The new approach to planetary health

Writer Darcy French initially chose VU’s Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health for its unique transdisciplinary approach. But soon the thought-provoking course content, combined with a passionate and diverse student and teacher cohort that has further inspired his success.

“I’d previously studied in the social sciences space, specifically international relations and human rights, and those interests remain a focus for me.

Studying the Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health enabled me to combine much of what I’d previously learnt with an emerging global and ecological awareness of what I can contribute through my work.

But I do believe studying planetary health would benefit almost anyone in any field; such is the importance and relevance of this discourse.

At first I was attracted to the course’s transdisciplinary focus. Throughout my previous study and work experiences, I was frustrated at the lack of cross-discipline understanding and collaboration.

The prospect of studying with a diverse cohort of professionals and students was exciting, as it informs and deepens our understanding of planetary health as a trans-disciplinary movement. I enjoyed learning from all my classmates, who came from a diverse array of professional and academic backgrounds.

While 2020 was full of uncertainty, it raised the importance of the topics in this course. Being home also presented the perfect opportunity for me to study the course online. I found studying at VU to be a humbling and centring experience during such an unsettling year.

I also found the guests throughout the course to be knowledgeable and passionate. In fact, I would say it was a passion from everyone that really fueled my interest in and enjoyment of the course.”

Darcy studied

Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health

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).