This article showcases Deakin University’s journey to achieving accreditation for its health promotion courses by the International Union of Health Promotion Education (IUHPE).
Background
The Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA®) implements the IUHPE Health Promotion Accreditation System in Australia and is designated as the National Accreditation Organisation (NAO). As of March 2025, there were 141 Registered Health Promotion Practitioners in Australia - the highest number of any country.
Deakin University
With more than 50 years of international recognition, Deakin University (Deakin) has supported over 300,000 students through its strong focus on teaching, research, and student success. Deakin operates five campuses - three in Victoria and two overseas - and offers a leading online learning environment. It comprises four faculties and 14 schools, with disciplines spanning communication and creative arts, education, humanities, and social sciences.
In February 2022, Deakin achieved IUHPE accreditation - with retrospective recognition from December 2020 - for the following courses:
- Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
- Master of Health Promotion
Benefits
Excellence in education: The rigorous accreditation process ensures Deakin’s health promotion courses meet international standards, reinforcing their quality and credibility.
Strengthening industry connections: Accreditation fosters ongoing collaboration with industry stakeholders, ensuring course content remains current and aligned with workforce needs.
Competitive edge: Deakin is one of a select number of institutions in Australia offering IUHPE-accredited courses, providing a significant marketing and reputational advantage.
Enhanced visibility and engagement: Accreditation elevates the profile of Deakin’s health promotion courses, attracting prospective students and reinforcing their value.
Accreditation process
The success of Deakin’s accreditation was driven by the following key enablers:
Institutional support: The School of Health and Social Development endorsed the process, offering administrative assistance and covering associated costs.
Coordinated approach: A dedicated coordinator ensured a streamlined, cohesive approach, working closing with Unit chairs who played active roles throughout.
Structured IUHPE framework: The team used IUHPE’s detailed template, demonstrating how the courses integrated the nine core competencies.
Curriculum mapping: Unit chairs mapped the curriculum to the core competencies, clearly evidencing their integration across key units.
Ongoing integration: Accreditation is embedded into Deakin’s review cycle, with annual course reviews ensuring learning outcomes continue to reflect IUHPE’s core competencies and professional standards for health promotion.
Advice and insights
“Accreditation is a testament to Deakin’s commitment to excellence in education and its role as an innovator in the health promotion sector. It also offers a clear marketing advantage. For students, completing an accredited health promotion course affirms that they have met internationally recognised standards.” Teresa Capetola, Lecturer in Health Promotion, Deakin University
“The course accreditation process provides an excellent opportunity to map all content, assessments and student feedback - a valuable resource for future planning.” Patricia Taylor, Course Director, Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion, Deakin University
Next steps
Deakin is committed to maintaining IUHPE reaccreditation through regular five-year reviews, ensuring its courses remain aligned with best practice and global standards.
The School of Health and Social Development will continue to provide financial and administrative for ongoing accreditation.
To view the Case Study, click here.
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