Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion

Deakin University

This course gives you the expertise needed to address the causes of poor health and to improve wellbeing, by combining approaches involving community engagement, policy development, research, education and the media.

Gain extensive practical experience throughout your course, including at least 200 work-integrated learning (WIL) hours of which 120 hours are work experience in a health-related agency in your final year. You will be able to start building professional networks while putting your knowledge and skills to use in a practical setting under the supervision of qualified practitioners. By combining a strong theoretical base with hands-on learning, you will graduate confident and career ready.

Do you want to equip yourself with the knowledge and problem-solving skills to make a real difference to the health of society?

This course trains you to examine and act on the factors that cause poor health, as well as understanding those that create and sustain good health. You will work towards creating a healthier population by increasing health education, encouraging healthy practices and influencing policy.

Build your expertise in health promotion and gain important skills in industry-recognised competencies, including:

planning and evaluation

health communication strategies

epidemiology

health research.

With a variety of public health issues affecting healthcare systems globally, job growth in the sector is increasing. There are many different pathways and career opportunities in government and the private sector across Australia and internationally. You will be qualified to work in areas such as:

community development

health education

health promotion

health research

policy and planning

program development

social planning

women’s health.

At Deakin, you will be encouraged to mould your career around your interests and passions in health. Throughout your degree, your teachers and mentors will frequently discuss different case studies to help spark ideas for your unique career pathway. You may also have the opportunity to join an overseas study tour where you will use your acquired skills to promote health on a global scale.

Career outcomes

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

These are just some examples, and with many other public health issues becoming more prevalent, you can mould your career around those that match your interests and passions in the health field. Throughout your degree, we frequently discuss different case studies to help spark ideas for your unique career pathway.

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 range of health areas including:

tackling chronic illness (such as asthma, arthritis and heart disease), plus developing and implementing prevention strategies

healthy eating

mental health

physical activity and environmental health

social inclusion

women’s health.