Overview
Embark on a rewarding career in public health, with a Bachelor of Health Science at Victoria University.
Prepare yourself for a range of health and science careers with a degree that focuses on improving the health of groups of people.
Get fantastic real-world experience through VU’s collaborations with health institutes, other universities and community organisations. You’ll graduate from this health-science degree with the skills and knowledge to work on government health programs, private-practice initiatives and with NGOs.
Whether you dream of improving the lives of people in developing countries or shaping public policy to support Australia’s ageing population, opportunities are growing in all areas of this important field.
You’ll study core bioscience, research and public-health topics, and your major will be in Public Health. From your second year of study, you’ll choose your particular areas of interest to focus on.
You’ll graduate with expertise in:
- disease and injury prevention
- health research
- health promotion
- epidemiology.
At VU, take advantage of flexible study options and a hands-on approach that will have you job-ready for your chosen career.
Get the foundations for a career in nursing, midwifery, paramedicine or osteopathy
Considering a career in clinical health care? A Bachelor of Health Science offers a strong foundation that can prepare you to enter these highly-competitive courses:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Midwifery/Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Paramedicine
- Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy).
In first year, you’ll study alongside students in these other courses in units covering anatomy and physiology and indigenous health and wellbeing. For a list of recommended units to study within your Bachelor of Health Science to enable transfer, see the course structure section below.
Start tackling global health challenges
Begin your journey to becoming an expert professional equipped to provide solutions to the world’s evolving health challenges.
As a Bachelor of Health Science graduate, you’ll open doors to a range of career and further study opportunities, including our Master of Global Public Health.
Or, continue to a masters or doctoral degree to access world-leading research opportunities with our flagship research centre, the Institute for Health & Sport (IHES).
Choose to focus on Indigenous health
Within your Bachelor of Health Science, you have the opportunity to choose a second major in Indigenous health, supported by the strength of Victoria University’s Moondani Balluk academic unit, which promotes Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research and partners with government and community groups.
You’ll gain the knowledge required to make a real difference to the health outcomes of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and communities by focusing on how history, societal structures and colonial systems impact health outcomes.
Get learning advice 24/7
Achieve your full potential with our Learning Hubs, which help you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills.
Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime.
Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in health science
When you graduate with a Bachelor of Health Science, you can find job opportunities in:
- government departments focused on public health and health promotion
- not-for-profits including health foundations and education programs
- international organisations such as the UN, WHO, UNICEF, ACSM
- health and community organisations
- pharmaceutical industries
- professional associations
- public health research programs in academic and research institutions.
Demand continues to grow for these professions; find job-market information:
- health and welfare services managers
- health promotion professionals
- health care and social assistance professionals.
Course structure
To successfully attain the Bachelor of Health Science, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
- 96 credit points of First Year Core studies;
- 96 credit points of Public Health Major studies;
Plus One of the following:
Option A:
- 96 credit points of Indigenous Health Major studies;
Option B:
- 96 credit points of Minor studies (Two Minor sets in total).
Students that complete the first year of College Core studies can elect to graduate with the following (Option A) double Major:
-
Majors in Public Health and Indigenous Health.
Students that complete the first year of College Core studies and a single Major in Public Health, can elect to graduate with (Option B) two minors to complement their Major, as follows:
-
Indigenous Health (HMIIND);
-
Health (Sport Science Minor) (SMIHEA);
-
Health and Nutrition (HMIHNU), and;
-
Bioscience (HMIBIO).
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- AEK1203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HCM1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHB1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHB1105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHB1204
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HPC1000
- Credits
- 12
Compulsory Majors
-
- Unit code
- HMAPBH
Majors
-
- Unit code
- HMAIND
Minors
-
- Unit code
- SMIHEA
-
- Unit code
- HMIHNU
-
- Unit code
- HMIIND
-
- Unit code
- HMIBIO
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Critically review selected social, biological, economic, political and environmental determinants of health, well-being and disease and explain how they manifest in both local and global contexts; | ||
| 2. | Evaluate and justify the use of best-evidence based methods and technologies to investigate and propose solutions to contemporary, emerging and future-oriented issues in public health; | ||
| 3. | Apply a broad and coherent knowledge base and skills in the health sciences to analyse predictable, unpredictable and sometimes complex problems which reflect the multi-faceted nature of health, well-being and disease; | ||
| 4. | Conceptually map key ethical, legal and professional components within the domain of health. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health Sciences or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Additional information
Students may be required to undergo a Victoria Police Check, Working with Children check, a medical check and a physical capacity test dependent upon units chosen.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Pathways to further study
On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:
You will be credited for up to 48 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 20 January 2025
- 24 February 2025
- 28 April 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 12 January 2025 for our next intake which starts on 20 January 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
