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International

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)

Build advanced health research skills

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.5 IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Online
Duration 1 year full-time
Intakes Semesters 1, 2 View how to apply
Fees $40,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships

#1 Melbourne university for health graduate salary

Build advanced health research skills

#1 Melbourne university for health course satisfaction

Why choose health sciences at Deakin

Build advanced research skills and contribute to contemporary health research with the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours). Combining coursework with an independent research project, the course prepares you for further study, research careers and roles across the growing health sector.

Working closely with an experienced supervisor, you will develop the analytical and research capabilities needed to design, conduct and communicate research that addresses real health and social challenges. Research areas span community health, refugee health, sustainability, obesity prevention, gender and reproductive health, violence and abuse prevention, and health diversity and inclusion.

You will be immersed in a multidisciplinary research environment within Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development, where research explores the social, behavioural, commercial and environmental determinants of health. Graduates leave with advanced research skills and experience contributing to contemporary health research.

  • Build advanced research capabilities

    Study at the #1 Victorian university for health graduate salary while preparing for further study, research careers and roles across the health sector.

  • Work with experienced health researchers

    Conduct independent research under the guidance of supervisors contributing to contemporary health and social development research.

  • Join a supportive research environment

    Study at the #1 Victorian university for health course satisfaction within a multidisciplinary research community.

  • Research contemporary health challenges

    Contribute to research in areas including sustainability, refugee health, obesity prevention, violence and abuse prevention, and health diversity and inclusion.

Connected to industry

Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.

Deakin international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

The health care and social assistance sector is projected to grow by 23% over 10 years, creating more than half a million new jobs. Build advanced research skills and contribute to contemporary health research with an honours degree in health sciences.

Research officer

Support research that improves health and wellbeing. Collect and analyse data, review evidence and communicate findings that can inform health programs, services and policy across universities, government, healthcare and community organisations.

  • $100k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 4.8/5

    Job satisfaction

Policy adviser

Research complex health and social issues, analyse evidence and advise governments or organisations on policies that improve population health, reduce inequality and support healthier, fairer and more sustainable communities.

  • $115k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

  • 4.6/5

    Job satisfaction

Industries you may work in

  • Universities and research institutes
  • Government and public health
  • Healthcare
  • Community and not-for-profit organisations
  • Health policy and consulting
  • Population health and epidemiology

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.

Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.

As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.

Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.

Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.

Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.

To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.

Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.

There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.

*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)?

You will build advanced research capabilities while contributing to contemporary health research through coursework and an independent research project. Working closely with an experienced supervisor, you will develop the analytical, research and communication skills needed for further study, research careers and roles across the health sector.

Conduct independent health research

Build advanced research knowledge and skills

Develop capabilities in research design, methodology, analysis and academic communication through dedicated research training units.

Conduct an independent research project

Work closely with an experienced supervisor to plan, undertake and communicate original research in an area of health you are passionate about.

Explore contemporary health challenges

Contribute to research examining areas such as community health, sustainability, refugee health, obesity prevention, and health diversity and inclusion.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points.

As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

Semester 1

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
Research Methods
Developing Research Skills

Semester 2

Honours Research Project
Deakin student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

What to expect while studying

For detailed information, particularly with respect to the selection of areas of study and availability of appropriate supervision, students should consult the School of Health and Social Development Current Student Honours page.

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

There is a minimum of four compulsory sessions, which will be delivered online via Blackboard Collaborate although more sessions are offered to help students in their Honours year.

Due to the nature of Honours, students may have supervisors who are based in industry, which gives them a chance for work integrated learning. Even for students whose supervisors are based at Deakin, the form of work integrated learning takes the form of a research internship. In terms of data collection, this can involve interviews, focus groups or surveys, which may happen in the context of health and other services in which the students will be exposed to professional staff and associates carrying out their duties.

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

When can I start?

When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.

Explore important dates

Campus
Semester 1
Semester 2
BurwoodMelbourne
Online

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

Course Learning Outcomes

Apply Health Sciences/Public Health and Health Promotion knowledge to formulate a testable research question; develop a conceptual framework and select the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings.

Communicate, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study via oral and written means to a variety of audiences.

Select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to a variety of audiences.

Critically evaluate and synthesise the literature in the chosen field of study; and interpret research findings in the context of the literature in the chosen field of study.

Select and apply appropriate methodological principles and analytical techniques to answer a research question within the context of Health Sciences/Public Health and Health Promotion; and troubleshoot solutions to resolve complex problems associated with the research study.

Produce a realistic timeline for the research project and demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning as a researcher within Health Sciences/Public Health and Health Promotion.

Collaborate and work effectively with specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

Engage in ethical and professional research practice whilst maintaining confidentiality and respecting cultural sensitivities.

Award granted
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
H400
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
060188G Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English
  • 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 are required to submit an honours project preference form as part of their application. Details of the comings year's projects will be available here.

Get credit for your experience

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

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.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$40,800

for 1 yr full-time AUD

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Scholarships

Most international students at Deakin receive a scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of study. Apply to Deakin and you will automatically be considered for a range of scholarships, with tuition fee reductions of up to 100% available.


Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Exceptional students may receive a 100% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the normal duration of their degree.


Deakin International Scholarship for Excellence

Students from select countries may receive a 25% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of the degree.


Deakin International 20% Merit Scholarship

Receive a 20% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of your degree.


Deakin College Foundation Pathway Scholarship

Progressing from Deakin College? You may receive a 10% tuition fee reduction for the duration of your course.


Southeast Asia Priority Bursary

Students from Southeast Asia may receive a one-off payment of up to $2,000.


Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

Pathways

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.