Graduate School of Public Health

COURSES OFFERED

Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Public Health
Master of Science - Research
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Graduate Diploma in Public Health
Master of Public Health
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health)
Master of Science (Mental Health)
Graduate Certificate in Health Management
Master of Health Management
Master of Science (Health Policy and Management)
Graduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Health)
Master of Science (Environmental Health)

Programs in Mental Health, Public Health and Health Management are also offered by distance education. Please contact the Graduate School of Public Health directly for further details.

Occupational Health and safety is offered jointly with the Departments of Biomedical Science and Management. Consult information in the Department of Biomedical Science pages for details.

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

Supervision in the following areas of research is likely to be available to candidates undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy, the Doctor of Public Health and the Master of Science - Research.

• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Environmental Health
• Health information systems
• Health policy
• Health promotion
• Health services development and evaluation
• Health service management
• Health and society
• Mental health
• Nutrition (Obesity, Diabetes)
• Occupational health and safety

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is available to candidates in the major research areas of the Graduate School of Public Health for which supervision is available, normally: Public Health, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Management, Mental Health, Nutrition, Health Information Systems, Epidemiology, Health Social Science. The PhD provides supervised research training in a program of not less than three years duration and no more than four years (full time).

Entry requirements

Admission detail and regulations governing the award are set out in the University Course Rules. To qualify for the program candidates must hold an Honours Bachelor Degree of Class II, Division 2 or equivalent in a relevant discipline or a Postgraduate degree of at least Graduate Diploma in Public Health or equivalent with research methodology and at least a credit average. Supervision in the research topic proposed by the student must also be possible.

Potential candidates should discuss their research plan with the Postgraduate Research Coordinator of the School at which time the supervision arrangements of the School will be outlined.

Program structure

Research seminars are held in Autumn and Spring sessions to assist research students in exchanges about research methodology and research content. Attending the research seminars is expected. A detailed research proposal must be prepared and submitted for examination at about one third of the duration of the candidature. This examination must be passed successfully for the candidature to be allowed to continue, and must have taken place within 1 year of commencing the candidature (full time or part time equivalent). Opportunities exist for outstanding candidates to gain scholarship support by application to the University. After three years of full time enrolment and within four years of enrolment the student will submit a thesis for examination under the regulations for Doctoral theses of the University.

DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a professional degree granted on successful completion of an approved program of coursework and an independent and original investigation of a significant problem in public health and the presentation of the research as an acceptable thesis. This degree prepares the students for leadership positions in the health sector, that would require advanced analytic or conceptual capabilities.

The DrPH usually takes at least three years full time study, and includes a coursework component and a research component. There will be no advanced standing granted for previous graduate study at Masters level. The course work involves a maximum of one year full time study (48 credit points) in both required and elective courses. The research component of the program involves at least two years of full time enrolment in the thesis following completion of the coursework component. Progression in the research component requires the development of a suitable research proposal at the end of which the student sits a qualifying examination. On successful completion of the qualifying examination the student undertakes the research under supervision. At the end of this period the student will submit a thesis for examination under the regulations for Doctoral theses of the university.

Entry requirements

To qualify for entry to the program, candidates must have a Master of Public Health degree or equivalent, usually at credit level or better, or an Honours Bachelor degree of at least Class II, Division 2 standard in a relevant discipline, followed by the equivalent of one year full time relevant and approved postgraduate study. Students should preferably have two or more years of appropriate professional experience and have demonstrated potential capacity for leadership in the area of Major. Applicant should submit a record of professional experience and names of two appropriate referees.

Coursework
Individual course work programs should be decided in conjunction with the intended supervisor for the research and the Head of School. The course work must be passed with a credit average mark to allow progression into the research component of the course. Applicants who have not had a background in Public Health may be advised to take the four core subjects listed below. Some applicants may be advised to undertake specialised programs in preparation for their research.

The minimum period for the completion of the degree of Doctor in Public Health will be six academic sessions of full time study. Full time students are required to submit their theses no later than eight academic sessions from the date of candidature.

Through an agreement with the School of Public Health, University of California, (Berkeley), it is expected that selected Doctor of Public Health students will be able to spend one session at the University of California (Berkeley) advancing research and/or coursework interests which are part of their approved program of study.

