Gain the technical expertise to keep communities safe from disease.
Epidemiologists play a pivotal role in our modern world, helping to predict, defend, and counter the ongoing threat of disease outbreaks. This rapidly expanding industry requires skilled graduates with expertise in biostatistics, research methods, and chronic disease epidemiology.
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology provides a pathway into this dynamic field. Taught by Victoria’s leading public health experts and with strong links to the Alfred Hospital, this course will build upon your knowledge of health care principles and unlock exciting new career possibilities.
Study from a Go8 University.
As a Group of Eight university ranked #1 in Australia for public health (ARWU 2024), our reputation for academic excellence and impactful research is trusted worldwide.
Graduate with a highly credible qualification.
As one of the first institutions in Australia to offer online public health programs, Monash has a long-standing legacy of innovation in digital learning and public health education.
Protect communities from pandemics.
You’ll gain the skills to predict, defend, and counter the ongoing threat of disease outbreaks in a post-COVID world – joining the fast-growing and in-demand sector of epidemiology.
Be the go-to expert.
Complement your existing healthcare know-how by developing key epidemiology skills that expand horizons and open doors to a new, rewarding pathway in the future of health care.
Broaden your passion.
Gain the skills needed for roles across government, non-profits, research institutes and more – influencing policy and leading strategies in complex, real-world settings.
Take the first step towards a masters.
Completing a Graduate Certificate will put you one step closer to securing your master’s degree in Public Health – building on your newfound foundation.
What does the Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology cover?
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology develops your knowledge of key epidemiological principles that can be applied in public health contexts. You’ll build your practical epidemiological and data analysis skills, as well as the capacity to implement them in future practical applications with industry-leading experience.
With Monash Online you’ll gain access to The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Our world-renowned facility provides teaching underpinned by global excellence in the world of public health and epidemiology. The flexibility of online theoretical learning is complemented by practical experience in each unit, ensuring that you graduate with the knowledge and skills required to face the evolving demands of this sector.
FAQsWhere a Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology can take you.
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology can act as a stepping stone to a master’s degree, and it also prepares you for the dynamic future of public health career paths such as; Government, Research Institutions, Universities, Health Organisations, Non-Government Organisations, and Pharmaceutical companies.
Health Educator
Epidemiologist
Research Assistant
Data Analyst
Structure
The course is structured in 4 units, providing a full range of quantitative, analytical and communication skills necessary for a career in epidemiology.
Need further clarification about our online course structure?
You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.
Core units
You must complete the following units:
Epidemiology: Concepts and applications
Epidemiology of chronic disease
Biostatistics: Concepts and applications
Research methods in healthcare
Entry Requirements
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent)
OR
A minimum of three years of relevant work experience*
* Relevant work experience in the field of health and public health and includes in the health industry, e.g. government, policy, provider such as hospital, clinic, non-government organisation (NGO), academic or research institution, consulting, pharmacist and pharmaceutical company etc.
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology is not currently accepting international applications.
English requirements
Applicants must meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements apply for admission to Monash University Australia.
Extra Requirements
Applicants require a curriculum vitae (CV), relevant work experience or a statement from employer to substantiate period of employment.
If you need help understanding the above entry requirements, reach out to our student consultants on our contact us page and schedule a booking for a chat.
Fees
For the Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology, the estimated cost is $4,287.50 per unit*. You may be eligible to receive a FEE-HELP loan to cover part or all of your tuition. Fees are subject to change annually.
*Please note: these are the estimated domestic fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Looking for clarification on fees, FEE-HELP or scholarships?
Enquire with our student consultants and schedule a call to get your questions answered.
Accreditation
Pathway to a master's degree.
You can graduate with a Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology in approximately 0.7 years part-time accelerated, after completing 4 units (24 credit points).
You can also continue studying after completing approximately 2 years part-time accelerated, 12 units (72 credit points total), and you’ll receive a Master of Public Health.
Epidemiology
Graduate Certificate
0.7 years part-time accelerated
- Epidemiology: Concepts and applications
- Epidemiology of chronic disease
- Biostatistics: Concepts and applications
- Research methods in healthcare
Public Health
Master
1.4 years part-time accelerated
- Health systems and policy
- Epidemiology of infectious diseases
- Leading and managing in public health and healthcare
- Foundations of health promotion
- Occupational health and safety
- Introduction to environmental and planetary health
- Managing digital health
- Foundations in public health
How Monash Online can change your world.
#36
World-class education
Top – 50 in the world for academic excellence and ongoing research by QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026.
#58
Globally recognised programs
Ranked globally in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025.
#3
Top-ranked university
Monash is ranked #3 globally and #1 nationally, Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
What are essential epidemiology research skills?
Epidemiology has biostatistics units that will teach you how to analyse, summarise, and describe health-related data.
You will also learn qualitative and quantitative research methods, specifically for formulating actionable healthcare research questions.
I have enjoyed interacting, learning and engaging with like-minded people the most. These interactions have given me motivation and inspiration to keep going and quench my thirst for further knowledge as well as advance my professional career.
Angela
Master of Health Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of epidemiology?
What are essential epidemiology research skills?
Can epidemiologists work from home?
Study epidemiology from industry experts.
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology is taught by Victoria’s leading public health professionals, hospital clinicians, and global health experts. You’ll engage with practical, applied content grounded in real-life initiatives, preparing you to make a difference from day one.
Meet your academic team
Professor Dragan Ilic
Course coordinator
Professor Dragan Ilic is the Director, Teaching & Learning and Head, Medical Education Research & Quality (MERQ) unit at SPHPM. Dragan is internationally recognised for his expertise in evidence-based practice (EBP) and health professions education. He is a board member of the International Society of Evidence-based Health Care, editorial member of Cochrane Urology and member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Health Professions Educators.
Dr Sarah McGuinness
Dr Sarah McGuinness is a medical graduate specialising in infectious diseases, with current clinical, teaching and research appointments at Monash University and Alfred Health. She has broad expertise across clinical and public health aspects of infectious disease prevention and treatment. Her current research focuses on improving strategies to prevent infectious diseases in travellers and other at-risk populations.
Dr Nazmul Karim
Dr Nazmul Karim is a medical doctor and a clinical epidemiologist by training, and the program manager for Monash online courses at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Dr Karim has also obtained a Master of Clinical Epidemiology and PhD. Dr Karim has worked in various capacities, including both developing and developed countries, as well as the World Health Organization.
Associate Professor Baki Billah
Associate Professor Baki Billah received his PhD in biostatistics from Monash University. He has received multiple teaching awards for his biostatistics units. A/Prof Billah has published more than 200 research articles and reports, and supervised 10 PhD students. His current research areas include COVID-19, cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.
Studying online, the Monash way.
World-focused courses delivered online.
Step into a dynamic virtual class, learn from leading academics and industry leaders, so you can experience world-class education – your way.
Support at your fingertips.
You’ll have easy access to dedicated support services designed specifically for your discipline. Seven days a week.
Your success is our priority.
Our online courses are designed to help you graduate as an in-demand employee, ready to take the next step in your career.
Download a course guide
Fill in your details to download an interactive course guide containing:
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course information
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career pathways
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how online study works
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how to apply
The Graduate Certificate of Public Health is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) and students who articulate into the Master of Public Health can use the Masters qualification to work towards the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrator’s Fellowship.