Course overview
Explore the growing health and human services sector and tailor your Health Sciences degree to suit your career goals. Combine a solid foundation in health with your choice from our 12 specialised major areas of study.
If you know you want to work in the health and human services sector, our health sciences degree will help you explore the many career paths available. The Bachelor of Health Sciences is a professionally-oriented degree that boasts a newly enhanced suite of 6 core units, taught across the 3 year levels of the degree, equipping you with the core skills and competencies required by contemporary health and human services industries.
In addition, you will choose 2 of the 12 available major sequences, in areas ranging from Health Promotion, Health and Sustainability, and Nutrition, to Disability and Inclusion, Environmental Health, Psychological Science and Exercise Science. Your choice of majors will enable you to tailor your study to your interests and career goals. The degree also offers multiple work-integrated learning opportunities, including a unit in the final year of study in which you will apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-word context.
Whatever your choice of majors, this is the degree to propel you into a rewarding career contributing to the promotion of good health and wellbeing across society.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 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 Health Sciences
- Year
- 2018 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400311641 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311651 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311691 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311701 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311711 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311721 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311731 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311741 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400311751 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400314301 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511631 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511641 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511651 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511661 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511671 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511681 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511691 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511701 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511711 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511721 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511731 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511741 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400511751 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400514301 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611631 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611651 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611661 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611681 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611691 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611701 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611711 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611721 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611731 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611741 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611751 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400614301 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400711711 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400711731 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400711741 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400714301 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
9190110332 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
9190310332 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- H300
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 052823G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
- This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
GAIN VITAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT
Course structure
NOTE: The Bachelor of Health Sciences has undergone some changes in 2016. If you commenced your study in, or prior to, 2015 then the former course structure with two core units may apply. Please contact your Health student advisor on health-hsd@deakin.edu.au
To complete the Bachelor of Health Sciences students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to one credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects') over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 24 credit points and students must ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.
Must complete:
- 6 core units (these are compulsory)
- at least 2 major sequences from list below.
- at least 18 credit points offered by the Faculty of Health.
- at least 14 credit points studied at level 2 or 3
- at least 6 credit points at level 3
May complete a maximum of 6 credit points from units offered by other Faculties.
Must not complete more than 10 credit points at level 1.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.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.
- 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
- Health and Sustainability - Major and Minor
- Medical Biotechnology - Major and Minor
- Nutrition - Major and Minor
- Disability and Inclusion (previously titled: People, Society and Disability) - Major and Minor
- Physical Activity and Health - Major and Minor
- Psychological Science - Major
- Psychology for Professional Development - Major and Minor
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Cloud (online)
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Cloud (online)
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud (online)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
More skills, more careers
Earn two degrees, faster, at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. With a double degree, you can combine a health sciences degree with arts. Save time, reduce costs and unlock more career opportunities.
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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. Refer 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 classes, 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 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 (HSH322 Health Science 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.
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.
You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
Not applicable
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'.
$8,589 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of 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 Credit for 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 that 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.
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 through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
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.
Indigenous Access Scheme
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Health Sciences with our pathways finder.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences can be used as an excellent pathway to postgraduate study including:
Master of Health and Human Services Management
Career outcomes
The Bachelor of Health Sciences provides students with the opportunity to structure their own course by combining two major sequences in health and human services with a wide range of areas according to their own interests and career aspirations. Depending on the major sequences you take and your choice of electives, you could be qualified to work in areas such as health promotion, family and community support, disability inclusion, lifestyle/wellness, health policy development, exercise specialist, food security, physical activity and sports development, and research in health and human services.
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