MASTER OF SCIENCE - RESEARCH

The degree, Master of Science - Research, is designed to provide supervised training in independent research. For candidates admitted with an Honours Bachelor degree with a Class II, Division 2 or higher or with Graduate Certificate of Public Health equivalent with research skill subjects and a credit average, the program will consist of 48 credit points of research leading to the submission of a thesis. For candidates admitted with a Bachelor degree or degrees deemed less relevant for research skills, the program will consist of 72 credit points, involving research leading to the submission of a thesis, and directed course work in statistics (GHMD983), research methodology (GHMD984), epidemiology (GHMD904) and research preparation (GHMD907), or in other areas if so directed by the Head of School.

Research should be in an area of research expertise of a member of the Graduate School of Public Health. Potential candidates should discuss their research interest with the coordinator of the program and present a research project title and general outline. Once the supervisor has been approved the candidate will undertake an approved program recommended by the Head of School. The student is also required to pass an examination of the detailed research proposal before about one third of the research time has passed. Requirements are specified in the Masters by Research Degree Rules.

The total duration of the degree is no less than 1 year full time for those allowed into the 48 credit point version and no less than 1.5 year full time enrolled in the 72 credit point version and no more than 2 years full time.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

The Public Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally and internationally by distance education.

The aim of this course is to provide health professionals and others with the opportunity to develop primary competencies in public health research and evaluation.

Course Structure

The course provides students with the opportunity to gain a qualification in public health research in a flexible manner, including a choice of subjects and a manageable investment of time and money. The Graduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of 24 credit points of course work.

Entry Requirements

Entrants to the course normally hold a three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent). An applicant holding other acceptable qualifications may be admitted to this course.

Articulation with the Graduate Diploma in Public Health

On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, students may apply to enter the Graduate Diploma in Public Health. Successful applicants will be required to complete a further 24 credit points of coursework from the Diploma program.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is awarded on the successful completion of 24 credit points of course work, selected from the following subjects:

Note: GHMD904 and GHMD984 must be taken concurrently with STAT252 unless the student has previously studied a statistics subject.

* These subjects are not available by distance education.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC HEALTH

The Public Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally and internationally by distance education.

This is an introduction to Public Health as the area associated with the efforts made by society to protect, promote and restore people’s health. The Graduate Diploma is designed for health professionals and others intending to work in Public Health. Health is defined as a state of well being, not just the absence of disease. The goals of public health include the promotion and improvement of health as well as prevention of disease, premature death, and disease-produced discomfort and disability in the population.

Course Structure

The course requires the completion of 48 credit points of coursework. The course can be completed in one year of fulltime study or part time equivalent . Intending students requiring further course information should apply to the Graduate School of Public Health.

Entry Requirements

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Public Health should normally hold a relevant three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent. An applicant holding other acceptable qualifications may be admitted to this course.

Articulation with the Master of Public Health

On completion of the Graduate Diploma in Public Health, students may apply to enter the Master of Public Health and will be required to complete a further 24 cps of course work from the Master of Public Health degree.

Plus at least 18 credit points selected from the Master of Public Health course structure and subjects from other departments approved by the Course Coordinator for a total of 48 credit points of coursework.

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The Public Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally and internationally by distance education.

The Master of Public Health provides the knowledge and understanding of the efforts made by society to protect, promote and restore the people’s health. Health is defined as a state of well being, not just the absence of disease. The goals of public health include the promotion and improvement of health as well as prevention of disease, premature death, and disease-produced discomfort and disability in the population.

Course Structure

The course requires the completion of 72 credit points: six core subjects and six elective subjects. The course can be undertaken full-time over 18 months or part-time equivalent. For part time students the timetable is designed so that two core subjects may be taken on the same day. Intending students requiring further course information should apply to the Graduate School of Public Health.

Entry Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Public Health should normally hold a three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent. Candidates holding other acceptable qualifications (e.g. Registered Nurses) with appropriate experience may also be admitted on the completion of the Graduate Diploma.

International students admitted to candidature in the Master of Public Health will discuss their educational needs with the coordinator and may have a program of study specified which will best meet their requirements.

On campus students will also be able to choose from subjects in Sociology, Geosciences and STS on the advice of the Course Coordinator.

Note: * These subjects are not available by Distance Education.

Note:*** Approval required by Head of Graduate School of Public Health.

Note: GHMD984 Health Research Methodology is a pre-requisite for GHMD997 Major Project. Students must have the permission of the Coordinator to undertake GHMD907 or GHMD997.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN MENTAL HEALTH

The Mental Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, by distance education.

