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 TAFE component of the course is 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 Isla Bowen
Lecturers, Department of Nursing,
University of Wollongong
Phone 4221 3576 or 4221 3470
Fax: 4221 3137
Email: samia_goudie@uow.edu.au
Email: isla_bowen@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
(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

The 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:

or other subjects approved by the Head of Department

Total 144 credit points.