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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

310279 v.3 Master of Philosophy (International Health)

MPhil(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 061552G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (research) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for research, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


The purpose of the Master of Philosophy (International Health) is to advance applied knowledge and skills in international health and develop a high level of research capability geared to practice in the field. This course will be appropriate for students who might not consider a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in the first instance but who are assessed as having a high level of aptitude and the capacity to demonstrate the rigour required for a Higher Degree by Research.


Career Opportunities

Higher qualifications enhance career opportunities. The Master of Philosophy (International Health) aims to achieve this through the acquisition of specialised knowledge in rapidly expanding areas of health that transcend national boundaries. The course is particularly valuable for people who plan a dynamic career where the immediate application of basic research and evaluation skills is essential. It is anticipated that graduates of the Master of Philosophy (International Health) program will take up significant positions in international organisations.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://research.curtin.edu.au/guides. Applicants require a bachelor degree with a strong academic performance and may also require relevant substantial work experience or bachelor honours degree (first or second class) or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants must have at least four years of relevant university qualifications with a course weighted average of 75 percent in an area related to international health, together with commendable relevant professional experience. Each student will be assessed individually by the post-graduate research co-ordinator.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Specifically Credit for Recognised Learning may be awarded to suitably qualified applicants who have work experience in relevant areas or have successfully completed relevant postgraduate units.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (research) require students to undertake an approved research program leading to a thesis for independent examination; they may include advanced level coursework studies.


This course is studied as a research degree and is designed to be flexible to accommodate those from a variety of backgrounds and workplaces throughout the world. One quarter of this course is undertaken by coursework, with the remainder by research. Coursework units should be chosen in consultation with the course coordinator. The thesis consists of a practically oriented research project in a specific area of international health.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. think critically, creatively and reflectively when responding to global, regional and local health problems

2. access, evaluate and synthesise up-to-date information in the dynamic field of international health

3. communicate effectively about issues in global health

4. recognise cultural diversity and the importance of cultural awareness when working and researching in international health

5. develop and disseminate original research in the field of international health


Duration and Availability

This course is offered by research and normally requires two years of full-time or equivalent part-time study. The program is also offered by distance education. Part-time and/or distance education study is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Research Term 1   Y   Y  
2014 Bentley Campus Research Term 2   Y   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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
310280 v.1   Masters Thesis - International Health
Year 1 Semester 1
301950 v.4   Research and Evaluation in International Health 600 8.0 25.0
301948 v.4   International Health and Primary Health Care 600 8.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
301952 v.4   Maternal and Child Health in Developing Countries 600 8.0 25.0
303682 v.3   International Nutrition 600 8.0 25.0
303673 v.4   Sexually Transmissible Infection and HIV - International Perspectives 600 8.0 25.0
305795 v.4   Ethics in International Health 600 8.0 25.0
308427 v.2   Refugee and Migrant Health 600 8.0 25.0
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


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.




Handbook Disclaimer

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For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.