Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion trains you in the analytical, strategic and communication skills needed to improve health and wellbeing through practical action. Gain a deeper understanding of the causes of health issues, then learn how to develop initiatives that address these challenges at a grassroots level.
Want to work in an area of health that drives positive change through prevention?
Health promotion can keep half a million Australians out of hospital every year by preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, stroke and depression. With a Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion, you can be a key player in this incredibly important field that looks to educate and influence behaviour long before health issues appear.
The course explores evidence-based health promotion strategies that improve the health of individuals, families, communities and countries. These are strategies that empower people to improve their health, strengthen community action and create environments that are more supportive of good health. Importantly, the strategies you will be implementing address health issues at a grassroots level, significantly reducing the cost and burden of disease through prevention.
Get hands-on practice developing these initiatives from start to finish, all while gaining a deep understanding of the social, environmental, political and economic conditions that impact health. Whether you see yourself working on community outreach campaigns that encourage healthy eating, or coordinating stress management programs for schools and workplaces, you will have the skills and experience to thrive.
Some of the course’s core study areas include:
- health communication
- evidence-based health program planning
- health program evaluation
- health equity and human rights
- contemporary health issues and policies
- health research.
You can also customise your degree with an elective unit that matches your interests. Choose from topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition and obesity prevention to create a unique degree that takes your career further.
Our academics are renowned for their contributions to social justice, equity and the promotion of community wellbeing. The insights gathered from their work and research feeds back into the course, ensuring content is fresh, authentic and relevant to the needs of the sector. There are also opportunities for students to join academics and their colleagues on projects that address current health issues of global importance. We have academics playing an active role in many renowned healthcare organisations and institutes, so you will have access to the perfect mentor no matter your interests and career aspirations.
The course is a pathway to the Master of Health Promotion and includes eight units from the masters program. If you are interested in building more industry experience, you might like to articulate into the masters degree upon successful completion of the graduate diploma.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H615
- CRICOS code?
- 018317J Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion students must attain 8 credit points comprising seven 1-credit-point core units (these are compulsory) and one credit point elective unit.
The elective unit is selected from the list below. Students successfully completing the Graduate Certificate of Health Promotion (H515) may be eligible for up to 4 credit points of Recognition of prior learning towards this course.
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.
7
Compulsory units
1
Elective units
8
Total
Core units
Trimester 1
Plus one elective credit point
Trimester 2
Elective unit options
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)
- Online
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2024 onwards.
Students who commenced prior to 2024 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult a Student Adviser at Student Central.
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
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
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 on-line 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
Students will undertake work integrated assessment tasks in several core and elective units.
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 or higher 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.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
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:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
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.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous postgraduate studies within the last ten years 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.
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 tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. 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. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. 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 your course.
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 tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
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.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Students completing the Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion can articulate into a higher award, the Master of Health Promotion (H759)
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Health Promotion (H515)
Careers
Career outcomes
Health sector is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing sector. On top of that, modern health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity, diabetes, mental health and an ageing population have increased the demand for skilled health promotion practitioners who are able to address health issues through prevention.
With a Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion you can take advantage of this demand. Health promotion practitioners are employed locally and globally in all levels of government, a variety of health services, schools, private business and non-government and community organisations, such as the National Heart Foundation, Asthma Foundation and The Cancer Council. Some of the areas you could be working in include:
- community development
- social planning and activities
- health education
- program development and evaluation
- youth services
- aged and disability services
- policy development.
Graduates may be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) and the International Union of Health Promotion and Education.
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.
Professional recognition
Graduates in this course should be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) and the International Union of Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE).
Note: All information regarding professional recognition is accurate at the date 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 at any future point in time beyond publication. 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.
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 | Apply a critical and advanced knowledge in the area of health promotion that includes:
|
| Communication | Communicate on health promotion issues in an effective and coherent manner and mindful of the target audience. Articulate the various ways in which health promotion practice is influenced, such as, ethnicity and Indigenous status, age, gender, society, culture, geography, the environment and socio-economic status. |
| Digital literacy | Demonstrate understanding of current technologies and digital literacies applicable to health promotion. Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, and disseminate both technical and non-technical information. |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate critical thinking in evaluating solutions to health promotion problems. Access and critically analyse information drawn from a variety of sources. Critically reflect on the impact of inequalities and social disadvantage on the health of individuals and communities. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative health promotion solutions with creativity. Analyse and develop strategies to promote health. Assess the health status of communities and evaluate intervention processes and outcomes using appropriate analytical and research methods. |
| Self-management | Apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of health promotion with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. Reflect upon and critique skills developed and plan for their own future continuing professional development. |
| Teamwork | Apply teamwork, leadership and management skills and principles to work effectively in a team environment and with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Apply the highest ethical standards in the development, design, construction and management of health promotion programs and activities. |