HEALTH SCIENCES AT CURTIN - Health Sciences - Curtin University

Master Postgraduate Diploma
Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
HEALTH
SCIENCES
AT CURTIN
Course Code: 194805
Cricos Code: 018053F
Public health is about
improving the health
and wellbeing of the
whole community.
The relative failure of
curative medicine to
significantly reduce
morbidity and mortality
rates in recent
years has led to an
increasing emphasis on
preventative measures.
The Postgraduate
Diploma course is
equivalent to the first
year of the Master of
Public Health degree.
Introduction
This course provides those currently working
in the health field with advanced coursework
in public health that is specifically designed to
broaden individual knowledge, competence
and skills. It attracts health professionals
including doctors, health educators, health
administrators, nurses, pharmacists, occupational
therapists, physiotherapists, dentists, podiatrists,
psychologists, dietitians, radiographers,
audiologists, speech therapists, environmental
health scientists and educators.
Course Entry Requirements
An undergraduate degree or equivalent
qualification from a tertiary institution preferably
in a health science area, education, behavioural
sciences, social sciences or management.
Applicants with other qualifications and expertise
are considered for admission, but may be
required to complete appropriate bridging units.
Specific Requirements
Applicants for this course should refer to the
Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record
Screening and Clearance Section of the online
handbook.
Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL)
Applications for recognition of prior learning
are assessed on an individual basis. Students
who complete the Graduate Certificate in Public
Health will receive RPL towards the Postgraduate
Diploma degree
healthsciences.curtin.edu.au

Postgraduate Diploma
All about
Public Health
Duration and Availability
This fee-paying course is available both an
internal and external study mode and is one year
full-time or equivalent part-time study, although
the majority of students study part-time. Where
possible, classes will be scheduled in the evening
to accommodate students already employed.
International onshore students on student visas
are not permitted to study this course externally.
This course is also available to international
offshore students.
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 award(s) approved for this
course are:
• Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health
and Safety
• Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Course Organisation
In the first and second semester students
complete common core units and can select
optional units. Part-time students should discuss
their study plan with the course coordinator.
Students wanting to enrol in other units related
to their major that are available in other areas
within Curtin, cross institutionally or internationally
should discuss this with their course coordinator
(this may have an impact on the total course
fees). Students should check for availability
of units in the online handbook as they may
change.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a
number of textbooks, readers and other essential
study materials.
Course Overview
The course is made up of two majors. Students
choose either a major in Public Health or a
major in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Upon
completition of the Postgraduate Diploma
students may apply for admission to the MPH
degree and receive RPL. The Postgraduate
Diploma is the first year of the MPH course.
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.
International Students
International Students studying in
Australia on a student visa can only
study full-time and there are also
specific entry requirements that must be
met. Please refer to international.curtin.
edu.au or phone +61 8 9266 7331 for
further information, as some information
contained in this flyer may not be
applicable to international students.
Australian citizens and permanent
residents and international students
studying outside Australia may have
the choice of full-time, part-time and
external study. Information about TISC
only applies to Australian residents.
Sample Course Structure
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Major
10658 Control of Infectious Disease 682
13149 Epidemiology 683
13150 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases 681
13152 Health Research Methods 681
13230 Foundations of Public Health 681
4858 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 684
6103 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 682
OR
12112 Clinical Research Methods 684
Select one option
Public Health Major
13152 Health Research Methods 681
13157 Health Promotion Planning 681
13162 Public Health Nutrition 681
13230 Foundations of Public Health 681
308419 Environmental Health Management 683
6103 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 682
Select two options
For a complete list of optional units available please refer to
the Curtin Online Handbook: handbook.curtin.edu.au
Contact
Health Sciences
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
Perth Western Australia 6845
Tel: +61 8 9266 4583
Fax: +618 9266 4593
E: futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au
W: healthsciences.curtin.edu.au
International enquiries
Tel: +61 8 9266 7331
Fax: +61 8 9266 2605
E: international@curtin.edu.au
W: international.curtin.edu.au
Curtin aspires to be a leading edge university of technology.
To fulfil this vision, we strive to be innovative and forward-looking
in everything we do. It’s in our approach to teaching and learning.
It’s in our research. It’s in our staff, our students and our graduates.
It’s in the way we think and act. It’s what we call Curtinnovation.
Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing and is valid for 2010, but may be subject to change. In particular, the University
reserves the right to change the content and/or 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 or enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
Part time and external study is only available to Australian resident students and International students studying outside Australia.
Full details of units and course structure can be obtained by contacting the above or electronically from: http://handbook.curtin.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)
HlthSci/PH/GD/186607/2010/V1
199821-05-2010