Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion

Undergraduate degree

Gain the skills to empower people to lead healthier lifestyles while developing the knowledge and expertise to become a registered nurse.

Burwood

NP ATAR lowest selection rank ?

4 years full-time

The course is only available to students on a full-time basis.

Waterfront

NP ATAR lowest selection rank ?

4 years full-time

The course is only available to students on a full-time basis.

Course overview

Graduate prepared for a successful career in the largest growing employment sector in Australia* and develop the knowledge, skills and ethical understanding to become a registered nurse, balanced with the skills required to empower people to lead healthier lifestyles. Deakin's Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion enables you to make a real difference in the health outcomes of individuals, communities and global populations.

Ranked #16 in the world for nursing and in the top 200 worldwide for public health^, the course balances contemporary theory with extensive placement experience, and combined approaches involving community engagement, policy development, and research. Graduate career-ready with 920 hours of work placements in both nursing and public health and health promotion settings.

Passionate about helping people lead healthier lives, across clinical and community settings?

This combined degree in nursing and public health and health promotion gives you the advantage of learning skills in two differing facets of health care. Developed in consultation with our healthcare partners you will always be connected to those at the forefront of industry.

Ranked #16 in the world^, our School of Nursing and Midwifery is one of Australia’s most research-active schools and boasts some of the best facilities and resources available. Our Clinical Simulation Centres provide a safe, supportive and realistic environment for you to develop and hone essential nursing skills. At the centres you'll use case-based scenarios that will become more complex as your nursing degree progresses.

Under the supervision of registered nurses, you will gain real-world experience by working with multidisciplinary healthcare teams across areas including:

  • acute/sub-acute care
  • medical and surgical care
  • aged care
  • rehabilitation
  • paediatrics
  • community health settings
  • mental health care settings.

Public health is the organised response by society to protect and promote health and prevent disability. By looking at patterns of health and disease across populations, public health experts can use data and evidence-based measures to address the world’s biggest health challenges. Health promotion is about working with communities to improve health and champion factors that support good health – be they environmental, legal, physical, economic or social.

You will study the foundations of modern health promotion practice, covering key study areas such as:

  • biostatistics
  • environmental health
  • epidemiology
  • health sociology
  • planning and evaluation.

While you will graduate with a suite of specialised and highly sought-after healthcare skills, you will also enter the workforce with lifelong transferable skills, in areas such as:

  • research
  • analytical thinking
  • project management
  • communication
  • community development.

Deakin’s purpose-built Clinical Simulation Centres for nursing students simulate real healthcare settings. They provide you with the facilities and equipment required to develop practical nursing skills, which are further enhanced through your professional experience placements.

In your final year, you will also have the opportunity to complete the Health Practicum unit, giving you 120 hours of invaluable practical experience in the health industry.

Discover our nursing and midwifery or health and community services courses.

*2023 Employment Projections - for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
^2023 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Read More

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course information

Award granted

Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion

Year

2025 course information

VTAC code
1400414021 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514021 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
D381
CRICOS code?
018323M Burwood (Melbourne)
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 Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion students must pass 32 credit points. Units (think of units as 'subjects') may be worth 1 or 2 credit points - select each unit to check its credit point value in the course structure below. Students choose to study 4 credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year. All units in this course are core units and are compulsory.

The course consists of 32 credit points of study which includes the following:

  • 21 credit points are core units in the Bachelor of Nursing
  • 11 credit points are specific to public health and health promotion.

You must fulfil the requirements of each component of the combined degree.

There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your responsibility.

If you are enrolled at the Waterfront (Geelong) campus, you will be required to take your units associated with the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion course on campus at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) or online.

See course entry for Bachelor of Nursing (H326) or Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313)

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

    Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

    Units

    Level 1 - Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
  • Quality and Safety: Nursing Practice 1
  • Quality and Safety in Health Care 1
  • Disease Prevention and Control
  • Level 1 - Trimester 2

  • Care of the Child and Adolescent
  • Person-Centred Health Assessment
  • Quality and Safety: Nursing Practice 2
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' History, Culture and Health
  • Level 2 - Trimester 1

  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Primary Health Care
  • Local and Global Environments for Health
  • Health Communication
  • Level 2 - Trimester 2

  • Quality Use of Medicines
  • Acute Illness and Supportive Care (2 credit points)
  • Professional Practice
  • Level 3 - Trimester 1

  • Mental Health and Supportive Care (2 credit points)
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
  • Program Planning, Management and Evaluation
  • Level 3 - Trimester 2

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2
  • Population Health: A Research Perspective
  • Contemporary Health Issues
  • Level 4 - Trimester 1

  • Chronic Illness and Supportive Care (2 credit points)
  • Care of the Older Person
  • Implementation and Evaluation
  • Level 4 - Trimester 2

  • Health Practicum
  • Quality and Safety: Comprehensive Nursing Practice (2 credit points)
  • Quality and Safety in Health Care 2
  • 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
      • Waterfront

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Department of Health – Safety Screening Requirements - Police Record Check, Working With Children Check and Immunisation Status

    Police Record Check

    In accordance with the Department of Health policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to professional experience placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.

