Course overview
A rewarding career in health gives you the chance to reduce health disparities and help individuals and communities – in Australia and overseas – to lead fuller, healthier and happier lives. As a Bachelor of Health Sciences graduate, you can be confident you will have a solid grounding in a range of health-related fields. With over half a million new jobs in Health Care and Social Assistance projected in the next ten years*, you will graduate with the in-demand skills needed to join this booming sector.
Become a specialist in up to three major areas or broaden your knowledge and skill set through elective units.^ Combining your interests with multiple majors can increase your competitiveness for a variety of health roles while opening the door to further study. This course also offers valuable workplace learning opportunities, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts and build professional networks in the health sector.
Are you looking for a flexible course that focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of people in local and global communities?
If you want a career that tackles the big issues in health, our degree gives you the opportunity to learn from leaders in their field and build genuine industry connections. You will get the chance to explore and combine your specific interests, while gaining unique expertise relevant to contemporary issues in health.
You will develop the foundational knowledge and skills you need to work as a successful health practitioner through six core units across the three years of your degree. These skills are then further built on in your specialised majors.
Choose from 13 diverse majors that will equip you with a sought-after and transferable skill set to launch a successful career in the booming health industry. Major study areas include:
- disability and inclusion
- environmental health
- exercise science
- family, society and health
- food studies
- health promotion
- health, nature and sustainability
- medical biotechnology
- nutrition
- physical activity and health
- psychological science
- psychology for allied health
- public health.
Depending on your majors, your health sciences degree can prepare you for work in the following roles and fields including:
- community engagement officer
- disability support planner
- environmental and sustainability officer
- exercise specialist
- health promotion coordinator
- international aid worker
- nutrition coordinator
- policy adviser
- sustainability coordinator.
This flexible degree allows you to combine study areas that you are passionate about and benefit from workplace learning to become a specialist in the thriving health sector. The possibility to undertake an elective Health Practicum offered in your final year gives you the option to complete 120-hours of work experience in a health-related organisation. This gives you the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-word context, adding experience to your resume and developing your professional networks in the health sector.
Whatever your choice of majors, this is the degree to propel you into a rewarding career contributing to the promotion of health and wellbeing across society.
Are you a current Year 12 student? If you are interested in studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Health Sciences at our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus or Warrnambool Campus, you may be able to secure your place through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme. This scheme offers an alternate pathway to undergraduate study at Deakin by looking at your skills, experience and achievements.~
Discover our health and community services courses.
*2023 Employment Projections – for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.
^Completing three majors is not possible if a student selects the psychological science major.
~All courses at Deakin have a minimum ATAR requirement of 50.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
1400311291 - Regional Access Scheme - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400314301 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514301 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614301 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400711291 - Regional Access Scheme - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400714301 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- H300
- CRICOS code?
- 052823G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health Sciences students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to one credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects') over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 24 credit points and students must ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.
Must complete:
- 6 core units (these are compulsory)
- at least 2 major sequences from list below.
- at least 18 credit points offered by the Faculty of Health.
- at least 14 credit points studied at level 2 or 3
- at least 6 credit points at level 3
May complete a maximum of 6 credit points from units offered by other Faculties.
Must not complete more than 10 credit points at level 1.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Major sequences
The following majors and minors are available within the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Availability of majors and minors at each campus varies, including majors offered through Deakin Learning Centres. Refer to the details of each major for campus and Deakin Learning Centre availability.
- Disability and Inclusion - Burwood (Melbourne), Online - Major and Minor
- Environmental Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Online - Major
- Exercise Science - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) - Major and Minor
- Family, Society and Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Online - Major and Minor
- Food Studies - Burwood (Melbourne) - Major and Minor
- Health, Nature and Sustainability - Burwood (Melbourne), Online - Major and Minor
- Health Promotion - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) - Major and Minor
- Health and Sustainability - Burwood (Melbourne)- Major and Minor - For continuing students only
- Medical Biotechnology - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) - Major and Minor
- Nutrition - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool - Major and Minor
- Physical Activity and Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online - Major and Minor
- Public Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) - Major and Minor
- Psychology for Allied Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool, Online - Major and Minor
- Psychological Science - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool, Online - Major
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites
If you are intending on completing the Master of Dietetics pre-requisites within the Bachelor of Health Sciences, we recommend that you contact Student Central prior to enrolling to discuss enrolment options. If this is your intended pathway, keep in mind that there may be restrictions on your choice of major sequences and you will have on campus attendance requirements in order to complete all of the prerequisite units for the Master of Dietetics. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics.
Mandatory student checks
Applicable only to students undertaking practicum unit as an elective. Not mandatory for all students.
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking a optional placement as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students if they enrol into an optional placement unit. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for any optional placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students if they enrol into an optional placement unit.
