Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences

School of Medicine

Are you a Health Professional with a curiosity and desire to learn about the world we live in and how it affects human health? The Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences examines this question with a focus on societal values and ethics, the social determinants of health, the environment we live in, the health of the planet, the Australian healthcare system, and the importance of effective communication in health. Contact us to find out more.

• Why study this program?

  If you are seeking an understanding of the foundations of human health and the health care system in Australia, this program is ideal. The Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences offers a broad overview of the ways in which the world we live in affects human health. This includes the social determinants of health, societal values and ethics, the environment we live in, the health of the planet, the health care system and contemporary communications and information technology.

  The program will be delivered using a combination of self-directed and online learning. Learning activities will take place through evening classes that run from 6pm to 9pm AEST (Sydney time).

• Program summary

  The standard duration for the Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences is 1 year part-time study. Students will study:

  • MEDI5001 Scientific Literacy and Communication
  • MEDI5002 Environment, Society and Health
  • MEDI5004 The Australian Health Care System
  • PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life

  There are no Practicum or Internship requirements in the Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  A completed undergraduate Bachelor degree.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of health and health care in professional contexts
  2. Integrate knowledge of health sciences with other fields of endeavour, for professional development and lifelong learning
  3. Critically analyse and apply ethical principles related to health care and health sciences
  4. Apply research and problem-solving skills to analyse, and critically appraise health and scientific information
  5. Communicate health science information effectively to a range of audiences
  6. Apply an understanding of the organization of the Australian health care in professional contexts; and
  7. Critically analyse the impact of biological, social, and environmental determinants of health on the well-being of individuals and populations.

• Career opportunities

  The Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences will give professionals the skills and knowledge to work in the fields of community health officer, health services manager, policy officer, and public health officer.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Postgraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.