Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Course overview
Develop the skills to design, deliver and evaluate health promotion initiatives with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion. Build capability in program planning, communication and evaluation to address the underlying causes of poor health and drive positive change through prevention.
You will gain a strong understanding of how social, environmental and behavioural factors influence health, while developing the ability to apply evidence in professional contexts. Study areas include health communication, program planning, evaluation and health equity, giving you the skills to design initiatives that support healthier communities. Ranked #36 in the world for public health, Deakin offers a supportive learning environment to help you build skills that can be applied across a range of health and community settings, from local programs to broader population health initiatives and roles across government, community and not-for-profit sectors.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H615
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 018317J Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 6 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course elective units chosen from:
- 1 credit point of course electives.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Trimester 1
Plus one elective credit point
Trimester 2
Plus
1 credit point of course elective unit chosen from:
*Students wishing to continue their studies into the Master of Health Promotion and complete a minor or major project option are recommended to complete course elective unit HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
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
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
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 on-line 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.
Work experience
Students will undertake work integrated assessment tasks in several core and elective units.
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 or higher 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.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: working in local, state, or federal government agencies or not-for-profit organisations.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous postgraduate studies within the last ten years 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 (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$45,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Pathways
Students completing the Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion can articulate into a higher award, the Master of Health Promotion (H759)
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
Health sector is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing sector. On top of that, modern health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity, diabetes, mental health and an ageing population have increased the demand for skilled health promotion practitioners who are able to address health issues through prevention.
With a Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion you can take advantage of this demand. Health promotion practitioners are employed locally and globally in all levels of government, a variety of health services, schools, private business and non-government and community organisations, such as the National Heart Foundation, Asthma Foundation and The Cancer Council. Some of the areas you could be working in include:
- community development
- social planning and activities
- health education
- program development and evaluation
- youth services
- aged and disability services
- policy development.
Graduates may be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) and the International Union of Health Promotion and Education.
Note: information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the time 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. 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.
Professional recognition
Graduates in this course should be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) and the International Union of Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE).
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 who they admit as members of their association. Deakin University cannot exercise any control over membership of an external body.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply a critical and advanced knowledge in the area of health promotion that includes: theories of behaviour change, inequalities and inequities in health including the concept of the social gradient and relevance to practice, the action areas for health promotion, as well as the determinants of health. the behavioural and socio-environmental models of health and their relevance to health promotion practice in general and needs assessment in particular. stages of program planning, implementation, evaluation and sustainability. |
| Communicate on health promotion issues in an effective and coherent manner and mindful of the target audience. Articulate the various ways in which health promotion practice is influenced, such as, ethnicity and Indigenous status, age, gender, society, culture, geography, the environment and socio-economic status. |
| Demonstrate understanding of current technologies and digital literacies applicable to health promotion. Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, and disseminate both technical and non-technical information. |
| Demonstrate critical thinking in evaluating solutions to health promotion problems. Access and critically analyse information drawn from a variety of sources. Critically reflect on the impact of inequalities and social disadvantage on the health of individuals and communities. |
| Apply theoretical constructs and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative health promotion solutions with creativity. Analyse and develop strategies to promote health. Assess the health status of communities and evaluate intervention processes and outcomes using appropriate analytical and research methods. |
| Apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of health promotion with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. Reflect upon and critique skills developed and plan for their own future continuing professional development. |
| Apply teamwork, leadership and management skills and principles to work effectively in a team environment and with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Apply the highest ethical standards in the development, design, construction and management of health promotion programs and activities. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
