Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
Build the expertise to improve health and wellbeing at a population level with Deakin’s Master of Health Promotion. Develop skills in program planning, communication, policy, advocacy and research to address the social and structural determinants of health and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Grounded in principles of equity, social justice and empowerment, this course prepares you to work across sectors to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, this course enables you to register as a Health Promotion Practitioner and gain global recognition.
Gain a deep understanding of how social, environmental, political and economic factors influence health outcomes, while building the capacity to design, deliver and evaluate evidence-informed health initiatives. With opportunities to complete 120 hours of professional experience and tailor your studies across areas such as global health, nutrition and community development, you will graduate ready to lead action for healthier, more equitable outcomes and contribute to improved population health.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Health Promotion
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H759
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 069327G Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
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 Master of Health Promotion you must pass 16 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.
A 16-credit point Master of Health Promotion includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course elective units chosen from:
- 8 credit points of course electives - which can be completed via one of the following options:
- major project (4 credit points) and 4 credit points of course electives
- minor project (2 credit points) and 6 credit points of course electives
- 8 credit points 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.
Plus
1 credit point of course elective units chosen from:
*Students wishing to complete a minor or major project option are recommended to complete course elective unit HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development.
Students must complete either a major project, minor project or 8 credit points of course electives. Any student wishing to do both a minor and a major project, may do so with the permission of the Course Director, and will therefore only be required to complete 2 elective units from the Electives list.
Major Project option^
Plus 4 electives from the Electives list
^Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 to be eligible to undertake the major project option.
Minor Project option~
Plus 6 electives from the Electives list
~Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60 to be eligible to undertake the minor project option.
Students may choose to complete a specialisation in Mind, Society and Substance
Mind, Society and Substance specialisation (SP-H759001)
This specialisation is optional and the units are available as elective unit options or can be combined to complete this specialisation.
Plus 1 unit from:
Other electives outside the list below may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.
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
- Start date: July
- 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 National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
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.
Work experience
Students will undertake work integrated assessment tasks in several core and elective units, and they have the option of undertaking a minor or major project.
Other learning experiences
Internships/internships are also available to students enrolled in HSH755 Health practicum as an elective.
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.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1.5 years full-time (2 years part-time).
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
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.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can 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
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$30,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
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 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. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
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
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.
Career outcomes
Following successful completion of the Master of Health Promotion, you will be qualified to take advantage of the career opportunities that exist world-wide in national and international health organisations; medium-sized businesses; multinational corporations; community organisations; human services agencies; local, state and federal government departments; statutory authorities; and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). Graduates can register with IUHPE as a registered Health Promotion Practitioner, securing you global and Australian recognition. Deakin is the first and only Victorian University to hold this accreditation.
Graduates may be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA). All Master of Health Promotion students also have option of obtaining free membership to AHPA for the duration of their studies.
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.
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:
|
| Communicate on health promotion issues in an effective and coherent manner, attentive to the needs of the target audience. Develop effective communication skills relevant for the professional health sector. |
| Demonstrate mastery in current technologies to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, and disseminate technical and non-technical information applicable to health promotion. |
| Demonstrate critical thinking to evaluate, using appropriate analytical and research methods, health promotion problems and solutions for individuals and communities. |
| Apply theoretical constructs and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative health promotion solutions. |
| Apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to adapt to new situations in professional practice and/or plan for further learning in the field of health promotion. |
| Work effectively within health promotion and multi-disciplinary teams with others from a range of backgrounds. |
| Apply the highest ethical standards in the development, design, construction and management of health promotion programs for Australia or elsewhere. |
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.
