Rewriting the planet's future

As a journalist with a naturally enquiring mind, Nick Gibbs sought further education to inform his writing in global environmental and health issues. He discovered VU’s Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health provided the expertise and course structure to develop his career and suit his current situation.

“My career is focused in the media and political space, and I'm particularly interested in public debate on environmental issues such as climate change. Planetary health offers a different way to think about the biggest issue facing humanity with a focus on education, community development and results-driven action. 

VU’s Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health offered specific subjects in my areas of interest. At six months, the length of the course suited the time I had available and the fact it is delivered entirely online was crucial given I live interstate. 

The VU Block Model allows you to focus on one subject at a time and not having to manage multiple assignments at once is a blessing. It wasn’t too demanding alongside work, and the online delivery mode is flexible.

I enjoyed the class engagement and debate, which you don’t always get from online courses. The diversity of speakers and teachers was also well thought out and made for many thought-provoking discussions.

I recommend this course to anyone with an interest in progressing the climate change debate in a constructive manner that goes beyond political ideology. It provides valuable insights into the challenges we’re facing now and will continue to encounter in coming decades.”

Leaders in planetary health

Planetary health addresses the relationship between the health of people, place and planet, and how each profoundly impacts the other. VU’s commitment to planetary health – through research, teaching and community engagement – was formally recognised through membership with the Planetary Health Alliance, and a ranking of #1 in Victoria for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020).