Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

Graduate Diploma Medicine (MD) Full Time

Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

at James Cook University · Townsville, Queensland

CRICOS course code

026853G

CRICOS provider code

00117J

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$42,477 total

Per year

A$42,477/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University is designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in public health, with a strong focus on health challenges unique to tropical regions. Over the course of one year, students explore topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, tropical infectious diseases, health promotion, and the social determinants of health. The curriculum is tailored to address health priorities relevant to northern Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and global tropical environments.

Australian graduate diplomas are typically structured as full-time programmes lasting two semesters, comprising a series of core and elective units of study that total a set number of credit points. Students may develop practical skills through case studies, research-based assignments, and simulated health scenarios. While this qualification does not generally include a capstone thesis, it offers the in-depth exploration needed to apply public health methodologies in a range of professional contexts.

This course is well-suited to health professionals, medical practitioners, and graduates from health-related fields who wish to expand their skills for diverse roles in public health, especially where tropical medicine and epidemiology are concerned. The programme is offered by a leading Australian public university with strong links to research networks, public health organisations, and government agencies in the tropical north of Australia. International students are reminded that they must meet English language requirements: typically an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 or higher for courses related to medicine, or equivalent proficiency as listed by the university. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and may be eligible for post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Detailed programme and visa information should be confirmed on official sources.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Public Health Officer in local, state, or federal government health departments
Project Manager for health NGOs and international aid agencies
Epidemiology or surveillance officer for communicable disease control
Health Programme Coordinator in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services
Policy Officer in public health policy-making bodies
Health Promotion Specialist for tropical and remote communities
Roles within research institutes and universities focused on tropical medicine

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$42,477 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Public Health Officer in local, state, or federal government health departmentsProject Manager for health NGOs and international aid agenciesEpidemiology or surveillance officer for communicable disease controlHealth Programme Coordinator in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander...

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