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Develop the knowledge and skills to deliver a coordinated and evidence-informed public health response in humanitarian emergencies and disaster contexts, both in Australia and internationally. Gain specialised theoretical and technical knowledge and skills relevant to a broad range of real-world disaster, emergency, and displacement scenarios.

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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

Online

This course requires some on-campus attendance for elective subjects

Online: February, July

$4,657.00⁺

$15,404.00^{^}

⁺total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee

^{^}total estimated tuition fee

Plus Student Services and Amenities feeFee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

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

1 year part-time

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

76811

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.

Learn more about fees and financial support

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.

Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.

How to apply

Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.

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.