Course Overview

About This Course

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.

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. 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) .

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$9,537 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): AU$9,880 per year

Duration

3 years full time or longer for part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Applicants with recent secondary education: 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.
Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study: 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: 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: 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).

International students:

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 (or equivalent). OR: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). PLUS: IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). OR: Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

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
health and welfare services managers
health promotion professionals
health care and social assistance professionals

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Relevant National Health Practitioner Board / AHPRA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS / relevant health board

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

AEK1203

Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

Core unit — 12 credit points

HBM1001

Anatomy and Physiology 1

Core unit — 12 credit points

HBM1202

Anatomy and Physiology 2

Core unit — 12 credit points

HCM1000

Professional Communication

Core unit — 12 credit points

HHB1104

Introduction to Public Health and Wellness

Core unit — 12 credit points

HHB1105

Evidence and Health 1

Core unit — 12 credit points

HHB1204

Australian Health and Social Care Systems and Policy

Core unit — 12 credit points

HPC1000

Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food

Core unit — 12 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of support does the Learning Hub offer?

The Learning Hub offers a range of support services including writing and literacy assistance, maths and science help (covering numeracy, mathematical concepts, data analysis, physics and chemistry), public speaking and presentation skills coaching, one-to-one Studiosity advising, academic skills workshops, online self-paced modules, and drop-in sessions.

Is the Learning Hub free to use?

Yes, the Learning Hub is free for all VU students. Drop-in sessions, appointments, and workshops are all available at no cost.

How can I book a one-on-one appointment with a Learning Advisor?

You can book a 1:1 appointment online through the Student Hub, where you can select your support topic and preferred location, including online via Zoom. There are also 30-minute express writing and assessment assistance sessions available to book online at Footscray Park and Werribee campuses.

Are there drop-in sessions available, and do I need to book?

Yes, drop-in sessions are available weekly (excluding non-teaching periods and public holidays) at campus libraries including Footscray Nicholson, City Tower, St Albans, and Sunshine. No appointment is required — just bring your study materials. Sessions are open to all VU students and are free.

Is there support available for students whose first language is not English?

Yes, VU offers an English Conversation Club where students from non-English speaking backgrounds can practise spoken English, increase confidence, improve vocabulary and pronunciation, and meet new friends. Joining is free and no booking is needed. Visit the Student Hub to find the timetable at your VU campus.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Public Health OfficerHealth Promotion OfficerEpidemiologistBiostatisticianHealth Policy Analyst

Key Skills

Epidemiological analysis and disease surveillanceBiostatistics and quantitative data analysisHealth promotion program design and evaluationPublic health policy development and analysisHealth research methods (qualitative and quantitative)

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Health Science

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students