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
Work-integrated learning is incorporated within this course, allowing students the opportunity to engage with industry and complete a range of authentic tasks. A core unit at third-year level, based on inter-professional learning (IPL), provides students the opportunity to draw together their cross-disciplinary learning to demonstrate the knowledge and the skills they have acquired throughout the course and apply them to real-world issues.
HSH324 Integrated Learning for Practice, involves interdisciplinary teams working to develop responses to real-world problems for presentation to a professional audience.
Students have the option to complete a 120 hour field education placement unit HSH303 Health Practicum that provides you with an opportunity to transfer your knowledge and skills to a practical setting, where you can further your learning through realistic field experience. This placement enables you to consolidate your skills under the supervision of qualified practitioners, which assists you to be work-ready after graduation.
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.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any English or Health And Human Development equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, English other than EAL or Health And Human Development equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
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 and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
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.
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
You can apply for this course through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme, which is offered to current Year 12 students looking to study at our regional campuses. We want to know all about the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for university study.
To apply, complete the online application form and preference your chosen course in your VTAC application, using the Deakin Regional Access Scheme VTAC code.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Health Sciences with our pathways finder.
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs such as:
Master of Public Health
Master of Health Promotion
Master of Health Economics
Master of Health Management
Master of Human Nutrition.
There is also a range of graduate diploma or graduate certificate options available in these fields.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Do you want to improve the lives of others and secure a future for yourself in a booming industry? The healthcare and social assistance sector is one of the largest and fastest growing industries both within Australia and the world. With ageing populations and public health issues, such as obesity and chronic illness, on the rise, and with governments around the world increasing emphasis on disease prevention, as well as treatment, employability in the sector is strong and continually increasing. In Australia, the health care and social assistance sector is projected to grow by 25.2% over the ten years – creating over a half a million new jobs.*
This flexible degree allows you to combine study areas that you are passionate about, and benefit from workplace learning to become a specialist in the booming health sector.
Depending on your majors, your health sciences degree can prepare you for work in the following roles and fields:
- community engagement officer
- case manager
- disability support planner
- family/community project officer
- environmental and sustainability officer
- exercise specialist
- food and nutrition policy developer
- food scientist
- health and sports marketer or PR officer
- health educator or counsellor
- health policy developer
- health promotion officer
- inclusion professional
- Indigenous support officer
- international aid worker
- lifestyle and wellness professional
- medical biotechnology researcher
- nutrition and health promotion coordinator
- policy adviser
- regional health service planner
- sustainability coordinator
- women's health officer.
Your choice of majors lets you tailor your degree to your interests and your desired career path. Find out more using our interactive Bachelor of Health Sciences majors and careers guide.
You may choose to begin your studies with a Bachelor of Health Sciences to get a solid grounding in health sciences and explore your interest areas, then follow a pathway into psychology, nutrition, public health or disability and inclusion. This will allow you to pursue further career opportunities in specialist fields.
*2023 Employment Projections – for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
Professional recognition
The Health Promotion major of this course is fully accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). This enables students who complete this major to register with the IUHPE as a registered Health Promotion Practitioner, securing them global recognition.
The Psychological Science major of the Bachelor of Health Science meets the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) translating into excellent job and career opportunities for our graduates. Upon graduation of this degree, you will have gained a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised for registration purposes by the PsyBA, enabling you to undertake additional study in pursuit of provisional registration.
While studying the nutrition major in this course you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Upon graduation you may be eligible to apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Integrate and apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the determinants of health and illness, health and social data, health equity, cultural diversity, human rights, public policy, health and social systems, and ethical practice, to plan, implement and evaluate programs relevant to health and community services sectors. |
| Communication | Use a range of modes of communication to engage and facilitate groups, organisations and culturally diverse communities as well as communicate discipline specific knowledge to a variety of audiences such as professionals, government and non-government representatives, community members, clients and/or patients. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, evaluate, adapt, collate and disseminate relevant information to professional networks and communities in an ethical and professional manner. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse evaluate and synthesise relevant discipline specific issues and contemporary literature/research within the health and social services field, applying an evidence-based approach. |
| Problem solving | Apply best practice and respond effectively using well-developed cognitive and creative skills within an evidence-based framework to identify, research, analyse, generate and provide practical solutions to a range of changing, diverse and complex health issues, contributing new insights, solutions or understanding. |
| Self-management | Employ independent, self-directed work and learning practices in a responsible manner, including self-reflection, in order to practice professionally and contribute to the improvement of the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. |
| Teamwork | Establish and facilitate collaborative professional relationships, adapting roles and working as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the health science field. |
| Global citizenship | Reflect on a variety of viewpoints, attitudes and beliefs, including one’s own, to engage ethically in professional practice and foster capacity building in health sciences within globally diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. |
Footnotes
**ARWU Rankings 2022
+Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of media references.