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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.

311581 v.1 Master of Science (Diabetes)

MSc(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas



Course Overview

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


The Master of Science (Diabetes) provides the student with the opportunity to advance foundation knowledge and skills in diabetes self-management within the framework of chronic disease and the health impacts associated with the disease. In addition graduates will undertake research and /or advanced scholarly activity primarily in the diabetes field.


Professional Recognition

This course builds on the graduate certificate in diabetes (which is currently under review for accreditation for 2014 - 2019 by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA)). No further professional recognition is obtained through completing the Master of Science Diabetes course.


Career Opportunities

Generally graduates from this course may expect to advance career prospects in the field of chronic disease management.


Additional Course Expenses

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



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically applicants require a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes or industry equivalent. Additionally, students must have current health discipline-specific registration, where appropriate, to undertake any unit involving clinical practice.


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.


Intermediate Awards

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 awards approved for this course:


Graduate Certificate in Diabetes; Graduate Diploma in Diabetes.


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 (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


This course provides the student with the opportunity to advance foundation knowledge and skills in diabetes self-management within the framework of chronic disease and the health impacts associated with the disease. In addition graduates will undertake advanced scholarly activity primarily in the diabetes field. The course can be studied on-line or internally (face to face). Internal study will only be offered if enrolment numbers are sufficient. The Health Project Preparation 591 unit must be completed immediately prior to undertaking Health Project 691 and 692. Health Project 691 and 692 must be the final units studied.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply theoretical knowledge to provide evidence based care and management to people with chronic health conditions; conduct research or scholarly work to contribute to clinical practice

2. enact problem solving, critical thinking and decision making skills to respond to clinical and professional challenges in chronic disease care; think creatively to generate innovative solutions concerning barriers to chronic disease management and care

3. locate, extract and interpret relevant evidence and scientific literature on chronic disease; evaluate and synthesise evidence to inform decision making relevant to chronic disease management and care

4. demonstrate quality written, oral and interpersonal communication skills in academic, professional and health care contexts; communicate research findings in a manner appropriate to professional groups

5. use information technology to inform on-going learning needs and evidence based practice; use technology applications to support client care;

6. use lifelong learning skills to maintain currency of practice and sustain intellectual curiosity through research;

7. recognise the national and global chronic disease issues and examine the strategic health care directions; integrate international evidence based practice into chronic condition speciality

8. demonstrate cultural competence in the provision of chronic disease health care to multi-cultural groups and the Indigenous people

9. demonstrate professional and ethical practice as a health care professional and researcher; work in multidisciplinary teams to support chronic condition self-management.


Duration and Availability

This course is three semesters (one year six months) full-time study or six semesters (three years) part-time study. Intake for the course is available twice a year.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2 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
Year 1 Semester 1
311573 v.1   Diabetes Mellitus 511 4.0 25.0
311574 v.1   Chronic Condition Self-Management 513 4.0 25.0
311572 v.1   Living with Diabetes 512 4.0 25.0
311576 v.1   Diabetes Professional Practice 514 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
308409 v.1   Health Project Preparation 591 25.0
301950 v.4   Research and Evaluation in International Health 600 8.0 25.0
  OR  
4712 v.3   Qualitative Methods in Health Research 582 4.0 25.0
  OR  
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
310475 v.1   Health Project 691 20.0 50.0
310476 v.1   Health Project 692 20.0 50.0
  100.0



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

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

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