Study public health at the University of Sydney
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 more.The 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 also reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
About this course
The University of Sydney School of Public Health programs focus on the prevention of illness and the promotion of health.
Learning opportunities are aimed at developing the essential knowledge and skills required for practitioners in public health - including the effective management of community health problems to improve conditions and outcomes.
You will learn how to educate the community and create a healthier future by introducing impactful programs and strategies.
Why study public health with us?
Who should study this course?
You don’t have to come from a health or medical background to study public health at the University of Sydney. Our students come from a diverse range of medical, non-medical, academic and professional backgrounds. Regardless of your experience, the structure of our public health programs will provide you with advanced postgraduate training and equip you with the skills and requirements for a career as a public health professional.
Find out what we look for in a Public Health applicant.
Completion of this Graduate Diploma program can be used as credit towards a Masters degree.
There are no specialisations in this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
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 Public Health consists of 48 credit points (cp), including 36cp of core units, and 12cp of elective units.
The majority of core units of study will be scheduled in Semester 1, and all core units will be offered face-to-face or in online mode.
The core units will provide basic health knowledge and skills in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Qualitative Health Research, Health Promotion and Public Health Ethics.
In the elective unit component of the program, you will undertake a minimum of 6cp of PUBH elective units and a maximum of 6 cp of non-PUBH elective units.
Most units of study are also available in online mode.
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Public Health will hold a degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification. In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the School, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The Graduate Diploma in Public Health leads to hands on careers in public health, such as working with people in the field, as well as research-oriented jobs which involve conducting studies and examining overall health trends.
Careers in public health include working as a public health officer in government health departments; health education/promotion officer; clinical research manager; health information manager or health project manager.
Our Head of School outlines some of the career opportunities that exist for our graduates.
