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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

312278 v.1 Graduate Diploma in Health Improvement

GradDipHlthImp(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 068624F
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year

Introduction

This inaugural course is designed for all postgraduate health science, nursing and medical graduates to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the application of patient safety, clinical governance and health improvement in contemporary medical, clinical and health care settings. It provides advanced knowledge and application about health and clinical practice improvement science and theory with specific emphasis on using appropriate tools and methodologies to support implementation of clinical practice improvement initiatives within health organisations and settings.

Course Entry Requirements

A bachelor degree in a health-related discipline. Applicants may be considered on a case by case basis if evidence can be provided of equivalent industry training or satisfactory preparation for the course through previous study or professional experience. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band of 7 each, with a minimum of 7 each for speaking, writing, reading and listening. Students intending to apply for registration practice in WA require a minimum overall band of 7.

Specific requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance Section of this publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is two semesters full time or equivalent part time study. There is a first and second semester intake.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Certificate in Health Improvement

Course Organisation

This course provides students with advanced knowledge of health and clinical practice improvement science and theory. Emphasis is placed on using appropriate tools and methodologies to support the implementation of clinical practice improvement initiatives within health settings and organisations. Units in this course may be offered in intensive blocks and weekly lecture formats. Case study teaching and interprofessional team based group work will be expected. For students already working in health organisations there will be significant opportunity to apply theory into practice within their workplace.

Professional Recognition

It may be possible for some students to use this course as requirements for clinical specialty, vocational training or other health professional association memberships.

Career Opportunities

This course gives health science, nursing and medical graduates an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the application of patient safety, clinical governance and health improvement in contemporary medical, clinical and healthcare settings.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0
  OR  
4712 v.3   Qualitative Methods in Health Research 582 4.0 25.0
  OR  
301950 v.4   Research and Evaluation in International Health 600 8.0 25.0
312275 v.1   Clinical Practice Improvement Science 591 3.0 25.0
312276 v.1   Human Factors and Patient Safety 591 3.0 25.0
  SELECT 1 OPTION   25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
308409 v.1   Health Project Preparation 591 3.0 25.0
312274 v.1   Leadership in Clinical Practice Improvement 692 3.0 25.0
  SELECT 2 OPTIONS   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
311225 v.1   Clinical Leadership 561 3.0 25.0
5698 v.5   Organisational Behaviour 550 3.0 25.0
5757 v.6 *   Organisational Change and Development 573 3.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
13154 v.3   Health Policy 681 3.0 25.0
311855 v.1 #   Strategic Leadership 610 3.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
11099 v.2   Health Planning and Evaluation 582 3.0 25.0
5755 v.6   Managerial Effectiveness 571 39.0 25.0

#    This unit is available only by negotiation with the course coordinator, for students who are already working in senior leadership positions.

*    This unit is available in trimesters only.

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.