Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Certificate of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Graduate Certificate in Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) program of learning provides health professionals with the unique opportunity to explore and develop knowledge of the health aspects of preparedness and response to health emergencies including natural disasters. This course provides a unique focus on the health response element of emergency management including the fundamentals of health preparedness, health coordination and health response from an operational and clinical perspective.
The course is developed and delivered by experts from the health emergency workforce within Australia in partnership with Charles Darwin University and the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) - the home of Australia's health emergency response capability. This course draws on the experience and knowledge developed over many years at the NCCTRC and provides the required foundation knowledge for health professionals wanting to value add to their organisation in preparing and responding to the next health emergency event locally, nationally, and internationally. This course is delivered completely online.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Additional information
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree, or equivalent international qualification in a suitable area of study, ie. health, medicine, nursing or paramedicine, logistic or health emergency.
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents must demonstrate current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) if applicable.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Course structure
This 40 credit point course consists of core units building on the foundation of specialist knowledge and skills, evidence-based practice, cultural safety and research appraisal. Units in this proposed program are also offered in other courses across the College. This maximises opportunities and enables students to diversify between courses if they so wish.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 unit) |
20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.
HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response |
| Specialist Electives (2 units) |
20cp |
Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from the units listed below. HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response | CO | ||
| HEA586 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| HEA586 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics | HEA584 Human System Extremes | ||
| PHM592 Global Health | |||
| PHM516 Indigenous Health | |||
| PHM567 Public Health |
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.