About us
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Find out moreThe University is ranked third in Australia and 35th in the world for public health in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Find out more
This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study face-to-face or remotely in 2022. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The postgraduate health policy program provides students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of health systems and policy making processes. It offers a critical perspective on how health systems operate and the forces that shape the health policy environment.
This program is offered at three award levels graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master's degree; completion of this graduate diploma program can be used as credit towards a master's degree.
Listen to FAQs about studying health policy at the University of Sydney.
There are no specialisations for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Criteria, eligibility and application deadlines vary. Check the scholarships website or contact the school directly for more information.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Criteria, eligibility and application deadlines vary. Check the scholarships website or contact the school directly for more information.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
The Graduate Diploma in Health Policy consists of 36 credit points (cp), including four core units (24cp) and two elective units of study (12cp). You may be allowed to undertake elective units outside the prescribed list with the approval of the course coordinator and unit coordinator.
Classes are conducted in intensive mode, including weekend workshops and web-based learning.
Explore the Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree:
View the health policy course structure diagram (PDF, 44KB).
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Health Policy will:
In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without this qualification who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
In addition to the above criteria, please be advised that a statement of intent is a mandatory document for this program. For statement of intent, please specify the reason(s) why you would like to apply for this program and how do you think it will be beneficial to you after completing the program?
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The Graduate Diploma in Health Policy enables graduates to work at a high level across the health sector, whether it be in government and policy roles, leading health services, or working in advocacy, strategy, political advisory, regulation, or business development.
There are many employment opportunities for health policy graduates to work in a range of organisations across different spheres. These include:
Renata's career timeline
| 2018 - present | Country Director - Fiji and the Pacific UNAIDS |
| 2017 | Programme Management Officer World Health Organization |
| 2017 | Consultant Global Fund Project Advisor Oceania Society for Sexual Health and HIV Medicine |
| 2016 | Consultant Policy Adviser Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat |
| 2015 | Master of Health Policy University of Sydney |
