Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion/Bachelor of Commerce

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Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:

82.5

Online:

NP?

Lowest selection rank

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023

Current Deakin Students

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

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, 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 nine 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’ll also gain a professional business qualification through your studies in the complementary discipline of Commerce.

As a graduate, you will be well-prepared for a broad range of career opportunities – 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.

Our multidisciplinary approach will enable you to broaden your knowledge across a variety of areas in health and business. Plus, with opportunities to learn and collaborate with likeminded students in multidisciplinary teams, you’ll 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.

Award granted: Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion / Bachelor of Commerce
Year: 2023 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
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 Public Health and Health Promotion/Bachelor of Commerce students must complete 32 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 32 credit points you will need to study 32 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 32 credit points, which must include the following:

16 core units in public health and health promotion (these are compulsory)
8 Bachelor of Commerce core units: MAA103, MAE101, MAF101, MIS171, MLC101, MMK101, MMM132 and MWL101 (these are compulsory).
a prescribed Commerce major sequence
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.

See course entry Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313) or Bachelor of Commerce (M300).

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.

Note: Food and Agribusiness major is offered to students who commenced prior to 2022 only.

Core Units

Level 1 - Trimester 1

Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

HAI010

Understanding Health

HBS107

Disease Prevention and Control

HSH102

Two commerce units

Level 1 - Trimester 2

Health Information and Data

HBS108

Health Protection

HSH103

Two commerce units

Level 2 - Trimester 1

Local and Global Environments for Health

HSH112

Health Communication

HSH208

Two commerce units

Level 2 - Trimester 2

Social Perspectives on Population Health

HSH113

Professional Practice

HSH212

Two commerce units

Level 3 - Trimester 1

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

HSH205

Program Planning, Management and Evaluation

HSH323

Two commerce units

Level 3 - Trimester 2

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2

HSH216

Population Health: A Research Perspective

HSH319

Two commerce units

Level 4 - Trimester 1

Politics, Policy and Health

HSH302

Implementation and Evaluation

HSH318

Two commerce units

Level 4 - Trimester 2

Health Practicum

HSH303

Contemporary Health Issues

HSH313

Two commerce units

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)
- Online

Trimester 2 - July

Start date: July
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online

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

Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313)
Bachelor of Commerce (M300)

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

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 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.

Participation requirements

The course contains core public health-health promotion unit HSH303 Public Health and Health Promotion Practicum 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-health promotion, this experience will help students further develop the professional and personal skills required to work in a public health-health promotion role. The practicum component follows one seminar session covering: the expectations of the unit, and overview of project management; and an introduction to workplace organisation and context.

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 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 consideration

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

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 or equivalent.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

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 secondary education and subsequent academic records 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.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Both Deakin Business School and the 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).
All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten 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) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

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.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Personal statement

Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

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

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 2022 students (PDF, 804.3KB) - 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. 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 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 - (CSP)?

$11,805 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 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

Apply now

Apply through VTAC

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.

Apply direct to Deakin

Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:

recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
applicants with work and life experience
applicants with TAFE study
applicants with higher education study.

Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.

Apply through Deakin

Entry pathways

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

This course provides pathway to the Honours program and subsequently higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework 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 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.

120 hours of placement in a health agency

Explore overseas learning with our partners

Top 200 worldwide for public health**

Graduate job ready through practical learning

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 or 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 lead to a research career in public health and/or health promotion or commerce.

Professional recognition

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, securing them global 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).

Students who complete the accounting major can apply for the:

Students who complete the marketing major are eligible for a one-year credit towards their five-year Certified Practicing Marketer certification awarded by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).

Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.

Students who complete the financial planning major satisfy the education standards of the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS). This enables students to provide financial advice in Australia and eligibility to enter certification programs of the professional financial planning associations. These include the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Program by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner designation by the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA).

Depending on your units of study, commerce graduates are also eligible to apply for membership to the:

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 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.

See course entry for Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313) or Bachelor of Commerce (M300).