in public health.

Public health is a rapidly growing industry with strong predicted job growth. The Graduate Certificate of Public Health will equip you with strong foundational knowledge so you can advance your career and make an impact in this dynamic field.

Designed by industry-leading academics, this course will equip you with essential skills in areas like epidemiology, biostatistics, and disease prevention. It’s your entry point into a meaningful profession that supports healthier communities, both in Australia and around the world.

Study from a Go8 University.

As a Group of Eight university ranked #1 in Australia for public health (ARWU 2024), our reputation for academic excellence and impactful research is trusted worldwide.

Graduate with qualifications that count.

As one of the first institutions in Australia to offer online public health programs, Monash has a long-standing legacy of innovation in digital learning and public health education.

Take your first step towards a masters.

Completing a Graduate Certificate will put you one step closer to securing your master’s degree in Public Health – building on your newfound foundation.

Broaden your career potential.

Gain the skills needed for roles across government, non-profits, research institutes, industry, and influence policy and lead strategies in complex, real-world settings.

Learn with flexibility that fits your life.

Online study means you can create a schedule that works for you. Our online learning environment leverages cutting-edge tools, including AI-enhanced features and interactive content, for a career-ready experience.

Engage with current public health issues.

You’ll learn from authentic assessments that mirror the challenges faced by health professionals today, like designing research projects, managing a health program, and financial planning.

Study Mode

Accelerated 100% Online

Duration

0.7 years part-time

Units

4

Intakes

Mar, May, Aug, Oct

Fees

Est. $4,287.50 per unit

FEE-HELP

Eligible students may apply for FEE-HELP.

Develop a global leadership perspective

Apply Now

What does the Graduate Certificate of Public Health cover?

Taught by Victoria’s leading public health experts and with strong links to the Alfred Hospital and the Alfred Research Alliance, the Graduate Certificate of Public Health encompasses topics that will allow you to navigate public health systems with confidence. The course will test your ability in researching methods for healthcare, and incorporate the concepts and applications of public healthcare interventions.

Learning within the world celebrated School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, you’ll explore the fundamentals of public health while developing your skills in problem-solving and communication. It’s your education pathway to a highly rewarding career.

FAQs

Where a Graduate Certificate of Public Health can take you.

The Graduate Certificate of Public Health prepares you for a career in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries. Through a curriculum of units focused on key aspects of public health, and coursework integrated with real-world practice, you’ll graduate ready to take your career to the next level.

Health Promotion Officer

Help people achieve better health, and live longer and happier lives by building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, strengthening communities, and shifting focuses from treating illness to preventing it.

$100,000 The most typical salary in Australia

+4.1% Expected growth over the next 5 years

Health Educator

Develop and deliver programs promoting healthy lifestyles. You’ll work in industries like schools, hospitals, and community organizations and empower individuals with knowledge to make informed health decisions.

$105,000 The most typical salary in Australia

+15% Expected growth over the next 5 years

Health Managers

Skilled Health Managers are in demand and well-paid, especially those who can lead businesses into the digital space.

$110,000 The most typical salary in Australia

+14.9% Expected growth over the next 5 years

Epidemiologist

Driven by rapid increase from awareness of public health needs, epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and other health-related events. It’s an extremely rewarding career.

$115,000 The most typical salary in Australia

+30% Expected growth over the next 5 years

Community Health and Well-being Officer

Work to improve the health and well-being of your community through evaluating health programs, developing outreach events like various workshops, and advocating for policies that help the community around you.

$90,000 The most typical salary in Australia

+9.2% Expected growth over the next 5 years

How Monash Online can change your world.

#3

Top-ranked university

Monash is ranked #3 globally and #1 nationally, Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.

#36

World-class education

Top – 50 in the world for academic excellence and ongoing research by QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026.

#58

Globally recognised programs

Ranked globally in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025.

Monash goes above and beyond making sure that there is appropriate networking opportunities for students, that is done through discussion boards in each subject, as well as numerous Facebook groups.

Ashleigh

Graduate of Public Health

Structure
Entry Requirements
Fees
Accreditation

Structure

This course consists of 4 units, providing a chance to enter the field of public health with expert and fundamental knowledge necessary for a future in public health.

Need further clarification about our online course structure?

You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.

Core units

You must complete the following units:

Epidemiology: Concepts and applications

Research methods in healthcare

Biostatistics: Concepts and applications

Foundations in public health

Entry Requirements

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent)
OR
A minimum of three years of relevant work experience*

_* _{Relevant work experience in the field of health and public health and includes in the health industry, e.g. government, policy, provider such as hospital, clinic, non-government organisation (NGO), academic or research institution, consulting, pharmacist and pharmaceutical company etc.}

The Graduate Certificate of Public Health is not currently accepting international applications.

