Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The Graduate Certificate in Global Health provides a compact, interdisciplinary introduction to global health theory and practice. Core topics typically cover the determinants of health in low-, middle- and high-income settings; population health approaches; health systems and policy; ethics and human rights in global health; and the design, implementation and evaluation of health programs.

• Core modules – introductory global health concepts; health systems and policy analysis; epidemiology and population health methods; program planning and evaluation for international contexts.
• Elective or applied topics – maternal and child health, infectious disease control, non-communicable disease management, health promotion, refugee and migrant health, climate change and health, or humanitarian response, depending on campus and availability.
• Learning modes – a mixture of lectures, case-based seminars, small-group problem solving and applied assessments such as program briefs or policy analyses. Some delivery options include face-to-face, intensive blocks and online units to suit working professionals.
• Credit and progression – the qualification is a short-form postgraduate award that can often be used for credit towards a related master's degree at ACU subject to faculty rules.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in health, social science or another relevant discipline, or to have equivalent professional experience in a health-related field. Relevant work experience in public health, clinical practice, community development or international aid may strengthen an application. International applicants and those whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy.

Career prospects

The Graduate Certificate in Global Health equips graduates with applied knowledge and skills useful for a range of roles in the global and public health sectors. Typical career directions include:

• Program officer or coordinator roles with non-governmental organisations and international development agencies
• Positions in government health departments focused on policy support, health promotion or population health projects
• Clinical and allied health professionals seeking to work in international or remote contexts
• Research support roles, monitoring and evaluation positions, and pathway progression to further postgraduate study (for example a Master of Public Health or Masters in Global Health)

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers health-related study with an emphasis on social justice, ethical practice and community engagement, which aligns closely with the values central to global health. The university provides interdisciplinary teaching drawing on expertise across health sciences, nursing, medicine and social sciences, and has partnerships with healthcare organisations, NGOs and community groups that support practical learning experiences.

Students benefit from flexible delivery options suited to working professionals, access to academic staff engaged in applied global health and public health research, and pathways to further postgraduate study within ACU’s health programs.