University of Melbourne

What you'll study

This graduate certificate introduces the core concepts and tools used in contemporary health informatics and digital health practice. Teaching combines technical, clinical and systems perspectives to equip students to evaluate and implement digital solutions for patient care and health-system management.

• Fundamentals of Health Informatics — principles of health information systems, clinical workflows, and standards for health data exchange.
• Digital Health Technologies — overview of electronic health records, telehealth platforms, mobile health applications and wearable devices, including practical considerations for adoption.
• Health Data Analytics and Decision Support — methods for analysing health data, clinical decision support concepts, and using analytics to inform quality improvement and service planning.
• Privacy, Security and Governance — legal, ethical and technical aspects of protecting health information, consent, and governance frameworks for digital health projects.
• Implementation and Change Management — strategies for planning, evaluating and sustaining digital health implementations in clinical settings, including stakeholder engagement and evaluation approaches.

Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, project work and applied assessments that emphasise real-world problems in hospitals, primary care and community health. The program is compact and designed to be completed in a short timeframe as a standalone qualification or as the first stage towards further postgraduate study in health informatics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent qualification. Applicants with substantial professional experience in health care, information technology, or related fields may also be considered. Specific requirements typically include:

• A completed undergraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of relevant background or interest in health, IT, data or management — demonstrated through prior study or work experience.
• English language proficiency as required by the University for postgraduate coursework programs, where applicable to international applicants.

Prospective students should consult the University of Melbourne postgraduate admissions guidance for details on required documentation and any prerequisite knowledge.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills that are in demand across clinical, administrative and technology-facing roles within health systems. Typical career outcomes include:

• Health informatics officer or coordinator in hospitals and health services.
• Clinical informatician supporting clinicians with electronic records and decision support.
• Digital health project manager or implementation specialist for EHR, telehealth and mobile health initiatives.
• Health data analyst or business intelligence analyst focusing on service performance, quality improvement and population health.
• Roles in policy, governance or consultancy relating to digital health strategy and compliance.

The certificate also provides a pathway for those wishing to progress to more advanced study in health informatics and health data science, which can broaden research and leadership opportunities.

Why study at University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers health informatics education within a research-intensive environment with strong links to clinical partners, public health agencies and industry. Students benefit from teaching by academics and practitioners with direct experience in digital health projects, access to case studies drawn from major hospitals and health services, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration across health, engineering and IT.

Studying at the University positions students to engage with contemporary challenges in health technology adoption and to build networks with clinicians, policy makers and technology providers active in the Australian and international health sectors.