Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours)

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2027 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours)
Deakin course code	H412
Course credit points	8
Course version	2
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Course information	For students who commenced from 2009 onwards
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Course map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS code	069124G Burwood (Melbourne)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Boost your understanding of health by expanding on the theory and practical skills gained in your undergraduate degree. In this honours year, you will work within a specific area of expertise, sharpening your research skills so you graduate with a competitive edge in the fast-growing global health job market.

Alongside studying engaging coursework, you will hone your passion in the field of health, working closely with a supervisor on an original research project to sharpen your expertise. You will build a deep understanding of research practice and explore how different research approaches best contribute to positively influencing public health. The skills you build in planning, implementing and reporting research, managing data and communicating effectively will ensure you graduate career ready. The research experience you gain also act as a pathway to a masters or doctoral research degree.

Indicative student workload

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

Professional recognition

Graduates from the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion may be eligible to become members of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).

Career opportunities

Job growth in the health sector continues to increase as public health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles and ageing populations affect healthcare systems globally.

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 diverse range of areas, including:

chronic illness (such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease)
healthy eating
mental health
physical activity
social inclusion
women’s health.

Participation requirements

There is a minimum of four compulsory sessions, which will be delivered online via Blackboard Collaborate although more sessions are offered to help students in their Honours year.

At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.

Pathways

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.

Honours

For detailed information, particularly with respect to the selection of areas of study and availability of appropriate supervision, students should consult the School of Health and Social Development Honours page.

Course learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes
Apply Health Sciences/Public Health and Health Promotion knowledge to formulate a testable research question; develop a conceptual framework and select the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings.
Communicate, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study via oral and written means to a variety of audiences.
Select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to a variety of audiences.
Critically evaluate and synthesise the literature in the chosen field of study; and interpret research findings in the context of the literature in the chosen field of study.
Select and apply appropriate methodological principles and analytical techniques to answer a research question within the context of Health Sciences/Public Health and Health Promotion; and troubleshoot solutions to resolve complex problems associated with the research study.
Produce a realistic timeline for the research project and demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning as a researcher within Health Sciences/Public Health and Health Promotion.
Collaborate and work effectively with specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
Engage in ethical and professional research practice whilst maintaining confidentiality and respecting cultural sensitivities.

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.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project

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.

Course structure

Core units

Semester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

HBS400

Research Methods

HSH401

Developing Research Skills

Semester 2

HSH402

Honours Research Project

Work experience

Due to the nature of Honours, students may have supervisors who are based in industry, which gives them a chance for work integrated learning. Even for students whose supervisors are based at Deakin, the form of work integrated learning takes the form of a research internship. In terms of data collection, this can involve interviews, focus groups or surveys, which may happen in the context of health and other services in which the students will be exposed to professional staff and associates carrying out their duties.

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.

Research and research-related study

All 8 credit points of the course are comprised of research-related study (2 x 2 credit point units) or research (1 x 4 credit point unit). 100% of the course’s research and research-related study is specifically assessed.

Fees and charges

Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.

Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Estimate your fees

Further information

Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page .

Contact Student Central