    Working With Children Check

    In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.

    Immunisation Status

    Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.

    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. There is an expectation that you are available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your own responsibility.

    Participation requirements

    As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week. This may include classes, seminars, simulations, 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.

    Inherent requirements

    A number of inherent requirements are essential to safely perform the skills and functions of the nursing role and consequently to undertake and successfully complete the course. Learn more about the School of Nursing and Midwifery's Undergraduate Courses Inherent Requirements.

    Work experience

    Professional experience practice - nursing

    Beginning soon after commencement of the course, early exposure to the clinical environment gives you extensive opportunities to develop clinical skills in a variety of settings including acute/sub-acute care, medical and surgical care, paediatrics, aged care, rehabilitation, community nursing and mental health nursing.

    There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake professional experience placements outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your own responsibility.

    To be eligible to undertake placements, you are required to supply mandatory documents (prerequisites) including police checks, working with children check and immunisation status.

    Public Health and Health Promotion

    The Health Practicum requires you to undertake a minimum of 120 hours of work experience in a health-related agency. In addition to developing a practical understanding of public health and health promotion, this experience will help you further develop the professional and personal skills required to work in a public health and/or health promotion role.

     

    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.

    Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

    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 haven't 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

    Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and meet the requirements for test results specified in the NMBA English language skills registration standard:

    • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0)
    • OET: minimum score of B in each of the four bands
    • PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)

    ANMAC additional English language proficiency requirements

    In addition to meeting the Deakin English language requirement, it is an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation requirement that applicants meet the English language requirements of the ANMAC Accreditation Standards leading to initial registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at commencement of their course.

    These requirements include a self- declaration that English is their primary language, evidence of achievement of the minimum English language test result as specified in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's (NMBA) English language skills registration standard, or hold current registration with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.

    Nursing English Language Requirements Self-Declaration

    VTAC applicants will be provided with this information via the VTAC application process. No offer can be made to an applicant who has not completed this declaration.

    Primary language

    The NMBA requirement is that English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English, including at least two years between years 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Health And Human Development or any Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study.

    A study score of 30 in Biology, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    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

    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.

    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 and how to apply for credit.

    Enrolled Nurses

    Enrolled nurses who hold a Diploma of Nursing (approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) and are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), can be granted up to 6 credit points of Recognition of prior learning (RPL) towards this degree.

    Please obtain further clarification by contacting a Student Adviser in Student Central.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $6,083 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.

    Commonwealth Prac Payment

    From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is intending to introduce the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to assist eligible students with costs related to mandatory placements in higher education courses for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work.

    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

    In 2022, the Victorian Government announced a range of government-administered scholarships for eligible students commencing nursing and midwifery studies in 2023 and 2024. For information about the eligibility criteria, application process and payment arrangements please visit Undergraduate (entry-to-practice) nursing and midwifery scholarships.

    Apply now

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.

    We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.

    Pathways

    View pathways into the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion with our pathways finder.

    Alternative exits

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    #16 in the world for nursing*

    5-star rated university^

    Pathway to becoming a fully registered nurse or a career in public health

    #1 in Victoria for undergraduate nursing student satisfaction#

    Career outcomes

    As a Deakin nursing graduate, you will be highly sought after by industry for your nursing knowledge, critical thinking, problems solving and communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to provide person-centred, evidence-based care – which is why we are proud to record a high graduate employment rate of over 93%.*

    As a registered nurse with public health and health promotion knowledge, you can pursue career opportunities around the world in a range of work settings, including:

    • hospitals
    • homes
    • hospices
    • aged care settings
    • clinics
    • schools
    • universities
    • community health centres
    • government agencies and private industries.

    The skills you will develop in the growing public health and health promotion area will qualify you to work in diverse areas, including:

    • health education
    • health and human services
    • public health communication
    • health policy development and implementation.

    Your knowledge of the social and environmental factors that affect the health of individuals and populations will prepare you for a career in a range of clinical and community settings, such as:

    • public health
    • schools
    • rehabilitation
    • health education
    • voluntary organisations
    • patient support agencies
    • working abroad.

    *Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-2023, based on overall employment for undergraduate nursing graduates, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).

    Professional recognition

    Upon successful completion of your course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

    The NMBA has mandatory registration standards that applicants need to meet to be registered. Core registration standards are available on the NMBA website.

    This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and is an NMBA approved course.

    You may also be eligible to become a member of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).

    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.

    See course entry for Bachelor of Nursing (H326) or Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313)

    *ShanghaiRanking's Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023
    ^QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017
    #Year on year, our undergraduate students are the most-satisfied students of all Victorian universities. Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).