Graduate School of Public Health

COURSES OFFERED

1. Honours Master of Science
2. Doctor of Public Health
3. Doctor of Philosophy
4. Graduate Certificate in Public Health
5. Graduate Diploma in Public Health
6. Master of Public Health
7. Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
8. Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health)
9. Master of Science (Mental Health)
10. Graduate Certificate in Health Management
11. Master of Health Management
12. Master of Business Administration (Health Management)
13. Master of Science (Health Policy and Management)
14. Graduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Health)
15. 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.

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 Honours Master of Science.

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

Honours Master of Science

The degree of Honours Master of Science is designed to provide supervised training in independent research. For candidates who are admitted with an Honours Bachelor degree or with Master of Public Health equivalent, the program will consist of 48 credit points of research leading to the submission of a thesis. For candidates who are admitted with a Bachelor degree the program will consist of 96 credit points, involving research leading to the submission of a thesis, and possibly directed coursework in research design, methodology and skills, or in other areas.

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 a supervisor has been approved the candidate will undertake an approved course recommended by the Departmental Head. Requirements are specified in the Honours Masters Degree Rules.

Doctor of Public Health

The Doctor of Public Health (DPH) 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 students for leadership positions in the health sector, that would require advanced analytical or conceptual capabilities.

The DrPH usually takes at least three years full time study. There will be no advance standing granted for previous graduate study at Masters level. The coursework involves at least one-year full time (48 credit points) in both required and elective courses. The research component of the program involves at least two years of full-time work after the coursework component. Admission to the research component requires the development of a suitable research proposal at the end of which the student sits the 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.

A student should preferably have two or more years of appropriate professional experience and have demonstrated potential capacity for leadership in the area of specialisation. Applicants should submit a record of professional experience and names of two appropriate referees.

Applicants may also be admitted with a Master’s or higher degree outside the field of Public Health.

Coursework

Individual coursework programs should be decided in conjunction with the Head of Department. Applicants who have not had a background in Public Health may be advised to take four core coursework subjects listed below. Some applicants may be advised to undertake specialised programs in preparation for their research.

1. GHMD904 Epidemiology
2. GHMD983 Statistics in Health Research
3. GHMD905 Social Foundations of Public Health
4. GHMD984 Health Research Methodology

The minimum period for the completion of the degree of Doctor of Public Health will be six academic sessions of full time study. Full time students are required to submit their thesis not 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.

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, Medical Anthropology. The PhD provides supervised research training in a program of not less than three years duration (full-time).

Admission details and regulations governing the award are set out in the University Course Rules.

Potential candidates should discuss their research plan with the Head of Department at which time the supervision arrangements of the Department will be outlined. Research will be in an area of research expertise of a member of the Department. Research seminars are held in Autumn and Spring session to assist research students in exchanges about research methodology and research content. Opportunities exist for outstanding candidates to gain scholarship support by application to the University.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health

The Public Health courses are available for on-campus attendance or nationally, 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). In special circumstances, an applicant holding other acceptable qualifications and with relevant work experience of not less than two years may be admitted to studies.

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:

GHMD903	Public Health Communication & Data Skills
GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD908	Health Services Planning and Evaluation
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD912	Health Promotion
GHMD913	Drug Problems and Issues
GHMD924	Health Information Systems
GHMD936	Public Health Nutrition
GHMD981	Practical Applications of Service Delivery in Maternal and Child Health
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research
GHMD984	Health Research Methodology
GHMD985	Applied Epidemiology
GHMD986	Environmental Health
STAT252	Statistics for the Natural Sciences

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

Note: * 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, 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. The course can be completed in one year of full time study or part-time equivalent.

Course Structure

The course requires the completion of 48 credit points of coursework. The course can be undertaken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 2 years. 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 for studies in 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.

Core Subjects

 

GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD912	Health Promotion
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research

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, 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 over 3 years. For part time students the timetable is designed 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.

Core Subjects

GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD912	Health Promotion
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research
GHMD984	Health Research Methodology

Plus 36cp chosen from elective subjects:

Electives

ECON918	Economics of Health Care
GHMD903	Public Health Communication and Data Skills
GHMD907	Independent Study in Public Health
GHMD908	Health Services Planning and Evaluation
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD913	Drug Problems and Issues
GHMD924	Health Information Systems
GHMD925	Aboriginal Health Issues
GHMD936	Public Health Nutrition
GHMD981	Practical Applications of Service Delivery in Maternal and Child Health
GHMD985	Applied Epidemiology
GHMD986	Environmental Health
GHMD997	Major Project
ACCY969	Financial Management for Health Services
ECON918	Economics of Health Care
LAW+960	Legal Studies for Professionals
GHMB940	Indigenous Family Studies
GHMB941	Indigenous Health Patterns
GHMB943	Health and Human Ecology
GHMB944	Community Resource Planning

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: 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. This includes four of the five subjects below:

GHMD965	Principles and Practices of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
GHMD970	Comprehensive Systems of Mental Health Care
GHMD971	Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health
GHMD973	Case Management in Mental Health
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services

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

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).

