Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Graduate prepared for a successful career in the largest growing employment sector in Australia* and develop the knowledge, skills and ethical understanding to become a registered nurse, balanced with the skills required to empower people to lead healthier lifestyles. Deakin's Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion enables you to make a real difference in the health outcomes of individuals, communities and global populations.
Ranked #16 in the world for nursing and in the top 200 worldwide for public health^, the course balances contemporary theory with extensive placement experience, and combined approaches involving community engagement, policy development, and research. Graduate career-ready with 920 hours of work placements in both nursing and public health and health promotion settings.
Passionate about helping people lead healthier lives, across clinical and community settings?
This combined degree in nursing and public health and health promotion gives you the advantage of learning skills in two differing facets of health care. Developed in consultation with our healthcare partners you will always be connected to those at the forefront of industry.
Ranked #16 in the world^, our School of Nursing and Midwifery is one of Australia’s most research-active schools and boasts some of the best facilities and resources available. Our Clinical Simulation Centres provide a safe, supportive and realistic environment for you to develop and hone essential nursing skills. At the centres you'll use case-based scenarios that will become more complex as your nursing degree progresses.
Under the supervision of registered nurses, you will gain real-world experience by working with multidisciplinary healthcare teams across areas including:
- acute/sub-acute care
- medical and surgical care
- aged care
- rehabilitation
- paediatrics
- community health settings
- mental health care settings.
Public health is the organised response by society to protect and promote health and prevent disability. By looking at patterns of health and disease across populations, public health experts can use data and evidence-based measures to address the world’s biggest health challenges. Health promotion is about working with communities to improve health and champion factors that support good health – be they environmental, legal, physical, economic or social.
You will study the foundations of modern health promotion practice, covering key study areas such as:
- biostatistics
- environmental health
- epidemiology
- health sociology
- planning and evaluation.
While you will graduate with a suite of specialised and highly sought-after healthcare skills, you will also enter the workforce with lifelong transferable skills, in areas such as:
- research
- analytical thinking
- project management
- communication
- community development.
Deakin’s purpose-built Clinical Simulation Centres for nursing students simulate real healthcare settings. They provide you with the facilities and equipment required to develop practical nursing skills, which are further enhanced through your professional experience placements.
In your final year, you will also have the opportunity to complete the Health Practicum unit, giving you 120 hours of invaluable practical experience in the health industry.
Discover our nursing and midwifery or health and community services courses.
*2023 Employment Projections - for the ten years to 2033, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
^2023 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
Course information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400514023 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D381
- CRICOS code?
- 018323M Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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 Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion students must pass 32 credit points. Units (think of units as 'subjects') may be worth 1 or 2 credit points - select each unit to check its credit point value in the course structure below. Students choose to study 4 credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters each year. All units in this course are core units and are compulsory.
The course consists of 32 credit points of study which includes the following:
- 21 credit points are core units in the Bachelor of Nursing
- 11 credit points are specific to public health and health promotion.
You must fulfil the requirements of each component of the combined degree.
There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your responsibility.
If you are enrolled at the Waterfront (Geelong) campus, you will be required to take your units associated with the Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion course on campus at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) or online.
See course entry for Bachelor of Nursing (H326) or Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313)
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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
Level 4 - Trimester 1
Level 4 - Trimester 2
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)
- Geelong (Waterfront)
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.
Mandatory student checks
Department of Health – Safety Screening Requirements - Police Record Check, Working With Children Check and Immunisation Status
Police Record Check
In accordance with the Department of Health policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to professional experience placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Working With Children Check
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of professional experience placement will not be able to undertake professional experience placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
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. There is an expectation that you are available to undertake clinical practicum outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your own responsibility.
Participation requirements
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week. This may include classes, seminars, simulations, 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.
Inherent requirements
A number of inherent requirements are essential to safely perform the skills and functions of the nursing role and consequently to undertake and successfully complete the course. Learn more about the School of Nursing and Midwifery's Undergraduate Courses Inherent Requirements.
Work experience
Professional experience practice - nursing
Beginning soon after commencement of the course, early exposure to the clinical environment gives you extensive opportunities to develop clinical skills in a variety of settings including acute/sub-acute care, medical and surgical care, paediatrics, aged care, rehabilitation, community nursing and mental health nursing.
There is an expectation that you will be available to undertake professional experience placements outside of trimester dates. All expenses associated with professional experience placements are your own responsibility.
To be eligible to undertake placements, you are required to supply mandatory documents (prerequisites) including police checks, working with children check and immunisation status.
Public Health and Health Promotion
The Health Practicum requires you to undertake a minimum of 120 hours of work experience in a health-related agency. In addition to developing a practical understanding of public health and health promotion, this experience will help you further develop the professional and personal skills required to work in a public health and/or health promotion role.
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.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
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
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and meet the requirements for test results specified in the NMBA English language skills registration standard:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0)
- OET: minimum score of B in each of the four bands
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
ANMAC additional English language proficiency requirements
In addition to meeting the Deakin English language requirement, it is an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation requirement that applicants meet the English language requirements of the ANMAC Accreditation Standards leading to initial registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at commencement of their course.
These requirements include a self- declaration that English is their primary language, evidence of achievement of the minimum English language test result as specified in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's (NMBA) English language skills registration standard, or hold current registration with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.
Nursing English Language Requirements Self-Declaration
VTAC applicants will be provided with this information via the VTAC application process. No offer can be made to an applicant who has not completed this declaration.
Primary language
The NMBA requirement is that English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English, including at least two years between years 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.
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
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
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.
Normal University regulations and guidelines will pertain to students who apply for Recognition of prior learning. The Deakin University policy on Recognition of prior learning states that students will be provided with the maximum credit for relevant approved post-secondary study, or informal learning, which exceeds the normal entry requirements for the relevant course. This may include previous completed or incomplete degrees, diplomas, and TAFE awards.
In all cases, credit will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis with a maximum credit granted being consistent with University policy (Deakin University, Recognition of prior learning policy and procedure, July 2003) and the guidelines for Recognition of prior learning as approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Please obtain further clarification by contacting a Student Adviser in Student Central enquire.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. 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 length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.
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 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.
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Careers
Career outcomes
As a Deakin nursing graduate, you will be highly sought after by industry for your nursing knowledge, critical thinking, problems solving and communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to provide person-centred, evidence-based care – which is why we are proud to record a high graduate employment rate of over 93%.*
As a registered nurse with public health and health promotion knowledge, you can pursue career opportunities around the world in a range of work settings, including:
- hospitals
- homes
- hospices
- aged care settings
- clinics
- schools
- universities
- community health centres
- government agencies and private industries.
The skills you will develop in the growing public health and health promotion area will qualify you to work in diverse areas, including:
- health education
- health and human services
- public health communication
- health policy development and implementation.
Your knowledge of the social and environmental factors that affect the health of individuals and populations will prepare you for a career in a range of clinical and community settings, such as:
- public health
- schools
- rehabilitation
- health education
- voluntary organisations
- patient support agencies
- working abroad.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-2023, based on overall employment for undergraduate nursing graduates, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).
Professional recognition
Upon successful completion of your course, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
The NMBA has mandatory registration standards that applicants need to meet to be registered. Core registration standards are available on the NMBA website.
This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and is an NMBA approved course.
You may also be eligible to become a member of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA).
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.
See course entry for Bachelor of Nursing (H326) or Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion (H313)