Public health is a broad area which can be generally characterised as being concerned with improving health and wellbeing by carrying out actions that will have an impact at a population or 'whole of community' level. Current Australian priorities for public health are to reduce health disparities between different population groups and to positively influence social, economic, physical and biological factors that play a role in determining overall health outcomes.
 
Public health practitioners are health professionals who have the skills required to help individuals and communities to have greater control over their health and wellbeing and to influence organisational and political environments in ways that lead to better health for all.
 
The Graduate Diploma of Public Health provides students with an opportunity to develop skills in six areas of specialisation. These areas of specialisation reflect specific areas of employment opportunity and demand within the field of public health and the units offered within each are designed to develop competencies appropriate to assisting people to make the transition from front-line professional roles to early-career leadership positions.
 
The areas of specialisation offered are:

1. Public Health Methods;
2. Environmental Health;
3. Alcohol and Other Drugs;
4. Primary Health Care;
5. Health Promotion; and
6. Health and Aged Care Management.
   

Students who are considering enrolling in the Graduate Diploma of Public Health but who are not certain about their ultimate career direction within the public health workforce are encouraged select the Public Health Methods specialisation as this offers a broader opportunity for competency development.
 
Students who complete 60 credit points in this course and choose not to continue can apply for the exit award of Graduate Certificate in Public Health.

A relevant undergraduate degree or relevant postgraduate qualification.

Students will complete a total of 120 credit points (six or seven units). Students may select from the following selected areas of study:

1. Public Health Methods;
2. Environmental Health;
3. Alcohol and Other Drugs;
4. Primary Health Care;
5. Health Promotion; and
6. Health and Aged Care Management.

Students should be aware that some units in some areas of study may not be available in both semesters.