Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Key dates
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 overview
The Master of Health Promotion gives you the skills and platform to create healthy social and ecological environments for whole populations. You will develop skills and knowledge in health program planning, evidence-based strategies, policy, advocacy and research to prevent, minimise and respond early to health issues and their underlying causes.
Want an internationally recognised qualification that opens the door to a career that builds strong and just communities?
Health promotion contributes to social change for improved health outcomes, especially for marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Preventative action saves health dollars as well as promoting wellbeing. With a Master of Health Promotion, you can be a key player in creating social and environmentally just and equitable communities. You’ll graduate with a valuable set of analytical, creative, advocacy, planning and communication skills that prepare you to lead the way in health promotion, locally and globally. Plus, the course’s practical learning opportunities ensure you’re ready for both the current and emerging health challenges of the 21st century.
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 take control of their own health and advocate for just and equitable policies, strengthen community action and create environments that are more supportive of good health. Get hands-on practice developing these initiatives from start to finish, while gaining a deep understanding of the social, environmental, political and economic conditions that impact health. Whether you see yourself working on the prevention of violence against women, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, or promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing for youth, you will have the skills and experience to not only manage, but 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 customise your degree to your interests by choosing from a broad range of elective units. Choose from topics such as, nutrition, global health policy, environmental protection and obesity prevention to create a unique degree that takes your career further. The course also gives you the option of undertaking a major or minor project. These projects allow you to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the course to a contemporary health issue through either a critical a literature review, industry-linked project, policy proposal/review or an applied research project.
A strong focus of the course is professional development through practical experience. In particular, the course’s new work-integrated learning elective allows you to undertake 150 hours of valuable industry experience. This can be an agency-based work placement with one of our many industry partners, or agency-sponsored work based at the Deakin Freelancing Hub. These projects give you the chance to develop and apply your new skills in real-world contexts. They also allow you to work alongside leading health promotion practitioners and build professional networks that unlock new career pathways.
Our academics are renowned for their contributions to social and environmental justice, equity and the promotion of community wellbeing. Their project work and research feed into the course, ensuring content is authentic, relevant and responsive to the needs of an evolving 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 embedded in many renowned healthcare organisations, institutes and health and environmental settings across many different roles, so you will have access to the perfect mentor no matter your interests and career aspirations.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Health Promotion
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H759
- CRICOS code?
- 069327G Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Health Promotion students must attain 16 credit points.
The Master of Health Promotion is typically 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) – your professional experience and previous qualifications – which can save you time and money.
The course comprises 8 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 elective units (which must include a minor or major project).
The majority of core and elective units will be offered in online and campus mode. Some units may also be offered in block mode.
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
Projects and Specialisation
Students must complete a minor or major project option. Any student wishing to do both a Minor and a Major project, may do so with the permission of the Course Director, and will therefore only be required to complete 2 elective units from the Electives list.
Minor Project option
Plus 6 electives from the Electives list
Major Project option
Plus 4 electives from the Electives list
Mind, Society and Substance specialisation (SP-H759001) is available to student commencing in 2024 onwards.
This specialisation is optional and the units are available as elective unit options or can be combined to complete this specialisation.
Plus 1 unit from:
Electives
Other electives outside the list below may be approved on an individual basis. Course Director approval is required.
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
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course structure applies to all students
Mind, Society and Substance specialisation available to students that commence in 2024 onwards.
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 National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
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
Students will undertake work integrated assessment tasks in several core and elective units. All students also undertake a capstone minor or major project.
Other learning experiences
Internships are also available to students with WAM 70 and above.
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.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1.5 years full-time (2 years part-time).
Academic requirements
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
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.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can 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 and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. 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.
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 fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
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
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.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
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
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- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Following successful completion of the Master of Health Promotion, you will be qualified to take advantage of the career opportunities that exist world-wide in national and international health organisations; medium-sized businesses; multinational corporations; community organisations; human services agencies; local, state and federal government departments; statutory authorities; and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). Graduates can register with IUHPE as a registered Health Promotion Practitioner, securing you global and Australian recognition. Deakin is the first and only Victorian University to hold this accreditation.
Graduates may be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA). All Master of Health Promotion students also have option of obtaining free membership to AHPA for the duration of their studies.
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.
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, attentive to the needs of the target audience.
Develop effective communication skills relevant for the professional health sector. |
| Digital literacy | Demonstrate mastery in current technologies to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, and disseminate technical and non-technical information applicable to health promotion. |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate critical thinking to evaluate, using appropriate analytical and research methods, health promotion problems and solutions for individuals and communities. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative health promotion solutions. |
| Self-management | Apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to adapt to new situations in professional practice and/or plan for further learning in the field of health promotion. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively within health promotion and multi-disciplinary teams with others from a range of backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Apply the highest ethical standards in the development, design, construction and management of health promotion programs for Australia or elsewhere. |