Key facts
3 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Make a difference to people's lives on a broad scale with Deakin's Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion. Graduates can register with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), with Deakin being the only Victorian university to hold this accreditation. This course gives you the expertise needed to address the causes of poor health and to improve wellbeing, by combining approaches involving community engagement, policy development, research, education and the media.
Gain extensive practical experience throughout your course, including at least 200 work-integrated learning (WIL) hours of which 120 hours are work experience in a health-related agency in your final year. You will be able to start building professional networks while putting your knowledge and skills to use in a practical setting under the supervision of qualified practitioners. By combining a strong theoretical base with hands-on learning in the field, you will graduate confident and career ready.
Are you interested in understanding key public health issues to improve the lives of others and contribute to a healthier community?
This course trains you to examine and act on the factors that cause poor health, as well as understanding those that create and sustain good health. You will work towards creating a healthier population by increasing health education, encouraging healthy practices and influencing policy.
Build your expertise in health promotion and gain important skills in industry-recognised competencies, including:
- planning and evaluation
- health communication strategies
- epidemiology
- health research.
Work-integrated learning is a core component of this course and provides you with the chance to gain real-world experience to further develop your expertise, while building your resume so that you can launch a successful career in the booming health sector.
With a variety of public health issues affecting healthcare systems globally, job growth in the sector is increasing. There are many different pathways and career opportunities in government and the private sector across Australia and internationally. You will be qualified to work in areas such as:
- community development
- health education
- health promotion
- health research
- policy and planning
- program development
- social planning
- women’s health.
At Deakin, you will be encouraged to mould your career around your interests and passions in health. Throughout your degree, your teachers and mentors will frequently discuss different case studies to help spark ideas for your unique career pathway. You may also have the opportunity to join an overseas study tour (subject to travel restrictions) where you will use your acquired skills to promote health on a global scale.
Are you a current Year 12 student? If you are interested in studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion at our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, you may be able to secure your place through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme. This scheme offers an alternate pathway to undergraduate study at Deakin by looking at your skills, experience and achievements.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314323 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514323 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- H313
- CRICOS code?
- 012753D Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- 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 students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to one credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects') over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The 24 credit points include 16 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 elective units (you can choose which ones to study), that can be taken from any faculty.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
16
Compulsory units
8
Elective units
24
Total units
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit (Level 2/3)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus two elective units (one at Level 3)
Electives
Health Promotion recommended elective units
Other recommended elective 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)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
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
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 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 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.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning is a core feature of this course and is embedded within all units. It includes assignments that replicate work in the field. Students will undertake two core WIL units, which will provide 200 WIL hours, of which 120 hours are placement and practical workplace experience. These experiences provide you with an opportunity to transfer your knowledge and skills to a practical setting, where you can further your learning through realistic field experience. These enable you to consolidate your skills under the supervision of qualified practitioners, which assists you to be work-ready after graduation.
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.
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
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) 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 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 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – 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
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.
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
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
You may wish to continue onto Deakin’s Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours) our one-year honours degree. This may provide you with a competitive edge in the job market or a pathway to a higher degree. You could also go on to develop your knowledge and career by studying Deakin's Master of Public Health, Master of Health Promotion, Master of Health Economics or Master of Health and Human Services Management.
Careers
Career outcomes
Job growth in the health sector continues to increase as public health issues - such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, food access, sedentary lifestyles and ageing populations - affect healthcare systems globally.
These are just some examples, and with many other public health issues becoming more prevalent, you can mould your career around those that match your interests and passions in the health field. Throughout your degree, we frequently discuss different case studies to help spark ideas for your unique career pathway.
Career opportunities in government and private sector roles across Australia and internationally include:
- community development coordinator
- health policy developer
- health promotion officer
- health researcher
- program development coordinator
- program evaluator
- social planning officer
- women’s health officer.
You may find employment in a range of health areas including:
- tackling chronic illness (such as asthma, arthritis and heart disease), plus developing and implementing prevention strategies
- healthy eating
- mental health
- physical activity and environmental health
- social inclusion
- women’s health.
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 you global recognition as well as Australian recognition. Deakin is the first and only Victorian university to hold this accreditation.
Graduates may also be eligible to become members of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and obtain professional accreditation as a Health Promotion Practitioner with 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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| 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. |
| Communication | Communicate effectively in oral and written forms with a range of stakeholders and promote positive, desired change. |
| Digital literacy | Use information technology to effectively communicate, locate information and analyse data. |
| 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. |
| Problem solving | Apply an evidence-based learning framework to create solutions to diverse and complex health problems. |
| Self-management | Monitor and reflect on one’s own professional practice. |
| 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. |
| Global citizenship | Support public health and health promotion practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts and communities. |
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