Core Subjects

GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD965	Principles and Practices of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
GHMD970	Comprehensive Systems of Mental Health Care
GHMD971	Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health
GHMD973	Case Management in Mental Health
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research

together with 2 subjects from the following:

Electives

ECON918	Economics of Health Care
GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD907	Independent Study in Public Health
GHMD908	Health Services Planning and Evaluation
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD913	Drug Problems and Issues
GHMD924	Health Information Systems
ACCY969	Financial Management for Health Services
GHMD976	Supervised Clinical Practice
GHMD984	Health Research Methodology

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:

a) by undertaking four approved elective subjects totalling at least 24 credit points; or

b) 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:

(i) a relevant three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent from an approved tertiary institution;

(ii) 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.

Core Subjects

GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD965	Principles and Practices of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
GHMD970	Comprehensive Systems of Mental Health Care
GHMD971	Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health
GHMD973	Case Management in Mental Health
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research

together with at least two subjects from the following:

Electives

ECON918	Economics of Health Care
GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD907	Independent Study in Public Health
GHMD908	Health Services Planning and Evaluation
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD913	Drug Problems and Issues
GHMD924	Health Information Systems
ACCY969	Financial Management for Health Services
GHMD976	Supervised Clinical Practice
GHMD984	Health Research Methodology

together with either 24 credit points of further course work from the elective subjects listed above, or

GHMD997

Major Project

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

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 four 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:

GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD908	Health Services Planning and Evaluation
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD924	Health

Information Systems

Two subjects selected from:

WBS+901	Accounting for Managers
WBS+903	Managing People in Organisations
WBS+904	Marketing Management
WBS+910	Economic Analysis of Health Care

Professional Recognition

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

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 four-years full-time relevant work experience, may be admitted to the program.

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

The Master of Health Management (MHM) articulates with the Master of Science (Health Policy and Management) and the Health Management specialisation (Schedule 12) of the Business School’s Master of Business Administration program. Students who have successfully completed the MHM, and who fully satisfy the entry criteria for the Master of Business Administration, may apply to enrol in the MBA program with advanced standing. MHM candidates who progress to the MBA will be required to successfully complete further compulsory and specialisation MBA subjects, under the advice of the program coordinator.

Master of Science (Health Policy and Management)

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

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 four years may be admitted as a candidate.

Please note:

1. 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.

Master of Business Administration (Health Management)

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

Candidates who have successfully completed the Master of Health Management (MHM), and who fully satisfy the entry criteria for the Master of Business Administration, may apply to enrol in the MBA program with advanced standing. MHM candidates who progress to the MBA will be required to successfully complete further compulsory and specialisation MBA subjects, under the advice of the program coordinator.

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 five 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.

Core Subjects

GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD984	Health Research Methodology
GHMD986	Environmental Health
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research
STS+931	Risk Assessment, Health and Safety

plus 18 cp chosen from the following electives:

Electives

GHMD903	Public Health Communication and Data Skills
GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD940	Principles and Practice of Occupational Health
GHMD941	Occupational Hygiene and Industrial Toxicology
GHMD985	Applied Epidemiology
GHMD987	Risk Assessment: Essential Methods and Techniques
ENVI921	Environmental Planning
LAW+960	Legal Studies for Professionals
STS+929	Studies in Resource and Environmental Planning

#Refer to the Graduate School of Public Health.

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:

a) by undertaking 24 credit points of elective subjects; or

b) 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.

Core Subjects

GHMD904	Epidemiology
GHMD984	Health Research Methodology
GHMD985	Applied Epidemiology
GHMD986	Environmental Health
ENVI921	Environmental Planning
GHMD983	Statistics in Health Research
STS+931	Risk Assessment, Health and Safety

together with either 30 credit points of further course work from the elective subjects listed below, or one elective plus

GHMD997

Major Project

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:

Electives

GHMD903	Public Health Communication and Data Skills
GHMD905	Social Foundations of Public Health
GHMD906	Quality Management for Health Services
GHMD909	Comparative Health Systems: Policies and Politics
GHMD940	Principles and Practice of Occupational Health
GHMD941	Occupational Hygiene and Industrial Toxicology
LAW+960	Legal Studies for Professionals
STS+929	Studies in Resource and Environmental Policy #

or other subjects offered by the University with the approval of the Head of Department.