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to advanced professional education for mental health practitioners in current legislation and policy regarding the care of people with serious mental illness and recent developments in concepts, theories, and practices of mental health intervention including assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

Course Structure

The course can be undertaken part-time over one year. The Graduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of 24 credit points of coursework.

Articulation with the Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health)

Students with appropriate entry qualifications, who complete the Graduate Certificate may, on application, be granted advanced standing totalling 24 credit points towards the award of the Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health).

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is normally by applicants who hold a relevant undergraduate degree or other acceptable qualifications (e.g.; Registered Nursing Certificate), together with a minimum of one year of work in a mental health service setting. In special circumstances an applicant holding other acceptable academic or professional qualifications may be admitted to studies.

A candidate for the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health shall undertake a 24 credit point program, recommended by the course coordinator from the following subjects:

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE(Mental Health)

The Mental Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, by distance education.

The Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health) program responds to national priorities in order to equip the mental health workforce and the general health workforce, for comprehensive, community-based treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering form mental illness. The Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health) aims to produce students with the clinical and professional competence to work across the full range of mental health services and to provide assessment, diagnosis, case management, treatment, rehabilitation and support for people with mental health illness and their families in line with the National Mental Health Policy and Plan.

Course Structure

The course can be undertaken full-time over one year or part-time over two years. As with the Master of Science (Mental Health) degree, the Graduate Diploma is designed with the part-time student in mind, in that wherever possible, the two subjects of the part-time load can be undertaken by attendance at the campus for one half-day per week, from 1.30pm.

The course requires the completion of 48 credit points including six core subjects (36 credit points) and 2 electives (12 credit points). Relevant subjects from other programs may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the Head of Department.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is normally by applicants who hold a relevant undergraduate degree or other acceptable qualifications (eg. Registered Nursing Certificate), together with a minimum of one year of work in a mental health service setting. In special circumstances an applicant holding other acceptable academic or professional qualifications may be admitted to studies.

Articulation with the Master of Science (Mental Health)

The Graduate Diploma articulates with the Master of Science (Mental Health) in that students who successfully complete the Diploma may apply for advanced standing in 48 credit points of course work in the Master of Science degree. (Note that GHMD984 is a pre-requisite for enrolling in the Major Project).

MASTER OF SCIENCE (Mental Health)

The Mental Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, by distance education.

The degree places emphasis on quality clinical and practical training both at the individual and population level. It emphasises the development of essential skills and conceptual knowledge needed for mental health research. The postgraduate mental health program responds to national priorities to equip the mental health workforce for comprehensive, community-based treatment and the rehabilitation of people suffering from serious mental health illness. This program is multidisciplinary and in line with the National Mental Health Policy and Plan, provides knowledge and supervised skills for case-management, rehabilitation, health services management and mental health research.

Course Structure

The course can be undertaken full-time over 18 months or part-time over 3 years. The Master of Science (Mental Health) degree is designed with the part-time student in mind within the on-campus program. There are approximately four hours of contact per week for the part-time candidate and wherever possible, classes are scheduled on one afternoon per week beginning at 1.30pm.

The course requires the completion of 72 credit points including six core subjects (36 credit points) and 2 electives (12 credit points). The remaining 24 credit points can be gained in one of two ways:

1. by undertaking four approved elective subjects totalling at least 24 credit points; or
2. by undertaking GHMD997 Major Project (24 credit points).

Note: GHMD984 Health Research Methodology is a pre-requisite for the Major Project. Students must have the permission of the Co-ordinator to undertake GHMD997.

Entry Requirements

The course is multidisciplinary and is open to appropriately qualified health professionals interested in further education and training in mental health.

Entry requirements include:

1. a relevant three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent from an approved tertiary institution;
2. two years (minimum) of relevant experience in the field.

Candidates satisfactorily completing the Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health) may seek admission to the Master of Science program.

Note: GHMD984 Health Research Methodology is a pre-requisite for GHMD997 Major Project.

Subject to approval, relevant subjects from other programs may also be taken as electives.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Not on offer to students commencing in 2003.

The Health Management courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, by distance education. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to advanced professional education for health service managers in the concepts, theories, approaches and practices of health policy and management.

Course Design

The course provides students with the opportunity to gain a qualification in health service management in a flexible manner, including a wide choice of subjects and a manageable investment of time and money.

Articulation with the Master of Health Management or Master of Science (Health Policy and Management)

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate may, on application, be granted advanced standing totalling 24 credit points towards the award of the Master of Health Management or Master of Science (Health Policy and Management).

