#1 Melbourne university for student support
120 hours of professional health experience
Top 5 provider in Australia for health degrees
Why choose health promotion at Deakin
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.
-
Globally recognised and accredited
This is the only course in Melbourne accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education.
-
Build practical experience
Apply your skills through a 120-hour professional experience, developing industry connections and career readiness.
-
Industry-led learning and research
Study a course informed by leading health promotion research and contemporary industry practice, preparing you to work in diverse global settings.
-
Flexible study and strong support
Study with a top 5 provider of health degrees in Australia, with a supportive learning environment and access to expert academics.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build a career improving health and wellbeing across communities in Australia and globally, with opportunities in government, health organisations, NGOs, community services and businesses.
Health promotion officer
Develop, coordinate and evaluate health promotion programs that address community health priorities, improve wellbeing and support positive health outcomes.
- $93k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 4.8/5
Job satisfaction
Organisations you may work for
- National and international health organisations
- Community organisations
- Human services agencies
- Local, state and federal government
- Non-government organisations
- Businesses and corporations
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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.
What will I study in the Master of Health Promotion?
Build advanced knowledge and practical skills in health promotion, focusing on improving health outcomes through evidence-informed strategies, community engagement and policy development.
Build health promotion foundations
Understand health promotion principles
Learn how social, environmental and behavioural factors influence health, with a focus on prevention, equity and community wellbeing.
Develop communication and planning skills
Build your ability to design and deliver health promotion initiatives, including program planning and community engagement.
Build research capability
Develop skills in qualitative research and evidence-based practice to inform health promotion strategies.
Apply your skills and tailor your degree
Design and evaluate programs
Strengthen your ability to assess needs, plan initiatives and evaluate outcomes to improve health promotion practice.
Tailor your studies
Choose a project and select electives to explore areas such as global health, nutrition, systems thinking or community development.
Gain professional experience
Complete 120 hours of professional experience, applying your skills in a health setting and building industry connections.
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.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
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.
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
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.
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| 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. |
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$45,200
for 1 yr full-time AUD
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.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
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.
Scholarships
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.
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.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.