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Institute of Health and Wellbeing

The Institute of Health and Wellbeing (IHW) is dedicated to improving health outcomes through education, research and strong community partnerships.

Welcome to the Institute of Health and Wellbeing – where education, research and strong partnerships with industry come together to build healthier communities. Under the leadership of Andrew Lewis, Pro Vice‑Chancellor, and Carolyn Bailey, Deputy Dean, the Institute covers a broad range of disciplines, including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, paramedicine, psychology, exercise and sport science and occupational health and safety.

Our IHW academics work with students to address real health challenges and make a tangible difference. Teaching is informed by contemporary practice and delivered through a mix of on‑campus learning, simulation and placements. Through close connections with health services and community organisations, the Institute supports hands‑on learning, which means graduates are well prepared for professional practice.

Study areas

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Health and Allied Health

The combination of theory and hands-on training in our physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and exercise and sport science courses will prepare students for complex challenges in hospital, clinic, school and community settings. 

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Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine

Studying nursing, midwifery or paramedicine gives students essential medical knowledge and soft skills of staying calm, being compassionate, listening and caring.

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Psychology

Our psychology courses uncover the complexities of the human psyche, including the way we think, feel and behave, and how our brains are capable of change.

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Our academics

Looking for a researcher, supervisor, course coordinator or media comment? Search our academic database by name or field of research.

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Research centres

Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre
The Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) provides training and mentoring to build capacity and enable organisations to conduct meaningful evaluations.
Read about CERC
Health Innovation and Transformation Centre
The Health Innovation and Transformation Centre (HITC) aims to answer complex global healthcare questions that impact the health and wellbeing of our regional, national and international communities.
Read about HITC
View all Federation research centres

Research teams and networks

Latest news

Elite sporting minds to share leadership lessons with Central Highlands coaches
Read more
Doctors who smoke less likely to support patients to quit, research shows
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Psychology appointments jump 58% at Ballarat’s FedCare clinic
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More news

Working with industry

How did we achieve a 5‑star rating for skills development in the Good Universities Guide 2025? By giving our students the opportunity to do plenty of real-world work experience. And partnering with local organisations doesn't just mean job-ready graduates – it also helps address skills shortages in regional communities.
WestVic Academy of Sport
The WestVic Academy of Sport and Federation University have joined forces to give talented young athletes the support they need to grow, compete and thrive.
Read more about WestVic
VCE Physical Education program for schools
High school students get the chance to use our state-of-the-art equipment to apply their sport and exercise science knowledge during this one-day PE program.
Program details
Host a student
If you're looking for a placement student, join Federation Co-op. We'll help you find the right candidates then provide resources and support throughout their time with you.
How it works
Earn while you learn
Work experience is a big part of study at Federation. Find out when and how to organise your placement and whether there's any funding available (and how to apply for it).
Get the details
Community clinics
Our student‑delivered clinics offer supervised physiotherapy, psychology, speech pathology and athlete testing services to the local community.
Find a service

Resources

If you're a current student or teacher, access handy course info in one spot.

Our researchers are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities, and our practice-based teaching means our graduates are industry-smart and highly employable."
— Professor Andrew Lewis, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Co-operative Education and the Institute of Health and Wellbeing

Contact us

Associate Deans


Dr Danielle Wagstaff (Learning and Teaching)
Professor Aziz Rahman (Research)

Heads of Discipline

Professor Deborah Kirk (Nursing)
Helena Anolak (Midwifery)
Professor Carolyn Unsworth (Occupational Therapy)
Professor Chyrisse Heine (Speech Pathology)
Professor Rob Aughey (Exercise and Sport Science)
Professor Marie-Louise Bird (Physiotherapy)
Dr Rachel Grieve (Psychology)