Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health SciencesMelbourne School of Population Health

Graduate Coursework Programs

Health Social Sciences

The health social sciences include a variety of disciplines including sociology, anthropology, history, ethics, psychology, economics, social epidemiology and policy students.  Health Social Sciences refers to the application of these disciplinary perspectives to improve and better understand health.

Graduates wishing to follow a program in Health Social Sciences can choose from the following options:

Master of Health Social Sciences (new for 2010)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Social Sciences (new for 2010)


Master of Health Social Sciences
Suitable For:
  • If you are a health care professional looking to broaden your understanding of health and health care practice beyond biomedical approaches then this is the program of you.  The course is ideal for doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals wanting to learn more about socio-cultural and ethical issues of health care.
  • It is also suited to social science graduates. The program will allow you to apply your social science knowledge in practical and conceptual ways, and learn how to apply your skills to the health arena while exposing you to new networks of health care professionals.
Structure
  • 200 point program (12 coursework subjects and a Minor Thesis)
  • 150 point program (8 coursework subjects and a Minor Thesis) - 50 credit points of advanced standing
Research Option:
 Compulsory (50 points)
Study Mode: Classroom
Selection Criteria:

Completion of any three year degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline; OR

Have proof of meeting the requirements for registration or temporary registration as a nurse by the Nurses Board of Victoria in Division 1, 3 or 4 of the Register;

  • AND at least 5 years documented relevant work or professional experience;
  • AND documentary evidence of competent academic or professional writing skills, OR

Equivalent professional qualification

  • AND at least 5 years documented relevant work or professional experience;
    AND documentary evidence of competent academic or professional writing skills

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above

Applicants who have completed honours or a relevant social science or health related degree may apply for advanced standing for up to 50 points or either core or elective subjects.
Length/Mode:

200 points: 2 years full time/4 years part time.
150 points: 1.5 years full time/3 years part time.
Fee Payment: Fees
Mid-Year Entry: Yes
Articulation:
 n/a
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For detailed course information, visit the Course and Subject Handbook.



Postgraduate Diploma of Health Social Sciences
Suitable For:
  • If you are a health care professional looking to broaden your understanding of health and health care practice beyond biomedical approaches then this is the program of you.  The course is ideal for doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals wanting to learn more about socio-cultural and ethical issues of health care.
  • It is also suited to social science graduates. The program will allow you to apply your social science knowledge in practical and conceptual ways, and learn how to apply your skills to the health arena while exposing you to new networks of health care professionals.
  • It is designed for people interested in broadening their knowledge and expertise to incorporate social sciences approaches as they apply to health but who do not necessarily wish to undertake research training and a minor thesis.
Structure 8 coursework subjects (100 points)
Research Option:
 No
Selection Criteria:
Completion of any three year degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline; OR

Have proof of meeting the requirements for registration or temporary registration as a nurse by the Nurses Board of Victoria in Division 1, 3 or 4 of the Register;

  • AND at least 5 years documented relevant work or professional experience;
  • AND documentary evidence of competent academic or professional writing skills, OR
Equivalent professional qualification
  • AND at least 5 years documented relevant work or professional experience;
  • AND documentary evidence of competent academic or professional writing skills

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above

Applicants who have completed honours or a relevant social science or health related degree may apply for advanced standing for up to 50 points or either core or elective subjects.
Study Mode: Distance Education or Classroom
Length/Mode: 1 year full-time/2 years part-time
Fee Payment: Fees
Mid-Year Entry: Yes
Articulation:
 The Postgraduate Diploma of Health Social Sciences (PGDipHSocSc) serves as an articulation pathway for students for the Master of Health Social Sciences (MHSocSc), and as an exit pathway for those students enrolled in the MHSocSc who want to exit after successful completion of eight subjects.  After completion of four subjects at a level of at least H2B, students may apply for admission to the MHSocSc and apply for credit of completed subjects.  Upon completion of the five core computlsory subjects and three electives, students could elect to exit with a PGDipHSocSc.
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For detailed course information, visit the Course and Subject Handbook.

For more information, please contact the Academic Programs Office.
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