120 hours of professional health experience
#36 in the world for public health
Top 5 provider in Australia for health degrees
Why choose health sciences at Deakin
A career in health gives you the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities in Australia and around the world. In Australia, over half a million new jobs are projected in the healthcare and social assistance sector over the next decade, creating strong demand for skilled graduates.
In the Bachelor of Health Sciences, you will build a strong foundation in health while tailoring your degree through at least two of 13 majors, with the option to take up to three majors or combine with electives. This flexible approach allows you to develop expertise across areas such as public health and health promotion, sustainability and planetary health, nutrition, disability and inclusion or psychological science. You will learn alongside students from different health disciplines, preparing for team-based health environments while building practical experience and industry connections through an optional 120-hour professional placement.
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Strong graduate outcomes
Graduate from a degree ranked #1 Victorian university for median graduate salary in health.
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Build industry experience
Complete a 120-hour professional placement and apply your skills in professional health settings.
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Industry-informed learning
Study with input from leading organisations across Australia’s health sector.
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A leading health education provider
Study with one of the top 5 providers of health courses in Australia.
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. Depending on your majors, pursue careers across health, policy, sustainability and inclusion.
Health promotion officer
Plan and deliver initiatives that improve health and wellbeing. Work with communities, organisations and decision-makers to address health priorities, promote prevention and create healthier, more equitable environments.
- $93k
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
Other jobs
- Community engagement officer
- Disability support planner
- Environmental and sustainability officer
- Exercise specialist
- Inclusion professional
- Food and nutrition policy developer
“This degree has allowed me to approach health challenges from multiple perspectives. I plan to pursue a career in medical research, biotechnology or clinical trials – with a strong focus on improving health outcomes through innovation.”
Amanat, IndiaBachelor of Health Sciences
Stories that start here
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Health sciences provides a broad, research-oriented foundation in the health system. It covers public health, nutrition, health behaviour and policy, rather than direct clinical practice. Medicine and nursing are clinical programs with regulated entry and supervised patient contact from early in the degree. Health sciences suits students interested in population health, health promotion, policy and research, or those using it as a pathway to psychology, nutrition, public health or disability and inclusion.
Yes. Deakin's Bachelor of Health Sciences is designed as a flexible pathway into a wide range of health careers and further study. By choosing majors that match your interests, you can prepare for postgraduate study in areas such as nutrition and dietetics, psychology, clinical exercise physiology, applied sport science or biomedical science. If you're interested in research, you can also apply for an Honours year, which can lead to a masters by research or PhD.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences is designed to let you combine two majors that match your interests and career goals. Popular combinations include Nutrition and Health Promotion, Food Studies and Nutrition, Environmental Health and Sustainability and Planetary Health, Exercise Science and Physical Activity and Health, and Disability and Inclusion with Family, Society and Health. You can also broaden your expertise by adding a third major or a minor, creating a personalised degree that supports your career aspirations or future postgraduate study. Refer to the majors on the 'What you'll study' tab of this course page.
A Bachelor of Health Sciences offers broader coverage across multiple health disciplines including nutrition, health promotion, behaviour change and research methods. You can then specialise through your chosen major. A public health degree focuses specifically on population health systems, epidemiology, policy and health programme evaluation. Both create pathways to postgraduate study. Deakin offers a Master of Public Health for graduates of either pathway.
*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?
The Bachelor of Health Sciences combines core health studies with flexible major options that you build from your first year. You will develop broad knowledge of health systems while shaping your degree through at least two majors, with the option to take up to three or combine majors with electives depending on your goals.
Build foundations while shaping your study focus
Understand health and wellbeing
Establish foundational knowledge of health systems, human health and the social, environmental and biological factors that influence outcomes.
Develop core academic skills
Learn to work with health data, think critically and communicate clearly in a health context.
Shape your study focus early
Choose at least two majors from your first year, with the option to take up to three, across areas such as nutrition, public health, disability and inclusion or psychological science.
Deepen knowledge and expand your expertise
Explore health systems and populations
Examine how healthcare systems operate and how health outcomes vary across diverse communities.
Apply evidence to real issues
Grow your ability to interpret research and respond to complex health challenges using evidence-based approaches.
Advance your studies
Progress through at least two majors, with the option to expand into a third or combine majors with electives to broaden your expertise.
Integrate your learning and apply it in practice
Apply planning and evaluation skills
Learn how to design, manage and evaluate health programs that respond to real community needs.
Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams
Work with students from different majors to solve a health challenge for a client, building teamwork and problem-solving skills used in professional settings.
Gain practical experience
Choose to complete a 120-hour professional placement, applying your skills in a real setting and building valuable industry connections for your future career.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health Sciences, you must pass 24 credit points.
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.
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
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
The following majors and minors are available within the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Availability of majors and minors at each campus varies, including majors offered through Deakin Learning Centres. Refer to the details of each major for campus and Deakin Learning Centre availability.
- Disability and Inclusion - Major and Minor*
- Environmental Health - Major
- Exercise Science - Major and Minor*
- Family, Society and Health - Major and Minor*
- Food Studies - 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*
- Psychological Science - Major*
- Psychology for Allied Health- Major and Minor*
- Public Health-Major and Minor*
- Sustainability and Planetary Health (previously titled: Health, Nature and Sustainability) - Major and Minor*
* Majors available online
Professional recognition
The Health Promotion major of this course is fully accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). This enables students who complete this major to register with the IUHPE as a registered Health Promotion Practitioner, securing them global recognition.
The Psychological Science major of the Bachelor of Health Science meets the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) translating into excellent job and career opportunities for our graduates. Upon completion of this degree with psychological science as one of your majors, you will have gained a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised for registration purposes by the PsyBA, enabling you to undertake additional study in pursuit of provisional registration.
While studying the nutrition major in this course you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Upon graduation you may be eligible to apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
What to expect while studying
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.
If you are intending on completing the Master of Dietetics pre-requisites within the Bachelor of Health Sciences, we recommend that you contact Student Central prior to enrolling to discuss enrolment options. If this is your intended pathway, keep in mind that there may be restrictions on your choice of major sequences and you will have on campus attendance requirements in order to complete all of the prerequisite units for the Master of Dietetics. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics.
Applicable only to students undertaking practicum unit as an elective. Not mandatory for all students.
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking a optional placement as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students if they enrol into an optional placement unit. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for any optional placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students if they enrol into an optional placement unit.
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-integrated learning is incorporated within this course, allowing students the opportunity to engage with industry and complete a range of authentic tasks. 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.
Students have the option to complete a 120 hour field education placement unit HSH303 Health Practicum that provides you with an opportunity to transfer your knowledge and skills to a practical setting, where you can further your learning through realistic field experience. This placement enables you to consolidate your skills under the supervision of qualified practitioners, which assists you to be work-ready after graduation.
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 |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400314303 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514303 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place- Deakin code
- H300
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 052823G 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
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.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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 VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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
If you don't have an ATAR, or it's been some time since you last studied, Deakin Uni Ready is a free online program that helps you build the academic skills and confidence needed for university study. The program prepares you for entry into a range of undergraduate degrees in arts, health, science or business.
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs such as:
Master of Public Health
Master of Health Promotion
Master of Health Economics
Master of Health Management
Master of Human Nutrition.
There is also a range of graduate diploma or graduate certificate options available in these fields.