English requirements

Applicants must meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements apply for admission to Monash University Australia.

Extra Requirements

Applicants require a curriculum vitae (CV), relevant work experience or a statement from employer to substantiate period of employment.

If you need help understanding the above entry requirements, reach out to our student consultants on our contact us page and schedule a booking for a chat.

Fees

For the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, the estimated cost is $4,287.50 per unit*. You may be eligible to receive a FEE-HELP loan to cover part or all of your tuition. Fees are subject to change annually.

*Please note: these are the estimated domestic fees.

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Looking for clarification on fees, FEE-HELP or scholarships?

Enquire with our student consultants and schedule a call to get your questions answered.

Accreditation

The Graduate Certificate of Public Health is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) and students who articulate into the Master of Public Health can use the Masters qualification to work towards the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrator’s Fellowship.

Pathway to a master's degree

You can graduate with a Master of Human Resource Management in approximately 2 years part-time, after completing 12 units (72 credit points total).

You can also exit the course after completing approximately:

7 years part-time, 4 units (24 credit points), and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management

Public Health

Graduate Certificate

0.7 years part-time accelerated

Epidemiology: Concepts and applications
Research methods in healthcare
Biostatistics: Concepts and applications
Foundations in public health

Public Health

Master

1.4 years part-time accelerated

Health systems and policy
Epidemiology of infectious diseases
Leading and managing in public health and healthcare
Foundations of health promotion
Occupational health and safety
Introduction to environmental and planetary health
Epidemiology of chronic disease
Managing digital health

View Master of Public Health

What are employment prospects like for Public Health professionals?

With the Federal and State Government increasing investment in public health, and the Australia’s aging population’s imminent care demands, demand for qualified public professionals is growing significantly. The National Skills Commission forecasted the Health Care and Social Assistance industry to make the largest contribution to employment growth by 14.2% or 249,500 over a five year period until November 2025.

What areas of Australia's health care industry are growing after COVID-19?

The Australian Government identified several core areas of focus for building out Australia’s health care capacity in response to the COVID-19 virus, including:

The opening of new respiratory clinics
Expansion of emergency departments
Increased availability of hospital beds.

This will inevitably lead to long-more jobs in public health, with increased job security.

What's the difference between Public Health and Health Administration?

Public Health prepares you for a career in Health policy. You’ll learn more biostatistic analytical concepts that inform critical decisions affecting health care practices.

Health Administration will give you the skills to implement health care improvement projects in a range of clinical settings. With a focus on management roles, you’ll graduate with the knowledge to effectively lead health care teams while making informed and ethical decisions.

Study a master’s qualification delivered by those who change it.

Supported by our expert academics and student assistance team, you’ll experience the benefits of an immersive learning experience that is tailored to your needs. You’ll learn from experienced industry professionals, with a focus on real-world applications.

Meet your academic team

Professor Dragan Ilic

Course Coordinator

Professor Dragan Ilic is the Director, Teaching & Learning and Head, Medical Education Research & Quality (MERQ) unit at SPHPM. Dragan is internationally recognised for his expertise in evidence-based practice (EBP) and health professions education. He is a board member of the International Society of Evidence-based Health Care, editorial member of Cochrane Urology and member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Health Professions Educators.

Dr Nazmul Karim

Dr Nazmul Karim is a medical doctor and a clinical epidemiologist by training, and the program manager for Monash online courses at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Dr Karim has also obtained a Master of Clinical Epidemiology and PhD. Dr Karim has worked in various capacities, including both developing and developed countries, as well as the World Health Organization.

Associate Professor Baki Billah

Associate Professor Baki Billah received his PhD in biostatistics from Monash University. He has received multiple teaching awards for his biostatistics units. A/Prof Billah has published more than 200 research articles and reports, and supervised 10 PhD students. His current research areas include COVID-19, cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

Studying online, the Monash way.

World-focused courses delivered online.

Step into a dynamic virtual class, learn from leading academics and industry leaders, so you can experience world-class education – your way.

Support at your fingertips.

You’ll have easy access to dedicated support services designed specifically for your discipline. Seven days a week.

Your success is our priority.

Our online courses are designed to help you graduate as an in-demand employee, ready to take the next step in your career.

Download a course guide

Fill in your details to download an interactive course guide containing:

course information
career pathways
how online study works
how to apply

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Graduate Certificate of Public Health

Discover the rewarding prospects of a career in public health.