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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.

311948 v.2 Graduate Diploma in Sexology

GradDipSexol(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 068615G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course provides professionals with specialist knowledge and skills in the area of human sexuality. It also provides a comprehensive study of biological, psychological and social aspects of human sexuality based on recent research. Complementary studies in research methods are included.


Professional Recognition

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Society of Sexuality Educators Researchers and Therapists (ASSERT National), which is affiliated to the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Graduates may apply for general membership if they meet the criteria, and, after completion of supervision requirements. Requirements for such titles in other countries may differ.


Career Opportunities

Graduates have used this course to assist their professional practice within the following fields; sexuality education and consultancy, child and elder protection, sexual health policy development, human rights, disability, cyber-safety training, sexual health promotion, youth work, academia, medical management, risk management, sexual research and many other fields of practice.


Additional Course Expenses

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


Course Overview Note

Media material of a sexually graphic nature is utilised in this course.



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. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


Specifically, applicants require a recognised degree in one of the health professions, social work or welfare studies, psychology, theology, education, behavioural sciences, including sociology, anthropology or biological sciences or related areas. Applicant interviews will be conducted where required.


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 Sexology


Pathway to Further Study

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


Course Entry/Completion Note

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance section of the faculty website.



Course Organisation

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


This course provides individuals with specialist knowledge and skills in the area of sexology. This course uses a range of tuition patterns, including online and face-to-face teaching. Students are required to attend designated Block Teaching weeks held on the Curtin University, Bentley campus during semester. Online material will be used to support the week intensive and assessments will be due on dates throughout the semester as advised in the Unit Outline.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply principles and concepts of sexology and other associated disciplines such as public health, biology, behavioural sciences, ethics and the law to research and practice

2. interpret and critically analyse topics and issues relevant to sexology; think creatively to generate innovative solutions to promote healthy human sexuality

3. access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information to the practice of sexology; demonstrate skills in ethical reasoning

4. communicate with professionals and community members to promote sexology using effective written and oral communication; promote sexology research to the scientific community using effective methods of communication

5. effectively use new and existing technologies to gather information, analyse data and communicate; collect and manage information ethically and effectively

6. demonstrate ability in interdependent and self-directed learning and professional development in the field of sexology

7. recognise and apply international perspectives and principles to sexology

8. demonstrate understanding and respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity

9. work professionally and ethically across a range of settings; demonstrate an advanced level of independence and leadership


Duration and Availability

The course is one year full-time study and may be completed with equivalent part-time study. Some units within the course will be taught as a block intensive where students are required to attend a full week workshop. Australian citizens and permanent residents may have the choice of full-time or part-time study. International students studying in Australia on a student visa are required to undertake a full-time, internal study load. There are two intakes each year in February and July.


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
314873 v.1   Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sexology 681 40.0 25.0
13230 v.3   Foundations of Public Health 681 3.0 25.0
311908 v.2   Sexology Attitudes and Values 680 4.0 25.0
314874 v.1   Foundations of Sexology 681 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
311909 v.2   Sexological Practice 682 4.0 25.0
311911 v.2   Introduction to Forensic Sexology 682 4.0 25.0
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0
314875 v.1   Culture and Contemporary Sexology 682 40.0 25.0
  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.