Course Overview
The Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion course is designed to enable students from varying backgrounds to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for developing appropriate approaches to evidence-based health promotion. The Graduate Diploma course is directed at practitioners wishing to upgrade their knowledge and qualifications and at students who wish to gain employment in health-related areas. It aims to produce graduates who are able to work in the many areas of health promotion and who can demonstrate a range of attributes which will enhance their career prospects

Course Rules
The course comprises eight 1-credit-point units: six 1-credit-point core units, plus 2 credit points of elective units below in the course structure or from elsewhere in the University, subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

Students successfully completing the Graduate Certificate may be eligible for up to 4 credit points of advanced standing towards the Graduate Diploma.

Course Structure
Core units

Semester 1

HSH701 Principles and Practice of Public Health  

HSH702 Contemporary Health Issues and Policies  

HSH703 Health Promotion  

HSH725 Research for Health Practice  

Note: HSH703 (unit also available in semester 2)

Semester 2

HSH704 Health Education and Communication Strategies  

HSH705 Health Promotion Program Planning and Evaluation  

Elective units

Note: Elective choices may depend on mode of enrolment.

Semester 1

HSH709 Health and Social Impact Assessment  

HSH715 Qualitative Health Research  

HSH739 International Perspectives on Health Policy and Planning  

HSN701 Principles of Nutrition  

HSN703 Diet and Disease  

HSN705 Population Food and Health Issues  

HSN717 Unit description is currently unavailable  ( Not offered in 2007)

Semester 2

HSH709 Health and Social Impact Assessment  

HSH706 Social Epidemiology  

HSH707 Gender, Culture and Population Health  

HSH724 Local Action for Healthy Cities and Communities  

HSH728 Health Equity and Human Rights  

HSN702 Lifespan Nutrition  

HSN704 Food, Nutrition and Society  

HSN705 Population Food and Health Issues  

HSN706 Food and Nutrition Evidence, Politics and Policy  

HSN709 Sports Nutrition  

HSN713 Food, Nutrition and Behaviour  

HSN734 Obesity Prevention  

HSN738 International Nutrition

Admission requirements
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.

In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record.

The minimum requirements are:
(i) successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or
(ii) successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination or
(iii) approved professional or industrial experience

English language requirements - Postgraduate courses
Postgraduate applicants to Deakin University must demonstrate their competence in English by providing certified/notarised documentary evidence of one of the following. Unless otherwise stated, applicants must have satisfied the University’s minimum postgraduate English requirements no more than two years preceding the date of their enrolment at Deakin. Certain courses may require a higher level of English proficiency.

1. An overall band score of 6.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (Academic module) conducted by the British Council/IDP Education Australia office, provided that no individual band score is less that 6.
2. A score of 237 or better (essay rating 4.5) in the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL CBT).
3. A score of 92 or better (writing score 21) in the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
4. English is the applicant’s first language and secondary and/or undergraduate studies were conducted in English.
5. Satisfactory completion of at least two semesters of full-time study in an Australian undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a tertiary institution in Australia.
6. Satisfactory completion of a post secondary studies program which is at least two years full time or equivalent within the last five years in an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment.
7. A minimum of three years professional practice in English, and satisfactory completion of study in English language leading to certification by the governing body of the profession.
8. Completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 4 program at the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) with a final assessment result of 60% or higher within the last twelve months.
9. Satisfactory completion of the DUELI test of English language competence within the last six months.
10. Other evidence of English language competence deemed acceptable by the Chair of the Academic Board.

University Profile
More than 30 percent of Deakin students study by distance education.

Deakin has many years' experience in using online technologies to support and enhance the learning experiences of distance education students.

Distance education is an ideal choice for people who do not live near a campus to complete a course; or for people who wish to combine study with their job, as you may choose when and where you study.

Teaching and learning
Off-campus courses are the same as on-campus courses – the only difference is that rather than attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes in person, you study using a variety of other methods.

Deakin Studies Online (DSO)
DSO is Deakin University’s online teaching and learning environment. It delivers web-based course material and assessment tasks and facilitates communication and collaboration between staff and students.

DSO is being implemented as the university-wide learning management system.

Deakin's online environment gives you flexible and convenient access to learning resources and will enrich your learning experiences.

Distance Campus Support - Deakin University Student Association
The Distance Student section of the Deakin University Student Association website is devoted to information tailor-fitted to the needs of off-campus students on what DUSA in general and the Distance Campus Committee (DCC) in particular can do.

The DCC is here to represent YOU if you are a student at Deakin studying off-campus: looking out for your needs, putting you in contact with services, representing you to the University and making themselves available for advice.