192905 v.3 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences

Introduction

This course develops an understanding of the totality and unity of the health care effort, of the value of a multidisciplinary team approach to health issues and of the basic tools of intellectual inquiry and research. Graduates are capable of contributing to the development of a more effective health care system. The course attracts health professionals including doctors, health educators, health administrators, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapist, dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, dieticians, radiographers, audiologists, speech therapists, environmental health scientists and educators. It is also aimed at those non health professionals intending a career as health science administrators, research scientists or planners andhealth educators.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A basic qualification at degree level or its equivalent level in one of the professions appropriate to the proposed area of study. Applicants without qualifications and work experience may be required to undertake bridging units for admissions.

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 one year full-time or equivalent part-time study. Many of the units are available by distance learning and or WebCT (on-line learning). Classes are conducted in the late afternoon and evenings.

Intermediate Awards

Students may apply under exceptional circumstance provisions for an intermediate award in one of the designated Graduate Certificates in the School of Public Health with the approval of the Head of School. For further information refer to the Statement and Awards section under General Information in this handbook.

Course Organisation

The course consists of multidisciplinary core units and stream units. Students select a stream of study relevant to their future career goals. There are five streams of study - Advanced Specialisation, Addiction Studies, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Gerontology and Women's Health.

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.

Availability

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.