Program Overview

---

Graduate Certificate of Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance

Overview

Develop the skills to provide coordinated and informed public health responses to humanitarian emergencies and disaster events in Australia and internationally with this specialised course. Building on your existing healthcare qualifications and knowledge, you will learn how to best engage with displaced persons, manage response and recovery systems, and become a leader in areas of prevention, policy and planning.

Access the best

Research ranked above world class* *ERA 2018, Medicine and Health Services

Access expertise

Connect with leading lecturers and industry experts in small classes

A global perspective

Develop skills to take you all over the world

Fast Facts

• You’re a domestic student if you are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, are an Australian permanent resident, or hold an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.
• You’re an international student if you intend to study on a student visa, are not a citizen of Australian or New Zealand, are not an Australian permanent resident, or don’t hold an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

Location

JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.

• Online This course requires some on-campus attendance for elective subjects

Commencing

The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.

• Online: February, July

Fees

Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.

• $4,657.00+
• $15,404.00^
• Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
• Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.

Duration

The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.

• 1 year part-time

Entry Requirements

This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge

• AQF Level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant health discipline; or equivalent

Course Code

The course code is JCU's unique identifier for this course.

• 76811

Course Detail

What to expect

Specialise in a field you're passionate about with a Graduate Certificate of Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance. This course is designed for health professionals and graduates who want to develop skills and knowledge in this area.

This certificate has two core subjects, Public Health in Humanitarian Emergencies and Disaster Health Management. You will choose two elective subjects that align with your career goals and interests, with topics including disaster management principles, leadership in disaster management, infection prevention and control, environmental health and epidemiology for public health.

Your studies will prepare you to effectively contribute to disaster health management through developing a thorough understanding of disaster prevention, preparation, response and recovery systems. You will be equipped for both national and international work in emergency response settings, particularly focused on displaced populations.

JCU Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance graduates are highly trained specialists who make valuable contributions to the field of disaster health and humanitarian assistance.

This course is delivered in mixed-mode (some face-to-face teaching components are included and on-campus attendance may be required) and is available part-time only.

View the handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance.

Career Opportunities

JCU Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance graduates are specialised professionals who find employment in a variety of local and global health settings such as international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), the United Nations and related agencies, and Australian government.

Graduates pursue careers in the field of international humanitarian assistance with organisations such as Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, or have gained employment in disaster management positions such as local council disaster recovery and community development positions within Australia.

Handbook

Visit the JCU Course and Subject Handbook.

Fees and Scholarships

Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD4,657.00

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD15,404.00

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.

How to Apply

Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.

Real Stories

• Lecturer Sandra Downing

Graduate Certificate of Disaster Health and Humanitarian Assistance

Our subject coordinators and guest lecturers have spent time in the field, both internationally and domestically, in disaster and humanitarian emergency situations. They are able to relay personal experiences and model invaluable 'on-the-job' practical skills for our students.