Key facts
4 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Build a degree tailored to your interests with a Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts. This flexible and diverse degree will equip you with a unique skill set that will unlock wide-ranging career opportunities and give you a competitive edge in the job market. With over 45 major options, you will develop specialist knowledge in your chosen disciplines and learn how to apply critical, creative and strategic thinking to solve real-world issues.
Explore meaningful ideas that matter to you with your arts studies. Get the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills needed to address current and emerging global challenges in a rapidly changing world. Along with your research, analysis and problem-solving skills you will be highly employable in many areas and prepared for a successful career in the largest and fastest-growing employment sector in Australia, with over half a million new jobs projected in the health care and social assistance sector by 2033.*
Are you looking to develop a cross-disciplinary skill set that empowers you to design your own future?
This combined degree gives you the freedom to choose majors based on your interests to connect and expand your career prospects. You will study equal parts health sciences and arts, ensuring you graduate with a well-developed skill set in both disciplines.
Build a solid foundation in health while developing your skills across a range of arts, communications, humanities and social science disciplines. Create original course combinations by choosing majors including (but not limited to):
- strategic advertising
- criminology
- disability and inclusion
- education
- family, society and health
- food studies
- health, nature and sustainability
- health promotion
- indigenous studies
- international relations
- sport journalism
- media and communication
- physical activity and health
- politics and policy studies
- public health
- sociology
- sport and society.
Do you have a desire to make a difference in the world or want to make an impact in your community? Then the Global Challenges minor may be for you. You will learn how to approach, understand and respond to the large challenges that face us today. Advance your creativity and critical thinking whilst taking your communications skills to the next level. You will become a future leader ready to problem solve the challenges you face.
The Employability units provides real life experience during your course to develop the kinds of skills you will need in the workplace and demonstrating how to translate the skills you learn in your course into a successful career. Customisable to suit your interests, you can focus on leaderships skills, developing your entrepreneurial mindset or how to craft persuasive communications. It will give you an insight into how different organisations work, provide networking opportunities and real industry engagement that are tailored to your individual career aspirations.
Further opportunities to pursue work-integrated learning experiences and industry practicums are available throughout the course, including the Health Practicum offered in the health promotion major, giving you the option to complete 120 hours of work experience in a health-related organisation.
You will gain invaluable experience by immersing yourself in your chosen field – whether it’s helping to design public relations campaigns for major food companies or working at grassroots level in the community through health education programs.
You may also have the opportunity to experience different cultures by taking your studies abroad. Various in-country and authentic virtual global experiences can be undertaken as part of your studies. Gain a global perspective that will give you an international outlook and a competitive edge.
Discover our health and community services courses.
*2023 Employment Projections – for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314073 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514073 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D391
- CRICOS code?
- 035503K Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Health Sciences
- 6 credit points of core units
- 1 health major (6 credit points)
- 1 health minor (4 credit points)
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts
- an arts major (8 credit points)
- the remaining credit points can be used to undertake one of the following:
- 1 minor (4 credit points)
- the Employability units or electives chosen from the Bachelor of Arts
- a combination of the above
- a minimum of 4 credit points of Art coded level 3 units
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Health Sciences (H300) and Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
The course structure includes 16 credit points from each of the two component courses. The 16-unit maximum size of the component degrees of combined courses does not permit students in D391 to complete two major sequences within the Health Sciences degree. For this reason, they are restricted to a major sequence and a minor sequence.
The sixteen credit points within the Health Sciences component of the combined course are made up of:
- The six core units of the Bachelor of Health Sciences;
- A major sequence of six credit points consisting of the specified units at Levels 1, 2 and 3
- A minor sequence of four credit points, consisting of at least one unit at Level 1 and no more than one unit at Level 3 (subject to pre-requisite requirements) from the set of approved minor sequences.
The sixteen credit points within the Arts and Education component of the combined course are made up of:
- A major sequence of 8 credit points as described under course A310 Bachelor of Arts;
- Remaining credit point(s) may be used to undertake a Bachelor of Arts minor sequence or to take additional elective unit chosen from the Bachelor of Arts.
