Deakin University

The Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences is recognised internationally for its contribution to the health field in teaching, training, research and service. Deakin Health is one of the fastest growing health faculties in Australia, with student and research income growth averaging 11% pa for 2006–2010. This has enabled us to assist governments, communities and organisations in advancing health and social policies and programs. Our strategic intent is to achieve the Deakin mission and core commitments through improving health and wellbeing, and by strengthening the health and human services sectors in Australia and internationally.

Deakin Health teaches around 7000 students per year through 40 externally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses leading to the graduation of approximately 1500 health professionals each year. It is structured into five schools, which are responsible for teaching 19 health disciplines and sub-disciplines at campuses and health services in Geelong, Burwood, Ballarat, Warrnambool and other locations in Melbourne and Western Victoria. The Faculty has more than 1000 academic and general staff, including 65 professors and 70 research fellows. Student enrolments are likely to increase by a further 25% over the next few years.

Deakin Health comprises the Schools of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Health and Social Development, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, and Psychology. The Faculty has been designated an official World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention and Related Research and Training. It also hosts the National Centre for Farmer Health, the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, the Centre for Health through Action on Social Exclusion, the Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine, and the Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health. On 1 May 2008 the Prime Minister formally opened the School of Medicine, Victoria’s third medical school, with a special focus on regional and rural health needs. At the end of 2011 our first cohort of medical doctors will qualify.

The Faculty has a number of key research strengths, which are organised around five 'Strategic Research Centres’: Molecular and Medical, Physical Activity and Nutrition, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Population Health, and Quality and Patient Safety. Many of our staff are international leaders in their field and have won prestigious awards and prizes. We also have a very active research training program at honours, masters and doctoral degree levels.

Through our Schools and research groups we work collaboratively with a wide number of external organisations. These include federal and state governments, schools, hospitals, health centres, non-government organisations such as Diabetes Australia, community groups, international bodies such as World Health Organization, commercial companies, and other universities at home and overseas. We also have a number of highly productive partnerships across the sector, which commonly include joint appointments at professorial level.

All these activities reflect a broad range of interests and expertise. They demonstrate Deakin Health’s strong and vibrant commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all people in Australia and our surrounding region. We warmly welcome you to join us in advancing this important work.

Professor John Catford
Dean, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences