Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion/Bachelor of Commerce combined course allows you to take your commercial knowledge into the fast-growing health sector, or your health expertise into the commercial world. Graduates can register with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), with Deakin being the only Victorian university to hold this accreditation. You will also gain a globally recognised commerce qualification and entry into professional commerce careers by learning to solve real commercial challenges alongside industry leaders.
The hands-on experience you will undertake in a health-related agency will equip you with the skills needed to work in a public health or health promotion role. Build a foundation of robust commercial and personal skills and pursue your passions by choosing to major in one of eight specialised areas of commerce. You will graduate ready to tackle a career with great scope in the booming health sector, the business sector or where the two intersect.
Do you want a broad and highly transferable skill set that helps you contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and societies?
This combined course gives you a thorough understanding of the social and environmental factors that cause poor health, as well as those that create and sustain good health. Examine how health is created and influenced in our society, and explore the different approaches for improving the population’s health.
Through community engagement, program planning and evaluation, capacity building, research, policy development and health communication you will develop professional practices that can be applied to a range of settings and population groups. You will also gain a professional business qualification through your studies in Commerce.
As a graduate, you will be well-prepared for a broad range of career paths – from business, marketing and management roles within the health industry, to health promotion and public health roles within the government, corporate, private and public sectors, including:
- community development officer
- community engagement officer
- health promotion officer
- health public relations officer
- health researcher
- medical marketing manager
- partnerships coordinator
- project manager
- social marketing officer
- social planning officer.
You will have opportunities to learn and collaborate with likeminded students in multidisciplinary teams, you will be exposed to both complementary and alternative health streams. You will also develop an understanding of the expertise and roles of different health professionals, many of whom you might find yourself working alongside in your future career.
Discover our health and community services courses.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
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 Public Health and Health Promotion / Bachelor of Commerce
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314251 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514251 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614251 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D388
- CRICOS code?
- 031151F 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 Public Health and Health Promotion/Bachelor of Commerce, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
- 16 credit points of core units
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
- 8 credit points of core units
- 1 commerce major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 which must be Faculty of Business and Law units course grouped to a Faculty of Business and Law undergraduate degree
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313) and Bachelor of Commerce (M300) must be satisfied.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core Units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Plus two commerce major units
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Plus two commerce major units
Level 4 - Trimester 1
Plus two commerce major units
Level 4 - Trimester 2
Plus two commerce major units
Commerce Major sequences
Refer to Bachelor of Commerce (M300) course page for Commerce major sequences options
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)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Alternative exits
Course duration
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.
Mandatory student checks
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their 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 placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
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.
Participation requirements
The course contains a core Health Practicum unit that aims to provide students with an in-depth, working understanding of public health-health promotion principles and approaches in the field. Students are required 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 students further develop the professional and personal skills required to work in a public health and/or health promotion role.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Public Health and Health Promotion
The Health Practicum unit 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
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.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
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. unable to locate this information in schedule ABC
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any Business, any English, Health and Human Development, any Information Technology or any Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, any Business, English other than EAL, Health and Human Development, any Information Technology or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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. 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 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
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.
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
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July. 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.
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.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion/Bachelor of Commerce with our pathways finder.
Upon graduation, you may go on to complete further study in health by applying for Deakin's Master of Public Health, Master of Health Promotion, Master of Health Economics or Master of Health Management. You may also be eligible for postgraduate study in business and commerce.
Articulated courses
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 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- 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 graduate of this course you may find employment in either of these professional areas and work with groups such as children, adults, the disadvantaged and employees. Knowledge of business and health issues assists with executive management positions within the health industry that have policy development, budget and staff management responsibilities.
As a graduate you may qualify to work in positions such as:
- Health Promotion Officer
- Community Development Officer
- Social Planning Officer
- Health Educator
- Women’s Health Officer
- Health Policy Developer
- Planning Officer
- Health Researcher
- Partnerships Coordinator
- Program Evaluator.
You will be prepared for a diverse range of employment areas including but not limited to healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, social inclusion, chronic illness (such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease) and women’s health.
The opportunities available to you will be somewhat dependent on the major sequence you choose to undertake as part of your degree.
The degree is a foundation for Honours and postgraduate study that leads to a research career in public health and/or health promotion or commerce.
Professional recognition
Gain the professional recognition you need to make your mark in health or business sectors, or where the two intersect.
Deakin’s Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion is fully accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). This accreditation enables our health promotion graduates to register with the IUHPE as a registered Health Promotion Practitioner (HPP), securing you global as well as Australian recognition.
Graduates may also be eligible to become members of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and obtain professional accreditation as the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
- Deakin's accounting major enables students to apply for the:
- CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Associate membership for the CPA Program
- IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). - The marketing major provides a one-year credit towards the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) five-year Certified Practicing Marketer and Chartered Marketer certification.
- Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
- The financial planning major satisfies the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education standards, meaning students can provide financial advice in Australia and are eligible for financial planning certification programs including:
- the Financial Adviser Association of Australia (FAAA) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. - The human resource management major enables students to apply for the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) membership.
Students should consult the professional body or a course adviser to identify additional requirements for membership.
Note: 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 or Deakin Business School 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 whom 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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion | Course Learning Outcomes Bachlelor of Commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply evidence-based research and a determinants-based knowledge of public health and health promotion to advocate for social change, promote good health and wellbeing, prevent poor health and reduce inequalities for individuals and populations alike. | Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications |
| Communication | Communicate effectively in oral and written forms with a range of stakeholders and promote positive, desired change. | Communicate commerce concepts and information effectively including in oral, written and visual forms in a cohesive and understandable manner to academic audiences, business professionals and laypersons |
| Digital literacy | Use information technology to effectively communicate, locate information and analyse data. | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce |
| Critical thinking | Apply critical thinking and reflection to issues of contemporary health, related to policy and planning in public health and health promotion practice within an evidence-based framework. | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values |
| Problem solving | Apply an evidence-based learning framework to create solutions to diverse and complex health problems. | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce |
| Self-management | Monitor and reflect on one’s own professional practice. | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development |
| Teamwork | Develop knowledge and implement strategies in collaboration with others to build and enhance relevant partnerships and actions as a public health and health promotion practitioner. | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds |
| Global citizenship | Support public health and health promotion practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts and communities. | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce |
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Footnotes
**ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019