Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies

The Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies is a flexibly delivered degree offered in partnership with the Illawarra Institute of Technology (TAFE NSW) Shellharbour campus. The degree program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and provides students interested in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the knowledge and skills to effectively address Aboriginal community health issues.

The degree requires 3 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) and the completion of 144 credit points of approved subjects. During the program students complete the Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health offered by TAFE NSW which is recognised for 72 credit points of advanced standing towards the degree. This is followed by 1.5 years full-time study (or part time equivalent) in the Indigenous Health program at the University to complete a further 72 credit points of approved subjects.

The program is fully articulated so that students may enter and exit at each level in the program while pursuing a career in Aboriginal Health. A significant placement component is included to provide practical as well as theoretical knowledge and skills in Aboriginal culture, health and community development.

The first intake into the TAFE component of the course will commence in session one, 2001, and will be offered in flexible delivery mode. Students completing the course will be concurrently enrolled at both the University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Institute of Technology. Students should be aware that the TAFE component of the program begins in February, earlier than normal session start. Students should seek advice from an academic adviser at the University or at TAFE before enrolling in this program:

Ms Samia Goudie or
Ms Marian Martin, Lecturers, Department of Nursing, University of Wollongong
Phone 4221 3339
Fax: 4221 3137
Email: samia_goudie@uow.edu.au
Email: marian_martin@uow.edu.au

Ms Sandra Bolack, Head Teacher, Nursing Unit, the Illawarra Institute of Technology (TAFE NSW) Shellharbour campus
Phone: 4295 2289
Fax: 4295 2114
Email: sandra.bolack@det.nsw.edu.au
Students wishing to undertake part time study in the TAFE component must discuss this with the TAFE coordinator.

Aims and Objectives of the Course:

The Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies provides:

• Primary health care workers with the knowledge and skills to effectively address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health, community development and cultural issues;
• Indigenous health workers with professional accreditation, based on a competency based program that is linked to the Aboriginal Health Worker award.

At the completion of this degree the graduate will have Community Development Skills in:

1. management;
2. advocacy
3. liaison with outside agencies;
4. negotiation, particularly at a community level;

and Health Professional Skills in:

1. health management;
2. health promotion;
3. health planning;
4. counselling;
5. inter-agency referral;
6. monitoring of the health status of the community.

Degree structure

The degree consists of the TAFE Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health for 72 credit points of advanced standing, with an additional 72 credit points of UOW subjects that provide advanced and theoretical knowledge and skills in Aboriginal culture, health and community development, and research in Aboriginal Health.

TAFE Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health comprises
Certificate III in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
Certificate IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
Diploma in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
This is a fully articulated (nested) program, with multiple entry and exit points, and Recognised Prior Learning criteria.

Students in the degree complete an additional 72 credit points of University of Wollongong subjects comprising:

60 credit points

plus at least 12 credit points to be selected from

or other subjects approved by the Head of Department
12 credit points minimum

Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
72 credit points

TOTAL
144 credit points

The University of Wollongong component of the core program comprises 12 credit points at 100 level, 18 credit points at 200 level and 30 credit points at 300 level, plus at least 12 credit points of ABST subjects.

TAFE Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (1.5 years full-time equivalent) includes subjects in:

Aboriginal History and Culture
Aboriginal Health Issues
Mental Health
Drug and Alcohol
Nutrition
Management
Mentor Training
Health Promotion
Environmental Health
Counselling