Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Take an active role in addressing the world’s fastest growing chronic condition with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education – the longest-running course of its kind in Australia. Discover evidence-based approaches to diabetes prevention and management, and graduate from the course ready to help patients lead healthier lives.
Want to be a key support for individuals and families affected by diabetes?
There are currently 1.7 million Australians with diabetes, and a further 2 million at high risk of developing the condition^. Diabetes has a substantial physical and emotional impact on the wellbeing of those affected, and it places increasing demand on the economy, workforce and healthcare system. With a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education your specialist skills will be valued in both diabetes prevention and empowering those already with diabetes to self-manage their condition more effectively. Graduates have a vital role in promoting the health of current and future generations.
Start by exploring the complex nature of diabetes, including the causes and progression of the condition, as well as its social and psychological effects. Then, discover ways to treat, manage and prevent it through evidence-based approaches, particularly around diet, medication and lifestyle changes. Graduate from the course with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to deliver engaging, tailored diabetes education with maximum impact.
Practical learning experiences bring the theory to life and provide authentic environments where you can develop your skills and build important professional networks. In recent times, Deakin students have had access to placements in specialist diabetes services such as paediatric clinics, remote Aboriginal health services and tertiary hospitals. Students can also participate in a three-day workshop with some of the most respected educators and researchers in the field to learn about innovative approaches to diabetes education and management.
The benefits of joining the first and longest-running postgraduate diabetes course in Australia extend beyond our industry connections. Our academic staff are actively involved in research and clinical practice. And through Deakin’s long-standing partnerships with Victoria’s major health services, we’ve established The Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – a leading research centre that focuses on patient experience, safety and health workforce. Diabetes research led by our team feeds into the course.
Hoping to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)? This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and is the first step towards becoming a CDE. Visit adea.com.au for more information.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H520
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education students must attain 4 credit points. All four 1 credit point units are core units (these are compulsory).
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Each unit below is delivered online, allowing you the freedom to fit learning around your work, family and lifestyle. These units are broken down into easily-manageable weekly activities and takes approximately 10 weeks to complete in addition to assessment tasks.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- FutureLearn
Note for international students: This course is 100% online and international students enrolled in the course will not be eligible for an international student visa
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing clinical requirements.
Mandatory student checks
Students undertaking clinical placement require a police check, working with children check and evidence of immunisations.
Workload
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 10-15 hours every week studying for each unit in your course, undertaking various learning tasks, interacting with others and completing assessment tasks. An optional three day workshop is scheduled during Trimester 2 and is delivered on campus at Burwood (Melbourne).
Participation requirements
The units of the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education are delivered online. A three day on-campus workshop is optional. Students seeking credentialing with the ADEA must complete a 40-hour clinical placement while enrolled in the course.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/health-and-wellbeing/disability-support
Work experience
Australian students seeking ADEA credentialing must successfully complete a 40 hour clinical practicum (while enrolled in the course), organised by academic staff.
Placements are optional and subject to availability.
International students are advised to refer to the professional bodies in their home country and are not able to seek credentialing with the ADEA or undertake clinical placement in Australia.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
Applicants for the course must be appropriately qualified and currently registered professionals with a health science background, including registered nurses, midwives, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and optometrists. In order to undertake the placement component of this course students must be one of the ADEA listed CDE eligible professions, with current registration to practice as such (e.g. AHPRA).
If you hold a tertiary health related degree in another area (for example in psychology, social work etc) you are still able to undertake and complete your Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education at Deakin, but you may not be eligible to complete the pathway to become a become a credentialled diabetes educator. For further information, please visit the ADEA Become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator website.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Normal University regulation and guidelines pertain to students applying for Recognition of prior learning within this program. In all cases credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with maximum credit granted being consistent with university policy. Recognition of prior learning is not usually provided for HND701 The Pathophysiology of Diabetes, HND732 Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts or HND702 Management of Diabetes due to the specificity of the course content.
Please obtain further clarification by contacting a Student Adviser in Student Central enquire.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the International students applications page.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Application Portal, or by email. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs. Students may elect to apply and request credit transfer for their studies into a Graduate Diploma or Masters in their relevant professional areas, providing the entry criteria are met.
Careers
Career outcomes
Your understanding of diabetes, prevention strategies and management approaches will be highly sought-after in:
- public hospitals
- community health centres
- primary care
- private practices
- government and non-government organisations
- universities
- health funds
- pharmaceutical companies.
If you continue the pathway to becoming become a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE)*, your opportunities will open up even further. As a CDE, you may be eligible for a provider number from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This helps eligible clients to receive rebates for the services you provide.
*Subject to additional requirements. Visit adea.com.au for details
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) and is the first step on the path towards becoming a Credentialed Diabetes Educator.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice to diverse clients, populations and clinical setting. |
| Communication | Communicate complex knowledge and ideas to clients and their families, health professionals, and the wider diabetes community, demonstrating understanding of person-centred care, empathy, appropriate language and methods to promote active engagement and empowerment. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise and evaluate digital technologies to facilitate learning and teaching and support diabetes self-management. |
| Critical thinking | Critically identify, analyse, evaluate and apply research knowledge and skills for all aspects of diabetes education and care. |
| Problem Solving | Apply diabetes-specific knowledge and skills to adapt diabetes education and management plans to specific client needs and in varied contexts. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner and diabetes educator within their scope of practice. |
| Teamwork | Apply the principles of collaborative, interdisciplinary practice for working in partnership with health professionals and clients to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate understanding and respect for all cultures, diverse populations and perspectives and promote inclusivity and equity. |