#1 Victorian university for health graduate salary
Build advanced health research skills
#1 Victorian 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.
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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.
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Work with experienced health researchers
Conduct independent research under the guidance of supervisors contributing to contemporary health and social development research.
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Join a supportive research environment
Study at the #1 Victorian university for health course satisfaction within a multidisciplinary research community.
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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 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
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 24 January 2027
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*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.
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
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.
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 |
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| 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
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$9,880
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
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.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 24 January 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
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.
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs. Students may be eligible to apply for credit for this course.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.