Course overview

Build on your knowledge of health care, policy and systems with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours). Through a combination of coursework and original research, you’ll learn the analytical skills and research techniques that will take you into further study, or employment in the booming health sector.

Do you have questions about the health of our population you want answered? Why not follow your passions and discover the answers with your own research?

Contribute to existing studies in the contemporary health sector by completing an honours degree. You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class supervisor who will guide you through all the stages of research from data collection to implementation and execution, helping you produce a piece of independent, original research.

Focus on an area within the health sciences that you are passionate about. Research themes can include:

• community health
• gambling
• gender, family, reproductive and sexual health
• health, diversity and social inclusion
• health economics
• nature and health
• obesity prevention, healthy food environments and food policy
• physical activity, motor skill competence and self-perception
• refugee health
• sustainability
• violence and abuse, prevention and intervention.

You will learn more than just your topic of research. You will develop the necessary skills to successfully conduct research, with units designed to build your knowledge of the process.

You can be confident that your research is guided by the most recent and ground-breaking findings within the health sector. Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development is home to a large range of multidisciplinary research groups, encompassing public health, health promotion, and social, commercial, behavioural, and environmental determinants of health.

The school addresses the complex connections between determinants of health in their broadest sense, and social development in a variety of settings, and at a range of intervention levels. This means you will be immersed in the work of some of the world’s best researchers.

Follow your passion to improve the health and wellbeing of society by studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours).

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) students must attain 8 credit points, including two coursework units in research methods and research issues and an independent research project. Part-time students are required to complete the coursework components in their first year of study.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

For detailed information, particularly with respect to the selection of areas of study and availability of appropriate supervision, students should consult the School of Health and Social Development Current Student Honours page.

Mandatory student checks

There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.

Workload

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree

Participation requirements

There is a minimum of four compulsory sessions, which will be delivered online via Blackboard Collaborate although more sessions are offered to help students in their Honours year.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Work experience

Due to the nature of Honours, students may have supervisors who are based in industry, which gives them a chance for work integrated learning. Even for students whose supervisors are based at Deakin, the form of work integrated learning takes the form of a research internship. In terms of data collection, this can involve interviews, focus groups or surveys, which may happen in the context of health and other services in which the students will be exposed to professional staff and associates carrying out their duties.

Entry information

General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate course requirements.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.

Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.

Entry pathways

This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.

Careers

Career outcomes

Completing an honours year in health sciences prepares you for careers requiring an advanced skill set. Career opportunities include:

• community health development officer
• community recreation officer
• disability services advocacy and development
• family and community support
• food safety and development
• health services management
• health reform, policy and health promotion roles
• program developer in physical health and nutrition
• officer for refugee advocacy.

Your studies will also equip you with the research skills to take you into further postgraduate and research degrees.