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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.

186804 v.5 Master of International Health

MIntlHlth(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 020884D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years


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 International Health is designed to facilitate the development of knowledge in understanding significant global health problems and issues and to assist in the acquisition of skills to enhance the planning, management and delivery of appropriate health programs and services. This course is informed by policies and directions of important international organizations such as the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, and non government organisations involved in health and research.


Career Opportunities

Higher qualifications enhance career opportunities. The Master of International Health aims to achieve this through the acquisition of specialised knowledge in rapidly expanding areas of health that transcend national boundaries. The research project for this course is designed for the acquisitions of practical research skills. It is particularly valuable for people who plan a dynamic career where the immediate applications of basic research and evaluation skills are essential.


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 for this course must have a bachelor degree or equivalent and relevant work experience and/or a postgraduate qualification for entry into the program. Applicants will have had significant work experience at a senior level in a health science or other relevant professional discipline. Selection will be based on academic performance and work experience. The applicant will provide completed Curtin Application for Admission and unit enrolment forms, a curriculum vitae including relevant work experience and names and contact details of two professional referees, certified copies of academic qualification(s), including transcripts of results, a brief statement of specific interests in international health (maximum 250 words) and acceptable evidence of English proficiency (international applicants only).


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.


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 Diploma in International Health, Graduate Certificate in International Health


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral 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

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 is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate students from a variety of backgrounds and workplaces throughout the world.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. analyse environmental, physical and psychosocial determinants of health to effectively integrate principles of primary health care into practice, to plan, manage and deliver appropriate health programs and services to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in developing countries and marginalised communities; conduct research or scholarly work to contribute to the practice in international health

2. critically appraise environmental, physical and psychosocial factors that affect health of vulnerable individuals and families in developing countries and marginalised communities; respond creatively and reflectively to global, regional and local health problems; use research findings to develop evidence-based creative strategies for improving health vulnerable and marginalised communities

3. access, evaluate and synthesise up-to-date information in the dynamic field of international health; evaluate and synthesise the available primary and secondary evidence to promote change that will improve health programs and services

4. demonstrate quality written, oral and interpersonal communication skills in academic, professional and the community settings; engage in strategic communication in writing and orally with various audiences in the global health care contexts (for example, stakeholders and donors)

5. creatively and appropriately utilise available technologies in a variety of settings; collect and manage information ethically and effectively; inform ongoing learning needs and evidence based practice for academic and professional community

6. demonstrate ability in interdependent and self-directed learning; identify the use of lifelong learning skills and ability to incorporate own learning opportunities in international practice and influence others in continued learning in the profession

7. recognise apply global perspectives to health problems in vulnerable and marginalised communities; integrate international evidence-based practice into international health practice; conduct research or scholarly work to contribute to national and global community health issues

8. integrate principles of cultural security, advocacy and social justice into the care of all clients; have a high level of awareness and skills to understand and respond to cultural diversity and difference in national and international perspectives

9. conduct research or scholarly work to contribute to professional and ethical practice in international health; work collaboratively and demonstrate leadership within an interdisciplinary team to plan, manage and deliver health care services that will promote change to improve the health and well being of individual and family in developing countries or vulnerable and marginalised communities


Duration and Availability

The fee-paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study and 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 Semester 1       Y  
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
301952 v.4   Maternal and Child Health in Developing Countries 600 8.0 25.0
301948 v.4   International Health and Primary Health Care 600 8.0 25.0
301950 v.4   Research and Evaluation in International Health 600 8.0 25.0
305795 v.4   Ethics in International Health 600 8.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312282 v.2   Research Project Development 600 8.0 25.0
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
11950 v.3   Research Project 600 8.0 50.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
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
6115 v.9   Health Services Management 584 3.0 25.0
308427 v.2   Refugee and Migrant Health 600 8.0 25.0
311882 v.2   International Indigenous Health 600 8.0 25.0
13157 v.4   Health Promotion Planning 681 3.0 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

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.