- A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Major sequences
Health Majors - Major and minor sequence available unless stated otherwise
- Disability and Inclusion (previously titled: People, Society and Disability) - Major and Minor
- Environmental Health - Major
- Exercise Science - Major and Minor
- Family, Society and Health - Major and Minor
- Food Studies - Major and Minor
- Health, Nature and Sustainability - Major and Minor
- Health Promotion - Major and Minor
- Indigenous Knowledges - Minor only
- Medical Biotechnology - Major and Minor
- Nutrition - Major and Minor
- Physical Activity and Health - Major and Minor
- Psychology for Allied Health (previously titled: Psychology for Professional Development- Major and Minor
- Public Health-Major and Minor
Arts Majors - Major and minor sequence available unless stated otherwise
- Animation - Minor only
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Criminology
- Design thinking - Minor only
- Digital Culture
- English-Children's Literature
- English Creative Writing
- English-Literature
- Education
- Film and television studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- History
- Indigenous Studies
- Indonesian
- International Relations
- Media and Communication
- Media Studies
- Middle East Studies
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Politics and Policy studies
- Public Relations studies
- Religious Studies
- Social Media
- Sociology
- Sport and Society - Minor only
- Sport Journalism
- Spanish
- Strategic Advertising
- Visual Arts and Photography
- Visual Communication Design
- Web Design - Minor only
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:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Note - Online is not available to international students.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Alternative exits
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.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. Please refer to the relevant unit guide.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning
A core unit at third-year level, based on inter-professional learning (IPL), provides students the opportunity to draw together their cross-disciplinary learning to demonstrate the knowledge and the skills they have acquired throughout the course and apply them to real-world issues. HSH324 Integrated Learning for Practice involves interdisciplinary teams working to develop responses to real-world problems for presentation to a professional audience.
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 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.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter - it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
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:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Art Creative Practice, Biology, Dance, Drama, any English, Health and Human Development, any Humanities, any LOTE, Media, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Art Creative Practice, Biology, Dance, Drama, English other than EAL, Health and Human Development, any Humanities, any LOTE, Media, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
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.
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 first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. 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.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight 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 international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
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.
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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 in a wide range of areas including public health, health economics, public health nutrition.
Careers
Career outcomes
Are you ready to blend creativity and empathy to make a positive impact and fortify your future health career with a solid grounding in the arts? Gain the skills to bridge gaps between art, culture, and well being. Your career opportunities from this degree will vary depending on the majors you have selected. You will be curating your future career from day one and graduating with a variety of career paths that you could pursue.
Studying health sciences could lead you into careers in areas such as:
- community health
- counselling
- disability and inclusion
- environmental health
- health education
- health promotion
- nutrition
- regional health service planning
- sports development.
An arts degree provides you with solid transferable skills that can be applied across diverse industries and careers. Depending on your majors, you could find yourself in fields such as:
- advertising and marketing
- criminology, sociology and policy
- culture and creative arts
- education
- government and NGO’s
- language and international relations
- media, writing and communication
- international relations and politics.
Your majors can also help you pursue careers where your degrees overlap. Careers such as health media, food writing, international relations and public relations for health and food organisations all require the skills acquired from both health science and arts degrees.
At Deakin, you will feel supported as you shape your future career, whether you want to work in a specific sector or industry, an emerging job of the future or even create a dream career that might not yet exist – a world of opportunity awaits.
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 Bachelor of Health Sciences | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Integrate and apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the determinants of health and illness, health and social data, health equity, cultural diversity, human rights, public policy, health and social systems, and ethical practice, to plan, implement and evaluate programs relevant to health and community services sectors. | Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. |
| Communication | Use a range of modes of communication to engage and facilitate groups, organisations and culturally diverse communities as well as communicate discipline specific knowledge to a variety of audiences such as professionals, government and non-government representatives, community members, clients and/or patients. | Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, evaluate, adapt, collate and disseminate relevant information to professional networks and communities in an ethical and professional manner. | Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse evaluate and synthesise relevant discipline specific issues and contemporary literature/research within the health and social services field, applying an evidence-based approach. | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. |
| Problem solving | Apply best practice and respond effectively using well-developed cognitive and creative skills within an evidence-based framework to identify, research, analyse, generate and provide practical solutions to a range of changing, diverse and complex health issues, contributing new insights, solutions or understanding. | Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. |
| Self-management | Employ independent, self-directed work and learning practices in a responsible manner, including self-reflection, in order to practice professionally and contribute to the improvement of the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. |
| Teamwork | Establish and facilitate collaborative professional relationships, adapting roles and working as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the health science field. | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. |
| Global citizenship | Reflect on a variety of viewpoints, attitudes and beliefs, including one’s own, to engage ethically in professional practice and foster capacity building in health sciences within globally diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. | Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
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