Top 3 for nursing in Victoria*
920+ hours of workplace experience
Accredited by ANMAC
Key facts
4 years full-time
The course is only available to students on a full time basis.
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
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.
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. 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 clinical placements.
In your final year, you will also have the opportunity to complete the Public Health and Health Promotion Practicum unit, giving you 120 hours of invaluable practical experience in the health industry.
^2021 Employment Outlook – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
- Year
2023 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
- 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.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion students must attain 32 credit points. Units (think of units as 'subjects') may be worth 1 or 2 credit points - click on 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 clinical 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 HAI010 Academic Integrity 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
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 4 - Trimester 1
Level 4 - Trimester 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).
Additional course information
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
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 clinical placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical 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 clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical 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 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. There is an expectation that you are available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with clinical 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
Clinical practice
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 clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with clinical placements are your own responsibility.
Public Health and Health Promotion
The Public Health and Health Promotion 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-health promotion, this experience will help you further develop the professional and personal skills required to work in a public health-health promotion role.
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE 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
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
English language requirements
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.
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 (APRHA) 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.
Primary language
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 is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
English language test
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:
- ELTS (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;
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
Applicants can obtain further information about the Standard at NMBA Registration Standards English language skills.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
All Faculty of Health courses require a Special Tertiary Admissions Test Multiple Choice (STAT MC) where the applicant has not completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV). Enrolled Nurses applying for Nursing courses are not required to sit the STAT Multiple Choice. Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
English language requirements
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 (APRHA) 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.
Primary language
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 is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
English language test
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:
- ELTS (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;
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
Applicants can obtain further information about the Standard at NMBA Registration Standards English language skills.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher). Enrolled Nurses applying for Nursing courses are not required to sit the STAT Multiple Choice.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
English language requirements
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 (APRHA) 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.
Primary language
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 is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
English language test
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:
- ELTS (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;
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
Applicants can obtain further information about the Standard at NMBA Registration Standards English language skills.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher). Enrolled Nurses applying for Nursing courses are not required to sit the STAT Multiple Choice.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
English language requirements
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 (APRHA) 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.
Primary language
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 is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
English language test
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:
- ELTS (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;
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
Applicants can obtain further information about the Standard at NMBA Registration Standards English language skills.
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 this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their 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.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
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 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 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
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
For students commencing in Trimester 1 2023, you may be considered for our Nursing Start-up Support Scheme. Find out more
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in 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.
Entry 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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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.
Career outcomes
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.
Professional recognition
On 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).
You may also be eligible to become a member of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).
Notes:
The NMBA has mandatory registration standards that applicants need to meet to be registered. Core registration standards are available on the NMBA website.
Bachelor of Nursing component: This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and is an NMBA approved course.
Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion component: All information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the date of publication. Enquiries regarding accreditation and professional membership should be directed to the School of Health and Social Development in order to ascertain the current status of accreditation at any future point in time beyond publication. Representations about accreditation apply only to the course, and the relevant professional body retains discretion as to who they admit as members of their association. Deakin University cannot exercise any control over membership of an external body.
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)
Events Explore more events
Footnotes
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
^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).