How to apply for WIL

Some courses have a compulsory placement unit, or you may be able to complete a placement unit as an elective. If you are enrolling in an elective unit, we encourage you to seek advice from a student adviser to confirm that you have space in your course.

Once you have selected your chosen WIL unit, please follow the enrolment process as outlined in the University handbook.

Faculty of Health WIL units

HSH303 Health Practicum

Work/projects typically completed by students on placement:

• Conducting a literature review, collating, and analysing relevant data
• Researching and preparing documentation for a funding submission
• Evaluating and reporting on the efficacy of a program
• Assisting with the delivery of direct service programs to individuals and groups in the community
• Assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation of a specific event, program, or intervention
• Conducting a needs assessment, involving key members of the community and stakeholders
• Developing a new printed or web-based resource to market the organisation’s services
• Designing and implementing a social media campaign, including writing blogs and posts
• Designing and implementing a survey, focus group or data collection with a particular population/target group.

HSH324 Integrated Learning for Practice

This unit requires you to work in multi-disciplinary teams on an imagined client project or you have the opportunity to complete this unit in a real-life scenario working on campus via Deakin’s FreelancingHUB.

HPS328 Psychology at Work

Work/projects typically completed by students on placement:

• Conducting a literature review, collating, and analysing relevant data
• Researching and preparing documentation for a funding submission
• Evaluating and reporting on the efficacy of a program
• Assisting with the delivery of direct service programs to individuals and groups in the community
• Assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation of a specific event, program, or intervention
• Conducting a needs assessment, involving key members of the community and stakeholders
• Developing a new printed or web-based resource to market the organisation’s services
• Designing and implementing a social media campaign, including writing blogs and posts
• Designing and implementing a survey, focus group or data collection with a particular population/target group.
• Assisting with recruitment and selection processes, and supporting staff training delivery.

HSH755 Postgraduate Health Practicum

Work/projects typically completed by students on placement:

• Conducting a literature review, collating, and analysing relevant data
• Researching and preparing documentation for a funding submission
• Evaluating and reporting on the efficacy of a program
• Assisting with the delivery of direct service programs to individuals and groups in the community
• Assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation of a specific event, program, or intervention
• Conducting a needs assessment, involving key members of the community and stakeholders
• Developing a new printed or web-based resource to market the organisation’s services
• Designing and implementing a social media campaign, including writing blogs and posts
• Designing and implementing a survey, focus group or data collection with a particular population/target group.

There are multiple options for sourcing a placement opportunity.

Faculty-sourced placements

The Faculty of Health WIL team liaise closely with local councils, community health centres, not-for-profit organisations, government departments, private companies and other community-based support organisations to source placement opportunities. We advertise these roles to students enrolled in the relevant unit so you can apply for these opportunities and complete your placement. Enrolled students will receive information on where to find opportunities and how to apply in the lead up to trimester.

Student-sourced placements

If you have a particular area of interest or would like to undertake placement with a specific organisation, you can source your own placement. This requires identifying and contacting relevant organisations that may have opportunities available in your interest areas. The placement requires approval by the unit chair so, it's important to plan early.

When contacting an organisation, or applying for a work placement, it is vital you provide a professional resume and cover letter. For support with this process, we recommend utilising the resources and workshops offered by DeakinTALENT. It is also important to ensure your placement can meet the requirements of the unit - found in the University handbook.

Other opportunities

You can also source a placement via one of the Deakin initiatives below.

DeakinTALENT FreelancingHUB

The FreelancingHUB offers internships within a cross-disciplinary team, developing a solution for a not-for-profit or community organisations. You can expect to work in an authentic, professional environment and gain employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability.

International opportunities

For more information, please contact the Faculty of Health WIL team at health-wil@deakin.edu.au or call (03) 9244 5643.

Some units require you to complete pre-placement requirements before you can start placement. These requirements may include an online pre-placement module, police check, WWCC and placement documentation. Information will be provided in the lead up to your trimester of enrolment.

Host organisations may require you to adhere to other requirements such as vaccinations, NDIS Worker Screening Check, or organisation specific orientation modules.

Please check the Handbook for unit requirements. The Health WIL team will also contact you via email prior to your trimester of enrolment and direct you to information related to the pre-placement requirements associated with your unit.

Prior to commencing your placement, you should also complete the Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Module. In this module, you will learn about your right to a respectful and inclusive workplace experience, your responsibilities while on placement, and where to seek advice and support.

Deakin values diversity and inclusion, embraces difference and seeks to nurture a connected, safe and respectful community. The health WIL team is committed to supporting all students in securing the right placement experience. If you are a student from a diverse group and would like more information to help navigate the WIL process, please visit the DeakinTALENT diversity and inclusion or the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) for support with study or participation in university life.

View our FAQ's page for further information.