Entry Requirements

Entrants to the course normally hold a three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) together with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. In special circumstances an applicant holding other acceptable academic or professional qualifications and with relevant work experience of not less than two years may be admitted as a candidate.

Course Structure

The Graduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of 24 credit points of course work selected from the following subjects.

Two subjects selected from:

Professional Recognition

For members of the Australian College of Health Service Executives, successful completion of individual subjects attracts Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit.

MASTER OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Not on offer to students commencing in 2003.

The Health Management courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, by distance education.

Course Structure

The Master of Health Management program is designed for those in sectional, clinical or departmental management positions, or for those health professionals with relevant experience who wish to extend their activities into health policy and management.

The Master of Health Management is a 48 credit point multi-disciplinary, course work degree. The program is offered both full-time (two sessions) and part-time (four sessions) comprised of subjects from the Graduate School of Public Health and the Business School.

Entry Requirements

Candidates are required to have a three-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent, plus a total of two years full-time relevant work experience.

In special circumstances, candidates holding other acceptable academic or professional qualifications, plus a minimum of two years full-time relevant work experience, may be admitted to the program.

plus one elective.

MASTER OF SCIENCE (Health Policy and Management)

Not on offer to students commencing in 2003.

The Health Policy and Management courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, by distance education through the University of Wollongong Distance Education Programs or via Open Learning Australia (OLA).

The aim of this degree is to provide advanced study that develops professional health service managers and enhances their competence for senior management roles in the health industry. The degree is intended for graduates in health service management and other related health professions wishing to pursue a management career.

Professional Recognition

The Australian College of Health Service Executives and the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators have accredited this degree.

Course Structure

The course develops the candidate's ability to address health service management problems and challenges in a logical and analytical manner. It emphasises the social and environmental factors impacting on the manager's task and the dynamic and pluralistic nature of health service management. The candidate acquires concepts and knowledge relevant to the work of senior health service managers.

The course requires the completion of 72 credit points including eleven core subjects (66 credit points) and one elective subject (6 credit points).

Entry Requirements

Entrants to the course should normally hold a three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline together with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. In special circumstances, an applicant holding other acceptable academic qualifications and with relevant work experience of not less than two years may be admitted as a candidate.

and two electives*

Note: Membership of the Australian College of Health Service Executives requires completion of GHMD904 Epidemiology.

* Please see the Program Co-ordinator for the list of electives available.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE (Environmental Health)

The Graduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Health) is designed to cater for environmental health professionals in government or industry settings who want to upgrade their knowledge, or for Public Health Officers with an interest in environmental issues.

Course Structure

The course can be undertaken full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The course is designed with the part-time student in mind. The course requires a total of at least 48 credit points by satisfactory completion of subjects outlined in the accompanying schedule.

Candidates who satisfactorily complete the Graduate Diploma may apply for admission to the Master of Science (Environmental Health). The three core subjects of the Graduate Diploma also form part of the core subject requirements of the Master program.

Entry Requirements

Entrants to the course normally hold a relevant degree or other acceptable qualifications, together with one year of work in a relevant health area.

MASTER OF SCIENCE (Environmental Health)

Many government and industry institutions have legal obligations in environmental health. This course is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in environmental health or for those already in the field who wish to improve their understanding of health and environmental risk assessment and management, environmental epidemiology and toxicology, with a focus on health rather than the technical aspects of environmental science.

Course Structure

A candidate for the Master of Science (Environmental Health) will successfully complete a 72 credit point program. This includes 48 credit points of Core Subjects. The remaining 24 credit points can be gained in one of two ways:

1. by undertaking 24 credit points of elective subjects; or
2. by undertaking GHMD997 Major Project (24 credit points).

Entry Requirements

Pre-requisites to enrol in the Masters Program include a foundation in chemistry, mathematics and health sciences. Entrants to the course should normally hold a three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Enrolment in the Major Project will be contingent on availability of supervision and evidence of former successful research or project work by the student. The content matter must also agree with the subjects covered in the current research program of the University.

Enrolment in the Major Project will be contingent on the availability of supervision of the project and evidence of former successful research or project work by the student. The content matter must also fit with the research program carried out at the University.

The option exists to satisfy requirements for MSc (Environmental Health) by coursework only. This would require the substitution for the Major Project of 24 cp from the following electives:

or other subjects offered by the University with the approval of the Head of the Graduate School of Public Health.