Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Boost your understanding of health through a specialised year of study to bring together the theory and practical skills gained in your undergraduate studies. The Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion honours year will see you work within a specific area of expertise, sharpen your research skills and graduate with a competitive edge in the fast-growing global health job market.
Want to conduct in-depth research and further your career in the global health industry?
Expand on your general understanding of health, and the factors that contribute to community and population health by delving deeper into a research area of your choice. Undertaking this honours year offers you a specialised year of study, combining the theory and practical skills from your undergraduate degree or previous work experience to conduct in-depth research into a topic of your choice.
Alongside engaging coursework, you will hone your passion in the field of health, working closely with a supervisor to delve deep into an original research project to sharpen your expertise.
You will gain a deep understanding of the philosophies, ethics and principles of research and explore a range of research approaches and how they can best contribute to positively influencing public health.
As well as this, you will have the chance to equip yourself with extra skills to ensure you graduate career ready, such as communication, data management and the planning, implementing and reporting of research studies.
With a variety of public health issues affecting healthcare systems globally, job growth in the sector is increasing. There are career opportunities in government and private sector roles across Australia and internationally. You will be qualified for work in areas such as health promotion and education, policy and planning and research.
The research experience and knowledge that you will gain in this honours year also acts as a pathway to undertaking a masters or doctoral research program.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 2 2026 close 15 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H412
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 069124G Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
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Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: June
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Note: Semester 2 intake is part-time only
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Honours
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 Honours page.
Course duration
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.
Workload
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
Participation requirements
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.
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Work experience
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.
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.
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)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$9,538 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. 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 fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website or estimate your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Career outcomes
Job growth in the health sector continues to increase as public health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles and ageing populations affect healthcare systems globally.
Career opportunities in government and private sector roles across Australia and internationally include:
- community development coordinator
- health policy developer
- health promotion officer
- health researcher
- program development coordinator
- program evaluator
- social planning officer
- women's health officer.
You may find employment in a diverse range of areas, including:
- chronic illness (such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease)
- healthy eating
- mental health
- physical activity
- social inclusion
- women’s health.
Professional recognition
Graduates from the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion may be eligible to become members of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).
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 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to a variety of audiences. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate and work effectively with specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Engage in ethical and professional research practice whilst maintaining confidentiality and respecting cultural sensitivities. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
