Online Courses Handbook 2003

193004 v.5 Master of Science (Public Health)

Introduction
This course and research project provides the opportunity to further develop content knowledge in one or more fields of health and apply knowledge combined with research and analytical skills to a specific project of interest to a professional area of expertise.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
Two methods are available for admission. Firstly, those with a bachelors degree in a relevant health discipline may enter in first year and continue onwards towards completion of the masters program at the conclusion of the fourth year. A second option is available for those with either an honours degree in an area related to public health or one of several postgraduate diplomas offered by the School. Degrees that are equivalent from other recognised tertiary education institutions are also accepted. There is a further requirement that applicants must demonstrate evidence of high performance combined with a background in research methodology. Where this latter requirement cannot be met, enrolment in additional units as bridging units may be required. Applicants with postgraduate or honours degrees in other areas may also apply, but may need to take some additional bridging units. Those in the second category may enter at the beginning of the third year and receive the appropriate recognition of prior learning towards the first two years.

Specific Requirements
Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/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 fee paying course is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. The course is available by distance education mode and some units are now internet-based.

Intermediate Awards
Students who fit into the first category as noted in course entry requirements/prerequisites above and have not received a postgraduate diploma or graduate certificate previously may apply under exceptional circumstance provisions for Postgraduate Diploma courses in one of the following - Public Health, Health Promotion, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Graduate Certificates in one of the following - Public Health, Applied Epidemiology, Environmental Health Management, Health Policy and Management, Health Promotion, Occupational Health and Safety Management subject to approval of the Head of School. For further definition refer to the Statement and Awards section under General Information.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

SELECT 4 ELECTIVES 100.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

SELECT 4 ELECTIVES 100.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

13151 v.3 * Research Dissertation 600 16.0 50.0

13359 v.3 * Research Dissertation 601 16.0 50.0

OR

13179 v.2 # Research Project 650 8.0 50.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

SELECT 4 ELECTIVES 100.0

100.0

# If this unit is selected an additional two full units, or equivalent, are undertaken in consultation with your Course Coordinator.

* These two units must be undertaken together.